John  -+The+Greatest+Canadian

My greatest Canadian is Terry Fox, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometers, and ultimately cost him his life, his effort resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox run, first led in 1981, has grown to inlvolve millions of participats in over 60 countries and is now world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over C$500 milion has been raised in his name.

The first reason I chose Terry Fox because terry hoped to raise one dollar for each of Canada's 24 million people. He began with little fanfare from St. John's,Newfoundland, in April and ran the equivalent of a full marathon every day

The second reason I chose Terry Fox because Terry had become a national star by the time he reached Ontario he made numerous public appearances with businessmen, athletes, and politicians in his efforts to raise money.

The third reason I chose Terry Fox because He was forced to end his run outside of Thunder Bay when the cancer spread to his lungs. His hopes of overcoming the disease and completing his marathon ended when he died nine months later.

Doctors were impressed with Fox's positive outlook, stating it contributed to his rapid recovery. He endured sixteen months of chemotherapy and found the time he spent in the British Columbia Cancer Control Agency facility difficult as he watched fellow cancer patients suffer and die from the disease. Terry ended his treatment with new purpose: he felt he owed his survival to medical advances and wished to live his life in a way that would help others find courage.