CHILLIWACK, BC, Feb. 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Over the past 35 years, writers have spent countless hours trying to describe the incredible athletic and humanitarian efforts of Terry Fox. How did he run a marathon a day for 143 days on an artificial leg? How did he overcome the pain, the loneliness and the exhaustion? Today, so many years after his death, Canadians still talk about Terry's courage, his character, his spirit, his strength. He has become a role model, a hero, an icon.
In fact, Terry's story and legacy has spread far beyond the borders of his own country. His remarkable example transcends language, culture and politics. Today, Terry is truly a citizen of the world, with Terry Fox Runs in more than 30 countries around the globe. The United Arab Emirates has embraced the story and legacy in an extraordinary way. Over the past 20 years the citizens of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Furjairah and Ras al-Khaimah have raised more than $5.25 million for cancer research, a significant portion of the $70 million raised by international Terry Fox Runs since the early 1980's.
2015 marks the 20th Anniversary of The Terry Fox Run in Abu Dhabi, a milestone that cannot be underestimated in an era of unrest and instability around the world. Terry's brothers Fred and Darrell Fox will be in attendance, speaking on behalf of the family and The Terry Fox Foundation, running with the estimated 20,000 participants, acknowledging the unyielding support of so many in a country so far away from where their brother started his Marathon of Hope.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Terry Fox Run's Chair, Nafisa Taha sees the universality of the event, "The Run is a noble cause that brings people from the community together regardless of nationality, ethnicity, wealth or age. It is about giving people hope, supporting scientists with the necessary funds, teaching young people about social responsibility. Terry is very much alive here; his legacy will never die."
Every Terry Fox participant runs or walks for very personal reasons. They embody the same traits as their hero; they are determined, courageous, compassionate, and instilled with an unwavering desire to bring an end to cancer. They have faith in the cures to come, just like Terry.
Terry Fox helped to create a broader awareness about cancer, a reality all humans have in common no matter where we live. It is then only fitting that Terry, and his mission to fund cancer research, lives on in Abu Dhabi and so many other countries outside his own.
SOURCE The Terry Fox Foundation
Image with caption: "Thousands take part in the 2012 Terry Fox Run in Abu Dhabi (CNW Group/The Terry Fox Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150226_C8985_PHOTO_EN_12596.jpg
Judith Fox-Alder, [email protected], 1.604.701.0246
Also from this source
Share this article