Terry Fox's inspiration persists 35 years later

Who is Terry Fox? Ask different people and you will get different answers that come to a similar conclusion.
 
“One of Canada’s biggest heroes. I distinctly remember him running across Canada, and he had a total impact on my life,” said Regina Dolphins Swim Club president Nannette Choboter.
 
“Very courageous to be able to do that and persevere through all the pain. Running when you have all your limbs is hard enough, let alone when you have a prosthetic,” said Vic Wall.
 
“Terry Fox was a Canadian hero whose dream turned into a legend,” said Terry Fox Run Regina organizer Bill Schwarz.
 
Terry Fox’s attempt to run across the country in 1980 has inspired the country and the world ever since. The Terry Fox Run has evolved into a global fundraising effort as people in 32 countries have raised $700 million since 1980.
 
Regina’s event saw a large turnout at the TC Douglas Building. With face painting, hot dogs and inspirational pop songs playing over the outdoor speakers, the event was a large celebration of courage, all in tribute to the 22-year-old whose face adorned the banner above the starting line.
 
A number of Regina runners carried heavy emotions with them. Choboter and the rest of the Swim Club are running for their late friend Georgina, as well as the team members currently battling cancer.

Para-athlete Janz Stein ran the marathon for the first time. As a top-ranked sprinter, Stein was not sure what to expect, but he’s sure in his drive.

“I’ve been wanting to do this ever since the first time my mom was diagnosed,” he said.

The marathon will come and go, but its enduring appeal is Fox’s courage and tenacity, which will resonate long after the banners with his face come down.

“There’s lots of times when things go downhill, and you wanna jet, but then you remember Terry Fox,” Schwarz said.
 
“That tenacity, that courage, that resiliency, just keeps me going every day.”