Our Mission
Our Mission
Driven by Terry’s courage and determination, we collaborate with and inspire people around the world to support and fundraise for bold, extraordinary research to end cancer.
Our Vision
Bringing Canadians together to realize Terry Fox’s dream of a world without cancer.
Our Values
Integrity
Guided by Terry’s strong moral principles, we are committed to responsible fundraising, strategic investing, and transparent reporting.
Excellence
Terry believed in science. Our supporters help fund the best and brightest Canadian researchers and their science for the greatest potential impact and results.
Inclusivity
Anyone can be a part of Terry’s Marathon of Hope. We value, respect and recognize all volunteers, donors, and partners.
Perseverance
Terry never quit and neither will we until we realize a world without cancer.
Creativity
Inspired by Terry’s innovative spirit, we work to push boundaries and redefine the possible.
Our Creed
Terry Fox never finished his Marathon of Hope.
He did something far greater.
Terry dared the unthinkable.
He dreamt so big,
It gave us all something to strive for.
He showed us that anyone can do something extraordinary.
Inspiring a nation to come together and generations
to push, to fight.
To run toward something, never away from it.
He taught us all that anything is possible if you try.
That’s why we haven’t stopped running since Terry did.
The Terry Fox Foundation has made giant strides in the race against cancer.
If Terry were diagnosed today, it’s likely he would survive, and not lose his leg.
Terry’s Marathon of Hope, his relay of determination.
This is the home stretch.
The end of impossible.
Connecting the top cancer research centres.
Doctors. Scientists. Technology. Collaboration.
Together in lockstep, for the first time in history.
To realize a world without cancer.
Your generosity can fuel us to the finish line.
Every donation.
Every dollar.
Every Canadian.
Terry Fox started a marathon against cancer.
Together, we can finish it.
History of the Terry Fox Foundation
Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in his right leg in 1977 and had his leg amputated 15 cm (six inches) above the knee. While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He called his journey the Marathon of Hope.
Terry’s Marathon of Hope took place in 1980 with the simple objective of informing Canadians of the importance of finding a cure for cancer. With fierce determination, he ran an average of 42 kilometres (26 miles) every day for 143 days. Terry was forced to end his run on September 1, 1980 when the cancer spread to his lungs.
By February 1, 1981, Terry’s dream of raising $1 for every Canadian was realized – the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund totaled $24.17 million. Terry died in June 1981.
What sets us apart: Our research, our values, our determination, and you.
For over four decades, the Terry Fox Foundation has worked to achieve Terry’s vision – a world without cancer. Our researchers, our staff and our thousands of volunteers are determined to reach that goal. We strive daily to uphold Terry’s ideals and values in everything we do – and we always will.
