Terry, the made-for-television movie chronicles the journey of cancer survivor Terry Fox, as he takes his Marathon of Hope across Canada from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Starring actor Shawn Ashmore, who is most famous for his role in the movie X-Men 2, this 2005 production first aired on September 11, 2005 on CTV. I did not catch the first airing of the show, but was very lucky to go back in time and see the journey from the perspective of friendship, determination and hope.
In Canada, the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope is an significant annual event that brings together all Canadians in the fight against cancer. Admittedly, when I decided to flip through the channel programming guide, Terry was not my first choice for programs to watch. Throughout the years, I've heard the story of Terry Fox's run. I thought, what more could I find out from a television show? Perhaps I was thinking it was going to be a documentary, perhaps I did not know enough about the story yet. I have not read an entire book about Terry Fox. The curiosity finally took hold and as I watched the show, I could not tear myself away from the channel.
To give you a little history lesson, Terry Fox was a typical young man and star athelete who had his right leg amputated due to a malignant cancer tumor found under his right knee. Terry was motivated to do something good after surviving cancer. During his hospital stay, he saw many children who were also cancer patients. Terry drew his inspiration from a magazine article that showed an amputee participating in marathons.
Running has always been the activity of many inspirational movies and acts. From Olympic torch carriers, to Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, running has always been a rallying point for humans. And why not? The ability run on two feet is something that truly sets humans apart from animals. But before all these modern day stories became well known, Terry was already dreaming the dream of raising $1 for every Canadian for a grand total of $24 million. Terry started training for the run. In 1980, Terry started his Marathon of Hope from New Foundland. Amazingly, Terry Fox was able to run across more than half the journey before succuming to a cancer relapse near Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Nowadays, the Terry Fox Run is hosted in 50 countries in the fight against cancer. The annual events have raised over $400 million in Terry's name. I would like to urge you to support and learn more about the fight against cancer by visiting The Terry Fox Foundation. if you can participate. This year's Terry Fox Run will be held on September 18th, 2005.
.jpg?t=20120209092158)
Article comments
1 - Carol McLean
Great movie...just as great as Terry himself! It brings back all the feelings of those days and the donations would make Terry proud!! There will be a lot more donations now...it brings it all alive again!
2 - Brent McKee
And no one it seems remembers (or cares to remember) Steve Fonyo, the one legged runner who actually ran across Canada. I suppose there are a lot of reasons for this, but maybe the big one is the same reason we remember Scott more than Amundsen - noble failure is more memorable than success.
3 - Vince Chan
Thank you for bringing up Steve Fonyo, Brent. Admittedly, Steve's obscurity is a result of what is emphasized in culture and history textbooks. There isn't an excuse for me not to know about Steve, but I'm glad someone did!
I guess being the first one is the real special reason for such admiration on Terry's quest. Terry inspired people like Steve Fonyo and Rick Hansen. Terry is regarded as a trail blazer while perhaps Fonyo was the one who finished the dream. I wonder if Fonyo had the same publicity help that Terry had? One thing I saw from this movie was the power of organization in publicizing such events.
4 - Joanie
Always love true stories that speak to the heart. Thanks for pointing this one out for me.
5 - vancourites
I missed _Terry_ on TV. Rarely ever watch TV anymore. Does anyone have any good suggestion how to get my hand on the movie Terry?
6 - masakeyash
I like reading about terry fox because its really interesting..It is a good thing to write about in school..yeah..
7 - alexandra
Is this out on dvd? Where can I find a copy?
8 - guy
terry fox is legit rly so srs i cant believe it h0w he r raise s0 much god damn green