I am a Tripawd but I did not lose my leg to cancer the way lots of yous did. I know, too many, right friends? Amputation is ruff enough but cancer? Well, it bites. I know, because my predecessor Jerry G. Dawg had it. Osteosarcoma, to be exact. He’s been gone almost 10 years now, but my parents still get tears in their eyes just thinking about that damn disease. So when we were flying south from Alaska and leaving Canada, they made sure to stop at a very important place along the way, kinda like to honor Jerry. We stopped at The Mount Terry Fox Provincial Park.
Meet My Canadian Cancer Hero Terry Fox
You know how lots of people see a Tripawd and they go “Hey that dog only has one leg!” Of course we have three, but all they see is that one missing leg. We’re lucky that way. We have spare legs. People who lose a leg to a cancer like osteosarcoma are not as lucky. They must make do with one leg, and face life head on in a way most of us can’t even imagine. The Canadian hero Terry Fox was one of them.
You kids may not remember who he was, but you need to know and I’m just the dawg to tell you. Heck, my mom and dad were just little punks when the world met this one-legged hero. But they do remember hearing the story of this Canuk’s courage and bravery. In 1980, Terry was only 18 years old when doctors told him he had osteosarcoma. They took his leg. But they didn’t take his life.
The kid didn’t let cancer get him down! Just like us Tripawd dawgs! He knew he had to do something so more people like him didn’t suffer from the disease. But what could one person, with just one leg do? Well, he showed the world exactly what!
On April 12, 1980, Terry started an epic run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. On. ONE. Leg! Dude, not even a Tripawd could do that!
Nobody knew who this hero-in-the-making was (hey this was before Facebook, remember!). But by the time he ran 143 days and 3,339 miles across the country on his “Marathon of Hope,” the world knew they were looking at greatness. Later, Hollywood even made this movie about him.
Sadly, Terry didn’t get to finish the run. Cancer. Lung mets. I don’t have to tell you the rest of that sad story.
But it wasn’t the end of Terry’s legacy when he died at age 22. Nope. The Terry Fox Foundation got started. Look what he did! One man! He raised money to get the ball rolling and today that non-profit is one of the best, most successful cancer research foundations. Whether for pets or people, the foundation is doing all they can to help scientists all over the world find a cure to stop cancers like osteosarcoma.
As Sheriff Wyatt Ray, I’m ordering ya to learn more about the Terry Fox Foundation and support their efforts, got it? Because I want a cure. WE want a cure! And WE don’t want one more Tripawds member to suffer because of that disease, right? Not. One. More!
And now back to my regularly unscheduled misadventures . . .
WOW! That was extremely emotional!
Marathon of HOPE Terry will always be an inspiration hero!
What a legacy he is still hoping all these years later. He would be proud of the advances and the prosthetics NOT enough YET!
Thanks for sharing this! Never underestimate the power of one!
You look so Handsome in these photos Mr. Wyatt only men getting better looking with age that’s you, Wyatt Ray!
I will watch the movie tonight & checking out the foundation now Wyatt!
I’m going to check in on you later this week Waytt k!
XOXO
Thanks Purrkins, I’m glad you enjoyed learning about Terry Fox. He’s pretty amazing isn’t he? And as for your compliments…well, heh heh, mom says you’re making my ego really really big, whatever that is 😉
Oh yes, I absolutely remember the amazing courageous journey of Terry Fox!
So glad you brought this to our attention. For some, the first time they’ve heard of Mr Fox, and for me, a chance to revisit his story from a different perspective now.
Wyatt is the perfect “being” to help continue the legacy of this Soul who most definitely came to earth with a mission. It is important work that is carried on today because this man dared to make a difference and turned his diagnosis into a force for good.
And these pictures on Mt. Terry Fox are beautiful.
Love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. just saw your earlier my blog with those gigantic mosquitoes!!! WOW! No wonder you wanted to swim all day…and night!!
You always pick the prettiest backdrops for your Mom and Dad to take your vacay photos. The ice,,,the snow capped mountains…..all so pretty. I love traveling with you❤
I’m so glad you remember him Sally! He was such a great man, and still doing great things even as a spirit guide. I hope you enjoyed looking back on his life, which my people say looks different once you’ve been affected by the same disease.
Hee hee weren’t those mosquitoes crazy big? Yeah. For some reason my parents thought it would be a good idea to hang out up there. They still worked too much but I had fun though.