Terry Fox, a prominent Canadian figure known for his 1980 cross-country run to raise cancer research awareness and funds, is the subject of a new documentary called “Run Terry Run.” Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film, directed by Sean Menard, features previously unreleased footage showing Fox’s personality, determination, and challenges.
Menard, who previously created the MuchMusic documentary “299 Queen Street West,” was inspired to delve into Fox’s marathon journey due to the scarcity of high-quality visuals available. With the support of the Terry Fox Foundation, Menard unearthed 96 reels of unseen footage in a Toronto storage facility near his residence, which he meticulously restored to 4K quality for the documentary.
Here are some key takeaways from the film:
1. Terry Fox aimed to run approximately 8,000 kilometers from St. John’s to Victoria but had to make detours in Ontario for rallies and cancer research promotion, ultimately running 5,373 kilometers in 143 days before halting near Thunder Bay due to cancer spread.
2. Fox’s best friend, Doug Alward, and younger brother, Darrell Fox, joined him on the journey after initial tensions, with Darrell mediating between the friends.
3. Fox was particular about media coverage, wanting the focus on his cause rather than personal disputes, with journalist Leslie Scrivener’s columns boosting public support.
4. Fox refused personal sponsorships, but organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society, Ford, and Adidas provided support.
5. Fox believed a car accident at 18 contributed to his cancer, though doctors disagreed.
6. Fox’s hospital experiences and interactions with young cancer patients motivated his cross-country run for better treatment options.
7. Despite his discipline, Fox disliked medical appointments and resisted being defined by his illness.
8. Fox faced challenges with his prosthetic leg during the run, leading to discomfort and replacements.
9. Quebec posed communication hurdles, while Ontario brought overwhelming public attention, transforming Fox into a national figure.
10. The documentary captures Fox’s lighthearted moments, showcasing his playful side even during a serious mission.
11. During a critical hospital visit in Thunder Bay, Fox’s brother Darrell was unaware of the severity, highlighting Terry’s selflessness and positive outlook.
Terry Fox passed away at 22, but his fundraising legacy lives on through annual Terry Fox runs, raising over $1 billion for cancer research. The documentary “Run Terry Run” offers insight into Fox’s remarkable journey and opens in theaters on Oct. 9.
