Betty Fox
Encyclopedia
Betty Lou Fox was a Canadian
cancer research activist, the mother of Terry Fox
and founder of the Terry Fox Foundation. She was the most prominent figure in Terry Fox's legacy .
, on November 15, 1937. She was raised in Melita, Manitoba
, and in her teens moved to Winnipeg
, where she met her husband Rolland "Rolly" Fox, who was working for the Canadian National Railway
. They married in 1956.
Betty and Rolly had four children: sons Fred (Born 1957), Terry (1958), and Darrell (1961), and daughter Judith (1964). In 1966 the family moved to British Columbia
, making Port Coquitlam their home. In March 1977, Terry was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, and his right leg was amputated above the knee.
Terry expressed to his mother his wish to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. He began the Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, which was a run across Canada from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia
, to raise money for cancer research. He reached 5373 kilometres (3,338.6 mi) over 143 days before finding the cancer had spread to his lungs. This forced him to end his run on September 1, 1980. Immediately, support to continue his cause came from across the country and overseas. He died on June 28, 1981.
with the Canadian Cancer Society
. The organization later grew to be the Terry Fox Foundation. Betty took the lead on many parts of the run and the foundation, ensuring Terry's wishes and goals were reflected in the run's organisation. "It is estimated that Betty spoke to more than 400,000 school children alone during her 25 years of touring the country, leaving each and every child with the inspirational story of the Marathon of Hope. The final words of every speech, "Never, ever give up on your dreams,", have become her hallmark."
Betty was selected to be one of the Olympic flag-bearers in the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Two weeks later, Betty and her husband Rolly carried the Paralympic Torch into the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympic Games, after a whole segment of those ceremonies were dedicated to their son Terry.
and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark
, among others. So many turned out for the funeral that the city opened the civic recreation centre to the public, where the memorial was broadcasted live. Her death made headlines across North America.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
cancer research activist, the mother of Terry Fox
Terry Fox
Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox , was a Canadian humanitarian, athlete, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research...
and founder of the Terry Fox Foundation. She was the most prominent figure in Terry Fox's legacy .
Biography
Betty Fox was born in Boissevain, ManitobaBoissevain, Manitoba
Boissevain is a town in Manitoba near the North Dakota border. It is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Morton. It is notable for its proximity to the International Peace Garden, a short drive south on Highway 10. The town also displays a number of wall murals as a tourist attraction...
, on November 15, 1937. She was raised in Melita, Manitoba
Melita, Manitoba
Melita is a town located in the southwestern corner of the Canadian province of Manitoba. It is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Arthur and occupies a bend of the Souris River. The population, as of the 2006 census, is 1,051. It sits at the junction of Highways 3 and 83, approx....
, and in her teens moved to Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
, where she met her husband Rolland "Rolly" Fox, who was working for the Canadian National Railway
Canadian National Railway
The Canadian National Railway Company is a Canadian Class I railway headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. CN's slogan is "North America's Railroad"....
. They married in 1956.
Betty and Rolly had four children: sons Fred (Born 1957), Terry (1958), and Darrell (1961), and daughter Judith (1964). In 1966 the family moved to British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, making Port Coquitlam their home. In March 1977, Terry was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, and his right leg was amputated above the knee.
Marathon of Hope
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 78,000 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 360,063, the 15th most populous Canadian...
, to raise money for cancer research. He reached 5373 kilometres (3,338.6 mi) over 143 days before finding the cancer had spread to his lungs. This forced him to end his run on September 1, 1980. Immediately, support to continue his cause came from across the country and overseas. He died on June 28, 1981.
Terry Fox Run and Foundation
With so much public attention on his cause and his death, Betty found no time to grieve as her support for her son continued. She took on the development of the Terry Fox RunTerry Fox Run
The Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous regions around the world in commemoration of Canadian cancer activist Terry Fox, and his Marathon of Hope, and to raise money for cancer research....
with the Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based charitable organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of those living with the disease....
. The organization later grew to be the Terry Fox Foundation. Betty took the lead on many parts of the run and the foundation, ensuring Terry's wishes and goals were reflected in the run's organisation. "It is estimated that Betty spoke to more than 400,000 school children alone during her 25 years of touring the country, leaving each and every child with the inspirational story of the Marathon of Hope. The final words of every speech, "Never, ever give up on your dreams,", have become her hallmark."
Betty was selected to be one of the Olympic flag-bearers in the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Two weeks later, Betty and her husband Rolly carried the Paralympic Torch into the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympic Games, after a whole segment of those ceremonies were dedicated to their son Terry.
Death
Betty died June 17, 2011, from complications from diabetes and arthritis. She was survived by her husband, three children, and nine grandchildren. Her memorial was held in Port Coquitlam, at the same church where Terry's memorial was held almost 30 years previously to the day. It was attended by dignitaries including former Vancouver 2010 Olympic Committee CEO John FurlongJohn Furlong
John Furlong was an American actor. He dubbed the voice of Russ Meyer in all of Meyer's film appearances. He died on June 23, 2008.-Filmography:* Mudhoney * Blazing Saddles * The Front Page...
and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark
Christy Clark
Christina Joan "Christy" Clark, MLA is a Canadian politician, the 35th and current Premier of British Columbia, Canada...
, among others. So many turned out for the funeral that the city opened the civic recreation centre to the public, where the memorial was broadcasted live. Her death made headlines across North America.