Making His Dream Our Dream: The Terry Fox Run at SMUS

It has been 45 years since Terry Fox lost his battle with cancer, yet his determination to push forward continues to inspire generations. At 18 years old, Terry was diagnosed with bone cancer, and at 22, he began his Marathon of Hope, running across Canada to raise money for cancer research. “If I don’t make it, the Marathon of Hope must continue without me,” he said — a call that millions have answered ever since.

A Legacy That Endures

The first Terry Fox Run took place in 1981 at 760 locations across Canada. Today, more than 8,500 schools around the world participate each year, carrying forward his legacy. Though Terry couldn’t finish his run, his dream transformed lives: childhood cancer survival rates have risen from less than 10% in his youth to over 80% today — a remarkable testament to the research his efforts inspired.

Honouring Terry at SMUS

At St. Michaels University School, Terry’s legacy is honoured not only through the annual Terry Fox Run, but also through the stories, lessons, and personal connections that give his dream meaning for our community.

Throughout September, Junior, Middle, and Senior School students laced up for their own Terry Fox Runs, each adding steps to the same shared journey. Together, they raised more than $13,000 for cancer research, continuing the mission Terry began 45 years ago. The Middle School’s effort was especially noteworthy, with students contributing the largest share to the total raised.

At the Junior School, Physical Education teacher Gary Barber began by showing a video of Terry’s story, then added his own words, reinforcing how one young man’s determination and compassion could change the world. Inspired, students and staff set out on their run, cheered on by supportive families along the sidelines.

At the Senior School, former teacher and coach Ian Hyde-Lay spoke to Grade 9 students before their run, recalling his memories of coaching Christine Duke ’86 — a gifted student, musician and athlete in whose memory the outdoor theatre is named. He emphasized that although it is too late for those who have lost their lives to cancer, it is not too late for others, and we can all do our part to help. Before students left the lecture theatre, Hyde-Lay offered these words:

“Run for that special person in your life or run for Terry. And by doing that you can make his dream our dream.”

Carrying the Dream Forward

The Terry Fox Run at SMUS is more than a fundraising event; it is a living expression of the values that bind our community — resilience, compassion, and the responsibility to carry forward the work of those who came before us. Each step our students take is part of Terry’s unfinished journey, ensuring his dream continues to live on.