Introduction of the Terry Fox Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint released millions of one-dollar coins featuring Terry Fox on April 4, 2005. The initial release of the one-dollar Terry Fox coin commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, and is the first time the Mint has put out a general-circulation coin featuring a Canadian. About 20 million Terry Fox coins were scheduled for distribution - 11 million coins in April 2005 and another 9 million coins in September 2005 to coincide with the annual Terry Fox Runs held across Canada.
Design of the Terry Fox Coin
The image on the Terry Fox coin shows a determined Terry Fox, wearing the Marathon of Hope T-shirt he wore for most of his run. The background is typical of the Northern Ontario route he took along Lake Superior. The image was designed by mint engraver Stan Witten.
On the other side of the Terry Fox Coin is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Terry Fox
Since 1980 Terry Fox has been a growing inspiration to Canadians.
In 1979, two years after losing much of his leg to bone cancer, Terry Fox began his plan to raise money for cancer research by running across Canada. His goal was to raise one dollar for every Canadian. After finding corporate sponsors, Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope run in St. John's, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. He ran as much as 48 kilometres (30 miles) a day, with interest in his run and cause growing as he went.
Terry Fox was forced to stop on September 1, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), outside Thunder Bay, Ontario. The cancer had spread to his lungs. Terry Fox died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22.
Terry Fox Runs
Each year since then the Terry Fox Run is held in Canada and around the world to commemorate the Marathon of Hope and fulfil Terry's dream. More than $360 million has been raised for cancer research in Terry Fox's name.
In Canada the Terry Fox Run is held in September, usually on the second Sunday after Labour Day. International Terry Fox Runs are held at various times. To find out how you can be involved in a Terry Fox Run, visit the Terry Fox Foundation site and help keep Terry's dream alive.
