Terry Fox: Canadian Hero

Terry Fox:
Canadian Hero
History 103
Themes
• Heroism
• Courage
• Inspiration
“I'm competitive. I'm a dreamer. I like
challenges. I don't give up. When I
decided to do it, I knew I was going to
go all out. There was no in-between.”
-- Terry Fox
Childhood
• b. 1958, Winnipeg
• Grew up in British
Columbia
• Determination and
commitment
Sports
Terry is in the front row, second from the right
Diagnosis: Cancer (1977)
• 18 years old
• Osteogenic sarcoma (bone
cancer)
• Right leg amputated
– Prosthesis
• Chemotherapy and followup treatment
– other cancer patients
Wheelchair Basketball
• Rick Hansen
Resumes Running
Terry’s Great Dream
Corporate Sponsors
“I'm not a dreamer, and I'm not saying
this will initiate any kind of definitive
answer or cure to cancer. But I believe in
miracles. I have to.”
Embarking on his dream
Marathon of Hope – Goal: $1M
Frustrations:
New Brunswick and Quebec
By Ontario, Overwhelming Support
Raising Money: New Goal of $23M
Support and Competitiveness
Marathon of Hope
But the Pain Grows: Thunder Bay
Cancer in his lungs
Awards and Honours
Passing On…
28 June 1981
Terry Fox Foundation
“Terry did not lose his
fight. Perhaps he
finished all he had to
do. Terry is like a
meteor passing in the
sky, one whose light
travels beyond our
view, yet still shines
in the darkest night.”
Isadore Sharp
Reflections
“How many people do
something they really
believe in? I just wish
people would realize that
anything's possible, if you
try; dreams are made
possible, if people try.”
Terry’s Shadow
Terry Fox (1958-81)
Biography
• The history, or record, or story of a life
• Focus here:
– Critical analysis
– Historical and social context
Why Study Biography?
• Curiosity about other people’s lives – they
are interesting!
• Moral lessons (right and wrong); way to
gauge what we believe
• Show that the individual counts in human
existence
Course Objectives
• Introduction to several individuals and
themes in Canadian history since
Confederation (1867)
• Develop critical thinking and writing skills
• Lastly – to dispel myth that Canadian
history is dull!!!