View From the Legislature

As Manitobans continue to enjoy another summer, the traditional August long weekend is fast approaching. For most Manitobans, the reference to “August long” is clearly understood and is one that many family vacations and outings have been built around. However, starting in 2015, the first Monday of August in Manitoba officially became a day to not only celebrate summer, but to remember a true Canadian hero who continues to inspire today.

Terry Fox Day, the first Monday in August, honours someone who bravely battled cancer and left a legacy that continues to benefit people in Canada and around the world. Born in Winnipeg in 1958, Terry Fox came to prominence in Canada in April of 1980 when he began a planned run across Canada despite having a prosthetic leg. The beginning of his run across Canada, which was known as the Marathon of Hope, started quietly but soon Canadians began to hear of this incredible effort and started supporting both financially and emotionally.

Many Canadians now remember when they first heard the news that Terry was stopping his run, just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, as the cancer he was battling had returned. After having logged 5373 kilometres over 143 days, Terry Fox vowed to return to complete his Marathon of Hope. Sadly, Terry passed away from cancer the next year, in 1981. And while his dream of completing a run across Canada ended with his passing, the goal that he set out upon, to raise money to help find a cure and better treatments for cancer, was really only beginning.

So inspired were Canadians by Terry’s run that it kept on going, and money kept on coming in. Today, decades later, the Terry Fox annual run continues to be held in September and it, along with other initiatives, has resulted in more than $800 million being raised for cancer research.

Terry Fox is now recognized as one of our countries greatest Canadians. Most Canadians never met Terry or saw him run but few who have heard his story have been left uninspired. Across Canada there are tributes and monuments to Terry Fox and the legacy he has left.

As we approach this August long weekend and Terry Fox Day, there is much to be optimistic about but there is also a lot of reasons to seek out inspiration through what has been a challenging year. In Terry Fox, Canadians see both determination and self-sacrifice demonstrated through personal struggle. As we enjoy one of Manitobans favorite long weekends let’s also take a few moments to remember one of our nations favorite citizens. Terry Fox Day is a great time to relax and unwind, and it is also a great day to be inspired and grateful.