Fox Family
Fox Family Members
On April 12, 1980 Terry Fox began the Marathon of Hope, a run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He would cover 5,300 kilometers (3,339 miles) over 143 days before cancer returned forcing Terry to stop running on September 1, 1980. Terry died on June 28, 1981, knowing that there would be an annual run in his name that reflected his values and vision.
Betty was involved in all aspects of The Terry Fox Foundation, including commercialization issues that related to the use of Terry’s name and image for fundraising purposes. The founding directors and members of the Foundation also believed it was important to tell the Terry Fox story of how one average Canadian could make a difference through hard work and a never-give-up attitude.
It is estimated that Betty spoke to more than 400,000 school children alone during the over 25 years of touring the country, leaving each and every child with the inspirational story of the Marathon of Hope. It was always her wish to see Terry’s siblings, nieces and nephews involved in the identities that bear the Terry Fox name not simply because they share the same lineage, but because they believe in, and are committed to, Terry’s vision and values. The direct descendants of Betty and Rolly Fox fulfill a governance role with the Terry Fox Foundation as members with defined responsibilities and roles. They are also charged with being the lead on initiatives that wish to honour Terry’s legacy or communicate his powerful and moving story.
Reflecting on Terry’s words ‘I am only one member of the Marathon of Hope, I am equal with all of you” the Fox family acknowledges we are a large, extended and growing family. Terry’s legacy is vibrant today because there are “Terry Foxers” from coast to coast, south to north, responsible for continuing the Marathon of Hope. Our collective promise to Terry is we will not rest until his dream, which has become our own, is realized.
Terry Fox Run Date
Policy: The Terry Fox Run is usually, but not always, held on the second Sunday after Labour Day each year.
Guidelines: Every effort should be made to host your Run on the National Date, keeping in mind that all promotional materials and media releases reflect that date. Please confirm the annual date with your Provincial Office before booking your site for the next year.
Non-Commercialization
Policy: In accordance with Terry’s wishes, no individual, group, or company can earn any direct financial profit from their association with any event that bears Terry’s name.
Guidelines: Offers to sell products at any event with partial return of profits or to provide “% off” coupons are not permissible.
Non-Competition, Entry Fees and Use of Prizes
Policy: The Terry Fox Run is a non-competitive, all-inclusive, familyoriented event.
Guidelines: Timing, charging of entry fees or setting of minimum pledges are not in keeping with Terry’s vision of a Terry Fox Run. Awarding of prizes/incentives based on performance or pledge totals is not permissible. Draw prizes are permitted provided opportunity to win is based on chance (i.e. one chance per participant, NOT one chance for every $50 raised).
