To maintain the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, Terry Fox School Run, as well as tribute donations and planned giving.

Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in his right leg in 1977 and had his leg amputated 15 cm (six inches) above the knee. While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He called his journey the Marathon of Hope.

Terry’s Marathon of Hope took place in 1980 with the simple objective of informing Canadians of the importance of finding a cure for cancer. With fierce determination, he ran an average of 42 kilometres (26 miles) every day for 143 days. Terry was forced to end his run on September 1, 1980 when the cancer spread to his lungs.

By February 1, 1981, Terry’s dream of raising $1 for every Canadian was realized – the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund totaled $24.17 million. Terry died in June 1981.

To maintain the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, Terry Fox School Run, as well as tribute donations and planned giving.

For over four decades, The Terry Fox Foundation has worked to achieve Terry’s vision – a world without cancer. Our researchers, our staff and our thousands of volunteers are determined to reach that goal. We strive daily to uphold Terry’s ideals and values in everything we do – and we always will.

• A single goal: to fund innovative cancer research
• Low overhead, more funds directed to research
• Over 9,000 Terry Fox Runs each year – all volunteer-led and organized
• Terry Fox Runs are non-competitive and inclusive, all are welcome
• 77 cents of every dollar goes directly to cancer research
• 100% volunteer driven. Our Runs are 100% organized and operated by volunteers
• No corporate sponsors. The Terry Fox Foundation operates independently
• *3 year average