Nation’s mother Betty Fox passes away

Betty Fox, the mother of Terry Fox has passed away. Mrs. Fox had been suffering from complications from diabetes and arthritis. 

Background:

News outlets have announced that Betty Fox, the mother of Terry Fox is ill with an undisclosed illness. While her son died 30 years ago this month, she has continued his fight as a crusader for cancer research.

Terry Fox had his right leg amputated at the age of 18. He subsequently thought to do something to raise money and awareness for cancer research and so embarked on the Marathon of Hope in 1980, a cross-country run in Canada. Unfortunately, his cancer came back in his lungs and he was forced to abandon his plan. He died on June 28, 1981 at the age of 22.

Betty Fox has remained the public face of her son’s legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world, has raised to date more than $550 million for cancer research.

It is reported that Betty was last in the public eye during the 2010 Winter Games, when she carried the Olympic, flag during the opening ceremonies in Vancouver.

A statement on the web site of the Terry Fox Foundation reads:

Friday, June 17, 2011

Vancouver, BC

It is with considerable sadness that we share that our wife, mother and grandmother died at 8:25am (PT) this morning. Betty/Mom passed away peacefully surrounded by love. Betty was comfortable the last few weeks and months of her life, was always full of wit and rarely alone. Betty is now with Terry and joins other dear family members that predeceased her. We have greatly appreciated the privacy granted to our family since Betty’s illness was shared and are hoping it continues at this difficult time.

The Family of Betty Fox (Rolland, Fred, Darrell and Judi)

Messages can be emailed to bettyfoxmessages at gmail.com or can be shared at this web page and regular mail can be sent to: c/o The Terry Fox Foundation National Office, Suite 303, 46167 Yale Road, Chilliwack, B.C., V2P 2P2.

References

Wikipedia: Terry Fox

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox

Terrance Stanley “Terry” Fox CC OD, (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian humanitarian, athlete, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over C$500 million has been raised in his name.

Wikipedia: Terry Fox Run

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox_Run

The Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous regions around the world in commemoration of Canadian cancer activist Terry Fox, and his Marathon of Hope, and to raise money for cancer research.

The event was founded in 1981 by Isadore Sharp, who contacted Terry in-hospital by telegram and expressed his wishes to hold an annual run in Terry’s name to raise funds for cancer research. The event is held every year on the second Sunday following Labour Day. Since its inception, it has raised via the ‘Terry Fox Foundation’ close to $500 million dollars (CAD). The run itself is informal which means that the distance often varies, usually between 5 and 15 kilometres; participation is considered to be more important than completing the set distance. There are also runs set up by schools of every level, often with shorter distances than the “official” ones.

Unlike other major fund raising events, the Terry Fox Run has no corporate sponsorship. This is in accordance with Terry Fox’s original wishes of not seeking fame or fortune from his endeavour. During his cross-Canada run, he turned down every endorsement he was offered (including from major multinationals such as McDonald’s), as he felt that it would detract from his goal of creating public awareness. The Terry Fox Runs have no advertisements on any race related materials (such as t-shirts, banners, etc).

The Terry Fox Foundation

terryfox.org

[The web site offers comprehensive information about Terry Fox, the runs, and how to organise a run and donate. For anybody considering participating in such a worthhile event, this is the place to find out how.]

Click HERE to read more from William Belle

Article viewed at: Oye! Times at www.oyetimes.com