Terry Fox's hometown wants public's help with new interactive exhibit
As thousands prepare to take part in Terry Fox Runs this weekend to raise money in the fight against cancer, his hometown has a new legacy project in the works.
In Port Coquitlam, Fox's roots run deep and it doesn't take long to find someone who has a connection to him.
"We lost someone we knew and were close to," said Terri Fleming, Fox's high school basketball coach. "Terry and I, for whatever reason, developed a closeness. Enough so that he came and talked to me about plans."
After having his right leg amputated in a fight against cancer, Fox made his way west across Canada — one signature stride at a time — during his Marathon of Hope which began in St. John’s, N.L.
Terminal cancer in his lungs forced Fox to suspend his run near Thunder Bay, Ont. on September 1, 1980, but not before he had covered 5,373 kilometres on a prosthetic leg.
He died less than a year later, on June 28.
In the years since, thanks to his inspiration, more than $900 million dollars has been raised for cancer research.
More than a national hero, Fox is an international icon, and nowhere is he more celebrated than in Port Coquitlam.
"His image, and I think more importantly his values, are so immersed in our community," said Mayor Brad West. "He has always been a role model and someone who I look up to and really draw inspiration from."
West plans to take part in the hometown run this weekend, raising money to fulfill Fox's dream of eradicating cancer.
At the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, a new project is underway to create an interactive display so people can learn about all aspects of Fox's life.
"We're incredibly proud to be the hometown of Terry Fox and I think what comes with that is a special responsibility to ensure that the next generation learns Terry's story," said West.
The city has put out a call for people to donate photos and memorabilia – and for those with a personal connection to possibly record audio or video of their memories.
"People, they always want somebody to be their hero," said Fleming, about his relationship with Fox. "You know he was driven to the point of stubbornness, and driven, and on and on."
The city plans to unveil the interactive exhibit in the foyer of the community centre in the spring of 2025.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pablo Rodriguez to sit as an Independent MP after resigning from Trudeau's cabinet
Longtime cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez will be sitting as an Independent MP after stepping down as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s transport minister and Quebec Lieutenant, CTV News has learned.
Lebanon is rocked again by exploding devices as Israel declares a new phase of war
Walkie-talkies exploded in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon on Wednesday in a second wave of attacks targeting devices a day after pagers used by Hezbollah blew up, state media and officials for the militant group said. At least 20 people were killed and more than 450 wounded in the second wave, the Health Ministry said.
CTV News in Italy Stolen Winston Churchill 'Roaring Lion' portrait returned after ceremony in Italy
A special ceremony at the Canadian Embassy in Rome marked the successful recovery of an iconic portrait of Winston Churchill after a two-year search by Ottawa police.
Huge python grabs Thai woman in her kitchen, squeezes her two hours before she can be freed
A 64-year-old woman was preparing to do her evening dishes at her home outside Bangkok when she felt a sharp pain in her thigh and looked down to see a huge python taking hold of her.
Quebec woman charged with first-degree murder in death of five-year-old boy
A 29-year-old Quebec woman is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of a five-year-old boy southwest of Montreal.
Ontario police arrest 2 suspects, search for 3 others in door-to-door-sales fraud
Two people have been arrested, and three others are still at large in connection with a door-to-door sales fraud that police said victimized more than 200 people across Ontario.
NASA scientists recreate Mars 'spiders' on Earth for first time
NASA scientists have successfully replicated spider-like shapes found on the surface of Mars in a laboratory setting for the first time.
Ontario mother scammed out of $1,800 in Taylor Swift ticket scam
An Ontario mother lost $1,800 hoping to get Taylor Swift tickets for her seven-year-old daughter. 'I don't understand how someone could just take advantage of someone and their hard-earned money, and it was a gift for a seven-year-old girl,' Dana Caputo, of Tottenham, Ont., told CTV News Toronto.
Melania Trump says she stands 'proudly behind my nude modelling work'
Former U.S. first lady Melania Trump posted a new video on social media Wednesday defending her previous nude modellingwork as she promoted her new book.