OPINION Spread some hope

With the fifth anniversary of 9/11 in our thoughts this week, so too are the heroic efforts of firefighters, police officers and ordinary citizens from that fateful day. Unlike our American friends, Canadians are sometimes a little too reserved and humble when it comes to remembering and celebrating its heroes. This weekend, one of Canada's most inspiring acts of heroism -- the Marathon of Hope-- will be remembered for having captivated an entire nation and much of the world for 143 days back in 1980. On April 12 that year 21-year-old Terrance (Terry) Stanley Fox dipped his artificial leg into the icy north Atlantic water off St. John's, Nfld. Three years earlier Terry had been diagnosed with a malignant tumour in his right leg that resulted in an amputation above the knee. Determined to beat the disease, Terry envisioned running across Canada in support of cancer research. For four and a half months, he averaged a gruelling 42 kilometres (26 miles) each day, taking him through six provinces. On Sept. 1, outside Thunder Bay, Ont., his dream was halted by the spread of cancer to his lungs. "When I started this run, I said that if we all gave one dollar, we'd have $22 million for cancer research, and I don't care man, there's no reason that isn't possible," he had said. Terry Fox died June 28, 1981. Since his remarkable act of heroism, the Marathon of Hope has generated more than $400 million in Canada and around the world in the name of Terry Fox. In Halton Hills, runs are planned for both Georgetown and Acton (see page 10 for details). While we can't all aspire to be heroes, we can still do our part by joining this year's event, or sponsoring someone who is participating. As Fox himself once said,"If you've given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope."