The story of Terry Fox is one that has been shared among Canadians for decades. A young man of great determination and a strong belief in miracles, Fox inspired an entire nation and left a legacy that can be seen each September at Terry Fox runs across Canada. With 487 Canadians diagnosed with cancer and 205 cancer-related deaths every day, in some ways, this illness has touched the lives of all Canadians.

Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in 1977, and had to have his right leg amputated 15 cm above the knee. After witnessing the suffering of adults and children in the cancer clinic, Fox became determined to raise money for cancer research.

On April 12, 1980, he began his Marathon of Hope in St. John's, Newfoundland. Fox was planning on running across Canada in hopes of raising awareness and funding for cancer research.

On September 1, after 143 days and 5,373 km, Fox was forced to stop running just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, after cancer appeared in his lungs. Fox left the rest of his run in the hands of Canadians.

Sadly, on June 28, 1981, Fox passed away at the age of 22. Ever since, people have continued his run every September in cities all across Canada and around the world. To date, over $550 million has been raised in Terry Fox's name for cancer research.

For the first time, Fanshawe will be hosting its own Terry Fox Run on September 18. The FSU is hoping to raise $3,000 from pledges and donations.

"We encourage a lot of people to volunteer because we need people set up along the course, monitoring everyone and making sure there are no hazards," said Sam Slade, Fanshawe Student Union Vice- President of Internal Affairs. To become a volunteer, contact Slade at fsuinternal@fanshawec.ca.

Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in the event, either by walking or running the course, or cheering on participants. There is a minimum $10 donation paid with registration with the option of collection additional pledges to donate more.

Participants will get a Fanshawe Terry Fox Run t-shirt, with "I'm running for..." printed on the back. "We're going to pass out markers so people can write down names, because everyone's been touched by cancer in some way," said Slade.

Registration is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on September 18 in the SUB courtyard. After the run there will be a barbeque, activities and a live band, Half Beat, also in the SUB courtyard.

For more information on Fanshawe's Terry Fox Run, check out fsu.ca/events. To learn more about Terry Fox and the Terry Fox Foundation, visit terryfox.org.