April 12, 2006
OTTAWA -- Today, 26 years after Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope in St. John's Newfoundland, Health Minister Tony Clement has provided a $10 million grant from the Government of Canada to the organization founded in Terry's name.
"Terry Fox was a remarkable individual and a true Canadian hero. His memory continues to give hope to people suffering from cancer and their families," said Minister Clement. "The grant announced today will contribute to the Terry Fox Foundation's valuable work in cancer research across Canada."
Minister Clement spoke to Darrell Fox, National Director of the Foundation, earlier this week to congratulate him on the Foundation's accomplishments to date.
"On behalf of Terry Fox Foundation supporters in every hamlet, town and city across our vast nation, we wish to thank the Government of Canada for recognizing the efforts of our organization," said Mr. Fox. "Terry's sole purpose for his selfless and determined act was to reduce the cancer burden, and this significant gift will greatly assist us in fulfilling this mission."
Beginning on April 12, 1980, and continuing for 143 days, Terry ran a marathon (42 kilometres / 26 miles) every day through the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario before he was forced to stop in Thunder Bay, Ontario, when the cancer spread to his lungs.
He died on June 28, 1981, but his legacy lives on. The Terry Fox Foundation directs all funds raised to cancer research. To date, more $400 million has been raised through such events as the annual Terry Fox Runs which take place in countries worldwide.
The grant further signals the Government of Canada's commitment to the prevention and control of cancer. Earlier this year, Minister Clement committed to implement a five-year Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control.
This commitment recognizes that effective cancer control is a complex process that requires the collaborative efforts of all cancer stakeholders across a wide variety of sectors.
This, in addition to such initiatives as a Patient Wait Times Guarantee, will help ensure Canadians are receiving the care they need in a timely way within the publicly funded health care system.
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Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of Health Minister Tony Clement
(613) 957-0200
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
