Origins & Early Life

Terrance Stanley Fox (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, having had one leg amputated due to cancer, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over C$1 billion has been raised in his name through the Terry Fox Research Institute as of February 2026. Fox was a distance runner and basketball player for Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School, later named after him, and Simon Fraser University.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His right leg was amputated in 1977 after he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, though he continued to run using an artificial leg. He also played wheelchair basketball in Vancouver, winning three national championships. In 1980, he began the Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research. He hoped to raise one dollar from each of Canada's 24 million people at the time. He began with little fanfare from St.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in April that year, and ran the equivalent of a full marathon every...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alec Baldwin — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
• Andie MacDowell — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Acclaimed American actress and model known for romantic and dramatic roles.
• Andre Geim — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Pioneering physicist known for groundbreaking work on graphene and Nobel laureate.
• Abigail Spencer — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Alicia Keys — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): Award-winning pianist and vocalist known for her soulful R&B sound.
• Anwar Sadat — Contemporary (Died in 1981) (1981): Egyptian President who spearheaded economic reform and the peace treaty with Israel.
• Abraham Pais — Shared historical date (07-28 · Died) (2000): Pioneering physicist and acclaimed science historian of modern physics.
• Adrien Broner — Shared historical date (07-28 · Born) (1989): American former professional boxer known for winning world titles across multiple weight classes.
• Alessandro Nivola — Shared historical date (06-28 · Born) (1972): Versatile American actor known for film and stage work, building a notable career.
• Carl Spaatz — Shared historical date (06-28 · Born) (1891): US Air Force General known for strategic bombing command in WWII and founding USAF.
• 1958 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1958
• July 28 (07-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 28
• 1981 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1981
• June 28 (06-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 28