American Reacts to the Story of Terry Fox 

As a born Canadian I often forget there are those who never heard of Terry. He is my hero. An amazing man who's short time here made such a big difference.

Terry isn't just a national hero... He's our national treasure.

Terry is so important to us that his mother, Betty, was one of the people who carried the Olympic flag in the opening ceremonies in Vancouver in 2010.

Terry Fox is a Canadian legend. My son’s hero. He’s the reason my son wants to get into building robotic prosthetics. We look forward to the Terry Fox run every year. ❤️

All Canadians grow up learning about Terry’s incredible story. He really is woven into our fabric here. And even so, I still cried my eyes out watching this. He was incredible and his strength never ceases to blow my mind. You are exactly right, he was superhuman.

What always gets me is that he’s not celebrated because he succeeded, he’s celebrated because of what he tried to accomplish. I’ve seen the place where he started and where he was supposed to finish. There’s statues of him in both places.

Obviously I know that people outside Canada aren't as familiar with our heroes, but it's still so strange to watch someone hear his story for the first time. I honestly can't remember the first time I learned about him, I was so young. And of course, even though I've heard his story a million times, I am still BAWLING!

The story definitely hits harder as an adult. Understanding what he went through, the sacrifices he made, facing your own mortality, and still being selfless enough to attempt it knowing your chances are slim. He died at 22 accomplishing more than almost anyone will every accomplish in their lives. A true Canadian hero.

Terry Fox is one of our hero’s. Young kids in September run to raise money for his foundation. They have raised over $850million dollars for cancer research plus a whole bunch of organizations that are connected with cancer receive money from the foundation. You have to remember Terry Fox did this run in the 80’s but his legend cares on today. Kids in school today are taught about his Bravery about his cancer and how he chose to run across Canada and make money for cancer research. He really is a true hero.

This was wild to see someone learn about Terry Fox for the first time. As a Canadian i learned about him when i was in Kindergarten and he was taught every year of my schooling. The Terry Fox Run was one of the best days of the year. It gave us a chance every year to talk about those we love that were affected by Cancer. it helped me a lot when my mother was diagnosed.

Terry Fox is a Canadian hero, we watched him run across Canada and cried with him when he had to stop. All of Canada grieved his passing ❤🇨🇦

As an American living in Canada in the early 80’s, Terry Fox showed incredible courage and inspired everyone with his run across that beautiful country.

Its been over 40 years and I still cry like a baby hearing his story. He will always be a Canadian legend and makes us all proud 🇨🇦

It's weird. As a kid in school, we had to do a "Terry Fox Run" every year. Usually not more than 4-6 kilometres. And we all knew of him and his story but like, almost none of us really cared. Just another hour or so we didn't have to be in class once a year. After graduating, I barely think about him or his impact. And it wasn't until this year, for whatever reason, I just happened to run into a decent amount of media about him, and God damn. He was a fucking hero. Actually superhuman. And it's only now that I'm realising I've outlived him, and that's terrifying. Barely an adult, and still doing the things he did, to raise awareness and money for a cause he truly believed in.

I saw Terry in our area of Ontario at that time my nephew had just passed at the age of 4 from Cancer. I had to pull off the road and cried at seeing him so strong and determined. I still see him in my mind running. It was several weeks later that he had to stop his run. A true hero.

As a Canadian Cancer survivor, I'm glad you shared this story. What an inspiration he was.

Indigenous Canadian here, we learned about him at the time, we watched his progress in class on the news, the teacher would roll in a tv so we could see it. We would raise money through these campaigns, we would get people in our cirlces to sponsor us per lap we would run. Its definately a core memory.

I haven’t seen this mentioned, but an interesting fact about the Terry Fox Foundation… Terry refused any corporate sponsorship. He wanted a small $1 per Canadian at the time and didn’t want corporate involvement. To this day there is no corporate sponsorship in the annual Terry Fox Run. It is all volunteer, local community fundraising. A true Canadian hero. RIP Terry.

Tyler, Thank you for showing Terry’s story so respectfully. I cried through the whole video. I believe like myself, a lot of Canadians remember where they were, when his death was broadcast. In my city ( Winnipeg ) they announced a vigil would be held in Assiniboine Park ( our city’s largest park ) . I went, it was very moving, there wasn’t a dry eye anywhere, even grown men couldn’t hold back the tears. Not only was he a Canadian hero……he was beloved, courageous, humble……he was our son …our brother…..he was family. Rest In Peace dear Terry.

Canadian here, this guy has a road named after him in almost every major city. He is indeed a legend.

I was born in Canada and have lived my entire life here, in the same city Terry was born in. He is a true Canadian hero. He is respected and honoured from coast to coast. Every Canadian knows Terry's story.

In 1980 my mom was diagnosed with a very rare cancer in her lymph nodes under her ear. This heroic event with Terry happened during my moms long ordeal and it was a ‘glued to the TV’ event that effected my childhood. Watching you learn brought me instantly to overwhelming emotional tears rolling down my cheeks. I’m so very proud to have lived at a time that this amazing young man touched the collective Canadian heart. Oh jeez so emotional. EDIT: In November 2022, my mom celebrated her 81st birthday.

I grew up in Thunder Bay and my Dad was in hospital battling cancer when Terry had to end his run. It broke our hearts because he was such a beacon of hope to all the cancer patients

As a Canadian like others here. It is a shock to see people first learning about the all time Canadian kids hero. Terry Fox was such a great man for his time. Running/Jogging across Canada at the time with his condition was a hard task. Yet he did not fault, he couldn't and kept going until he couldn't continue sadly. He is still my hero to this day. Gosh, I'm in tears just talking about him XD That's how much he means to us Canadians

Terry Fox deserves a spot on the money

Thank you for showing Terry the respect he deserves. I don’t know if it’s possible to convey how much Terry Fox is loved and admired in our country. Most of us consider him to be our greatest national hero. His world-wide legend may have faded some in four decades, but there was a time when Terry Fox runs were held all over the world. In Canada, it’s not just school children, but people of all ages who run for Terry and cancer research every year in communities across the country. Terry’s humble selflessness, quiet courage, and dogged determination resonates deeply with Canadian values and identity, making him a powerful icon we all admire. The money he raised, and continues to raise for cancer research has not only saved Canadian lives, but helped Vancouver, for example, become one of the leading centres for cancer research in the world. Thanks to Terry, research done here has helped lengthen and save lives around the world. I’ve seen several of your videos; I like what you do. Your open-minded curiosity and friendly, respectful attitude is a wonderful way to maintain and grow the powerful friendship between our two nations. Well done! 🇨🇦🇺🇸

Thank you for being a good and open-minded person. We need more people like you in the world. As a Canadian, I thank you for recognizing the culture, the lives, and more of those within Canada.

as a Canadian, you learn and hear about this guy every year, but as a kid, you don't understand the scope of what he actually did and what it meant, watching this again, man, this guy is amazning

I'm actually surprised they don't teach about Terry Fox in other countries, he is one of the greatest if not the greatest athlete of our time! His story is just so inspiring

As a 51 year old Canadian I remember when this was happening. What an inspiration. This video still made me cry though. I’m so happy that his legacy lives on. My kids,now in their 20’s know all about him because every September from kindergarten to grade 12 they did the Terry Fox run in all schools.

Check out Terry’s friend, Rick Hansen for an equally impressive journey. He ran through my town, Gravenhurst Ontario on his birthday. The town threw him a party. There is a federal prison here, and inmates contributed to his MarThon of Hope

Why am I crying? I know this story, grew up in the 80's; I was just looking in to see an American reaction and what an excellent reminder of what I felt watching Terry as a child. Legend. Thank you for the memories.

Being Canadian; I look up so much to Terry. He changed a lot of things for Canada. I'm so glad his name is being seen across the world now.

I was a member of the Swedish team for the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver. His parents lit the fire at the opening ceremony and the atmosphere in the arena as they walked up towards where the fire was to be lit was amazing 🥲

I was a teacher for 33 years, starting in 1981, and saw the entire development of the Terry Fox initiative in the schools. Beyond inspiring, and whenever I showed videos about him to my grade 6 and 7 students, I made sure to stand at the back of the the classroom so they wouldn’t see the tears running down my face. Ironically, my teaching career was cut short at age 58 in 2013 because I developed the same cancer that Terry had in my right leg. Thanks to the progress in cancer treatment, I am now on my 9th year after all the treatments and 3 operations, and although I no longer have a fibula in my right leg, after two years of physiotherapy, I’m able to walk again and no longer need a wheelchair, a walker or a cane. So far, cancer free and eternally grateful to Terry Fox for shining such a powerful light on the need for cancer research. Of course, living in Vancouver has made the story even more relevant and also despite all those years of operations, medications, equipment and therapy with a team of specialists, and ongoing check ups with the cancer centre of British Columbia, my out of pocket costs since 2013 have been less than $2000. O Canada indeed🇨🇦. I was actually waiting for you to watch something about Terry Fox, and once again, you’ve shown great understanding about a uniquely Canadian hero who should be much more recognized globally.

As a Proud Canadian i am, Terry Fox was a one of a kind. He died from cancer in Thunder Bay while trying to run across Canada, and he is known as "The Canadian Hope". And we are inspired by his dream and work, we in Canada once a year. Run around our Town to respect Terry and his work and now Terry flew back to his home town and died there with his family. There is a marker somewhere in Thunder Bay that shows you how far he ran.Terry fox who participated in "The Canadian Marathon of Hope".

All Canadians know the Terry Fox story. Even so, I could not watch this video without crying. Terry was not only a role model and a great human being, he brought the country together. Each year hundreds of races are held throughout the country and the fundraising goes on and on. That is his legacy and we will never forget his bravery. R.I.P. Terry knowing that millions are raised every year for cancer research in your name. Thank you for everything you did. ❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

My brother battled Leukemia for 18 years. Thanks to what Terry started, after many years of treatment and study, they were able to beat that disease into remission. He hasn't had to take his cancer meds for just about a year now and said to me a few days ago that he hasn't felt this good for many years. Thank you Terry for what you started and for what you accomplished. You helped save the lives of my brother and hundreds of thousands of others. Terry you really are a hero who will be remembered for a very long time

I'm Canadian and I want to thank you for taking your time to learn about our Canadian hero Terry Fox. Your commentary about him was so respectful 🙏 thank you 😊 ❤

I’m a 48 year old man from BC and can’t hold back my tears. Watched him run on the news at 6 years old, and remember it like yesterday. Watching him as an adult I cannot believe the level of maturity and class. It’s unmatched. Yes definitely a Canadian legend that will never be forgotten.

Terry Fox did this all before social media. I was a kid when I saw him on his journey and couldn’t believe how selfless and brave he was. 💕🇨🇦

A full marathon every day, 7 days a week, for months. After losing my own leg I really appreciate his feat and dedication even more. An amazing human and a true hero.

His foundation saved my life ❤️. Terry Fox is a huge part of Canadian history and we miss him

I'm an immigrant from India. I live in Ottawa and saw his statue in front of Parliament. For those who do not know his story, I suggest the following video. It will move you to tears. It's The Terry Fox Story from Terry Fox Foundation.

As a Canadian, it’s impossible to overstate the impact this hero had on our country. He is a role model of the highest order.

Most Famous and loved Canadian of all time. CANADIAN LEGEND 🇨🇦 Canada loves Terry!🤗

As a Canadian I cannot believe that he isn't well known in other countries. He his one of the greatest, possibly the greatest hero in Canadian history.

I was in tears watching this video. I remember this like it was yesterday. Terry was just a few months older than me. I don't remember how, but I caught on to his story early on in his journey, before the media caught on. There was not much coverage when he got to where I lived (Montreal), but you can see the coverage growing every day. I was devastated when he announced his cancer had spread to his lungs. Today there is not one Canadian, young or old, that has not heard of Terry Fox. There are streets, schools, and monuments across the country that are named after him. Every elementary school kid across the country participates in the annual Terry Fox runs.

I’m recovering from my second cancer and watching this today through tears of hope. I was 11 years old when Terry Fox did his marathon of hope and I remember admiring him like a superhero. My cancer is in my foot and doing rehab for the last 5 months so I can relearn to walk and go back to work as a nurse. And you know what? I think this will be my goal for 2023: to be able to participate in a cancer research marathon even if it’s just 5 km of walking. Thank you Terry ❤❤❤

As a Canadian I love that American RU-vidrs actually react to Canadian things.

Hi Tyler . . . A little tidbit that wasn't on the video....when Terry had to stop there was a telethon that happened almost immediately and a large department store used their catalog phone lines to take donations and I believe about a million dollars was raised almost overnight and Terry got to see this. He was quite a guy.

One of the greatest Canadians ever. And greatest athlete of all time.

Like many older Canadians I know exactly where I was the day Terry had to stop his run he would have been turning 65 today, a year younger than me, and I still get emotional when I see talk about stopping his run. Probably one of Canadas’ greatest heroes!!

My son was 1 year old when Terry ran through our city, Kitchener Ontario. He'll be 44 in May.We went downtown to watch him. It was strange and wonderful all rolled into one. My 2 kids did the runs every year in school AND now my grandsons, 9 and 13, do the run every year. Terry is a Canadian icon and hero and is set in the Canadian spirit. I'm so glad you shone a light on Terry and his courage and spirit. He is much loved.

This guy is crazy, the amount of pain he endure is unbeleivable. Damn it was impossible, big love from Quebec

I remember when he died. My Mom and I WEPT as we listened to the radio break the news of his death. He was so good, in so many ways.

I've been hearing this story for 36 years and still every time it makes me cry. He's truly such a inspiration to Canadians ❤

I was in Toronto when Terry Fox ran through, I remember cheering him on as he ran by. Every Canadian was and is proud of Terry.

There was an exhibit about him in the Ottawa Museum about 5 years ago where they displayed his journal entries and in them, it said that the prosthetic he was wearing at the time caused him pain *each* *step* *of* *the* *way*. He deserves every praise, honour, AND MORE!

I drove two days, from south western Ontario, to north western Ontario, to visit his monument the year it was erected! I had, and have, immense respect for Terry Fox, my fellow Canadian! We were exactly the same age! I was in awe of him!

There is no superhero in holiday that could compare to the strength, courage, determination and heart that Terry had. Not to mention how much he and his cause have raised to help cure cancer. I had read once that the type of cancer that Terry died from now has a survival rate of 95%. He literally turned the tables on cancer. One incredible young man that has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. He was a one in a million kid!

Terry Fox should be known world wide, great inspiration.

Even though I know this story, I still cried through this entire video!!

I remember when Terry was running through our city. They let us out of school to line the streets to cheer him on. What a hero. It is always so emotional remembering. Thank you for watching and sharing this. His story deserves to be known by the world.

As a Canadian Cancer survivor who had the same cancer Terry had thank you for sharing his story for others ❤

One of the things about how exceptional Terry Fox was, was the fact that he wasn't all that exceptional. Terry showed all of us that you didn't need to be rich or famous or powerful in order to do something impactful; you just need to care about others and have the willpower to follow it through.

Growing up as a kid, the Terry Fox run was a critical part of every school year. He was definitely someone who impacted Canada in a way beyond words, and certainly beyond his expectations. I don't think he would imagine the Canadian icon that he would become today.

I have to admit that watching this brought a tear to my eye and took me back to the day I heard the news of Terry Fox's death. It was as devastating as hearing that a member of one's own family had died, and I think that that was probably true of many, many Canadians at the time. I can't think of too many other individuals who touched as many hearts and elevated as many souls in Canada as did Terry Fox. He is truly worthy of all the accolades that have been bestowed upon him over the years, and eminently deserving of his place in Canadian history. The fact that Terry Fox remains an iconic figure in Canada more than four decades after his Marathon of Hope and his subsequent untimely death is a testament to the profound impact he had on Canadians and Canadian society. But he was not just an exceptional Canadian; he was an exceptional human being, period. He remains a prime example of the sort of person we should all strive to be, because he was the sort of individual who selflessly strove to make the world a better place despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles before him. When he began his run his goals were modest and he had not expectations of personal reward, and it is perhaps that that above all else places him in the pantheon of truly heroic human beings. Every year Terry Fox runs are held across Canada and throughout the world. They are not only a means by which to raise money for cancer research, but also a reminder to us of how a single individual can help to make the world a better place to live in. It is a lesson that reaches far beyond cancer, instilling in us all the importance of caring about this unique and fragile planet we live on and which we share with billions of other humans and a plethora of other life.

Proud Canadian here. 57 years old. I remember this happening. Sometimes I am bothered when there are too many pauses. This time, I needed the pauses to wipe away tears. Canada has been tasked with finishing what Terry started.

I shook his hand a few days before he had to quit. Amazing person and even in the kind of pain he was in, was so personable to us kids.

sitting here bawling like I did when the bad news first broke 💔 we all loved and still love our dear Terry Fox

Terry was from my neighbourhood. I remember when he started his run, two DJ's were on the radio laughing at the one legged guy running across the country. They didn't laugh for long. He was so unique in his maturity and selflessness. His mother, Betty (the silver haired lady at the award ceremony) was instrumental in getting the Terry Fox Run started. Like his run, the annual Terry Fox run started small, but grew quickly. Betty died in 2011. She is also remembered for her devotion and selfless service for Canadians.

Terry is somebody I’ve always looked up to. Now that I’m older I can fully understand the lengths he went and things he’s done for Cancer Research. He’ll always be a hero to me

There are many Canadians who get caught somewhere between anger and laughter when we hear that Michael Jordan or Tom Brady are the "greatest athletes of all time". I don't think there is a single person alive who could hold a candle to Terry. In Thunder Bay Ontario there is a beautiful memorial to Terry, every time Ive stopped there it puts a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Thanks for helping to bring awareness to such an amazing soul.

I cried when this originally aired at the time in the 80's (Terry announcing the end of his run) and I cried while watching this. Terry Fox was the best of what this country is (humble, generous, concerned for our fellows, and having true grit). A true Canadian hero. This is a tribute to Terry Fox from Rod Stewart ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7XoI8IK5f6s.html

Terry was born 3 weeks after I was. When his run began, I was working in a large window manufacturing company in Langley, BC. At shift change, the plant manager addressed around 100 of us and talked about what Terry was doing. The company matched our donations. Terry was on the news every night and he was in the newspapers every day. There were donation tallies constantly. What started out small, grew exponentially. There are Terry Fox runs outside of Canada as well.

Finally! I was hoping you'd do this Edit: I feel like a lot more people outside of Canada realize how great of a thing he did.

As a Canadian, Terry Fox really is just one of those everyday names. Every single year I was in school, the entire school would head out to the nearest lake/field/stadium to participate in the run, and every fall we'd have a meter measuring how much we had raised for his foundation. And yet I still teared up multiple times watching this video. His story is incredible, and I'm happy you got to experience it and bring it to the attention of a wider audience

Terry was a legend, and his memory will never be forgotten.

I can’t believe how emotional I am watching this. I absolutely adore this man and his legacy. No one in Canada can compare to this man in terms of heroism

Thank you for doing this story. As a Canadian, I have placed judgment that most Americans do not have critical thinking skills. I am absolutely wrong. You are intelligent and funny. I enjoy your videos.

I grew up and lived in the Vancouver area at this time. Friends of mine used to see him practicing his running locally before his Marathon of Hope. I will never forget his message and his story. We have commemorative statues, buildings and monuments dedicated to him and his Marathon of Hope.

He was in track and field at Simon Fraser University (in BC just outside of Vancouver, in Burnaby) when he was diagnosed. I work at SFU. We have a big bronze statue of him on campus, and celebrate Terry Fox Day every year with the charity run (like so many other schools). His parents attended the unveiling of the statue in a moving ceremony. The track field is named after him too, and there is a memorial display of him and his journey. There is always a big push to put Terry on a Canadian money bill actually. He is one of the most respected Canadians ever.

I am Canadian ! Terry fox will never be forgotten! Thank you for raising awareness in the US

It's so weird remembering that the whole world doesn't know about him. I first learnt about him in kindergarten, and every year, they talked about him on the yearly anniversary of his run. His story is a core childhood memory of mine. I wish more countries talked about him

Greatest athlete of all time, no question, no debate!

I remember as kid there was a lil guy who had cancer in my elementary school, so when we were writing the names of who you were running for on those little stickers, for the Terry Fox run, a lot of people wrote his, and I as far as I know he’s living life cancer free today😊

When many of us Canadians think of a hero, Terry Fox comes to mind! Legend is an understatement, and yes, Canadian or otherwise - a legend for humanity! Our kids learn about him every September, and I am forever grateful that his legacy lives on! I still contribute to cancer research in his name (and so many others that have come after him). Thanks for checking out his story!

Oh I'm sobbing. As a Canadian, there is no person in the history of our nation, whom is more inspirational. Thank you for covering him.

Terry Fox is a Canadian hero and legend. As a Canadian he will live forever in our hearts.

Terry Fox is a legend!!!

When Terry was getting treatment for his cancer he was in the childrens ward. It impacted him so much that after his treatment he trained and then started his run. His goal was to raise 1 dollar per Canadian, he went way beyond. To this date the Terry Fox foundation has raised and continues use to raise millions for cancer research. When he passed away it was heartbreaking. Still makes me cry.

😢😢😢😢😢😢......we all remember him with love and respect

He is legend, there isn't a Canadian who doesn't know who Terry Fox is and what he still stands for. It's not just schools, every little community and town has an annual Terry Fox run. Mention his name and every Canadian will bristle with pride and say, yes he was ours and even if we don't run, we'll still give in his name. Just a boy really, but boy did he ever have an impact on us. His name will live on. He will never be forgotten. God keep you my "brother", we are proud.

It wasn't in the books for Terry to finish the run, but to show every Canadian the path to fighting this terrible disease. Every year participants continue to support Terry's memory and cause to find the finish line to curing cancer. I am Canadian and followed Terry's run at the time he was running. It was an amazing time in the life of Canadians and also a very sad time.

As a Canadian who has grown up surrounded by this my entire life, I always forget that it's a Canadian thing, and not a multiple country thing.

We we were so privileged to see Terry when he ran through downtown Toronto, Ontario. We went to see him on our lunch break and office workers were coming out of office buildings in droves, pulling out their wallets and handing Terry and his team handfuls of money. It was so inspiring. You couldn't hear yourself talk over the clapping and cheering.

Watching documentaries on Terry Fox makes me cry because of the immense heroism he has. We learned about Terry Fox at a young age and that never left us in our being.

The greatest Canadian Hero❤

I remember watching Terry Fox on the news during his run. I have no words to express how remarkable he was, if there was ever an iconic Canadian, Terry Fox would be just that person.