NEW WESTMINISTER (NEWS 1130) – Thirty-nine years ago this Sunday, Terry Fox passed away following a long battle with cancer.
The Canadian hero was admitted to New Westminster’s Royal Columbian Hospital in June of 1981, where he developed pneumonia.
At 4:35 a.m. the 22-year-old died at with his family by his side and Terry’s brother, Fred, says he still vividly remembers the moment Terry passed away.
“Our family is no different than any other families that have had to deal with somebody who has been diagnosed with cancer and has lost their family member to cancer,” Fred says.
“Because of what Terry did in 1980 we’re continuing to strive to continue his dream and as Terry wanted to end the suffering the cast cancer causes, not only to individuals with cancer but families as well.”
But this Sunday is about remembering the huge impact his brother has made in the country, Fred says.
“Terry brought our country together … over a common goal,” Fred tells NEWS 1130.
“He would be so proud to know … Even though he lost his battle, he’s impacted the lives of so many other people.”
Terry’s legacy lives on through the Terry Fox Foundation, which raises money every year as Canadians continue to run in Terry’s honour.
“A big number but even bigger impact on cancer research in this country [and] it’s had a huge impact on research in Canada,” he says. “People are living longer surviving their cancer diagnosis like never before because of the money raised.”
Fred says $800-million has been raised for cancer research in Terry’s name since his Marathon of Hope began.
On Twitter, ‘Terry Fox‘ has been trending as Canadians remember the hero nearly four decades after his death.
#OnThisDay – June 28, 1981: Canadians awoke to the devastating news that Terry Fox had succumbed to cancer, his family by his side. He entrusted his dream of a world free of cancer to Canadians, and we promised to take his Marathon of Hope across the finish line. pic.twitter.com/3zNrESTRWU
— TerryFoxFoundation (@TerryFoxCanada) June 28, 2020
While we all remember Terry and his message, his legacy lives on. The @TerryFoxCanada continues to raise millions for cancer research and Terry Fox Runs are helps all across Canada each year. A true Canadian hero who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 22. @NEWS1130 https://t.co/UYd1LfQ8LO
— Tarnjit Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) June 28, 2020
Speaking w/Terry Fox's older brother, Fred about the 39th anniversary of Terry's passing. He says Terry would be so proud he, and the Marathon of Hope are still being remembered. Over 800-million dollars has been raised in Terry's name for cancer research since 1981. @NEWS1130
— Jonathan Szekeres (@jonszekeres) June 28, 2020
Not long after losing a leg to cancer, Terry Fox decided to run across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research. Sadly, he passed away #OTD on June 28, 1981. Today, his legacy endures through the annual Terry Fox Run for cancer research. Watch his #HeritageMinute: pic.twitter.com/4jmZ3r3qnB
— Historica Canada (@HistoricaCanada) June 28, 2020
This Day in History – June 28, 1981: Terry Fox passed away at the young age of 22. Canada – and the world – lost a hero. Read the thread to learn more. pic.twitter.com/rveCchx3Ao
— SFU Alumni (@SFUalumni) June 28, 2020
On this day in 1981, Terry Fox died of cancer at age 22.
39 years since his death, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $750 million globally for cancer research pic.twitter.com/F5q47I6PIc
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) June 28, 2020