Terry Fox grew up near Vancouver on Canada's west coast. An active teenager
involved in many sports, Terry was only 18 years old when he was
diagnosed with bone cancer and forced to have his right leg amputated in
1977.
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 started his run in St. John's, Newfoundland on April
12th, 1980. He ran 42 kilometers a day.
However, on September 1st, after 143 days and
5,373 kilometers, Terry was forced to stop running because cancer had
appeared in his lungs. Everyone in Canada was really stunned and really
saddened. Terry passed away on June 28th, 1981 at age 22.
He raised about $3.5 million for cancer research during the
first Terry Fox Run and he was considered a true hero by many people.
A.
Check your comprehension:
1. What
happened to Terry when he was 18?
2.
Why did Terry decide to run across Canada?
3.
What’s the name of Terry’s journey?
4.
Why did Terry stop running after 143 days?
5.
When did Terry die?
6.
How much money did he raise for cancer research during the 1st Marathon
of Hope?
