Terry Fox

Definition

Terry Fox was a Canadian humanitarian and athlete who ran across Canada on one leg to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

Explanation

Terry Fox was an amputee who, in 1980, undertook a cross-country marathon called the Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research. Though he could not complete the full journey due to illness, his effort captured Canadian hearts and spirit. Terry Fox has become a symbol of Canadian courage, determination, and humanitarian values. His legacy continues through the annual Terry Fox Run, one of Canada's largest fundraising events for cancer research.

Why this matters for your test

The citizenship test includes questions about Canadian heroes and values. Terry Fox exemplifies Canadian qualities of perseverance and community spirit that are important to Canadian identity.

Frequently asked questions

What does Terry Fox mean?

Terry Fox was a Canadian humanitarian and athlete who ran across Canada on one leg to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Terry Fox was an amputee who, in 1980, undertook a cross-country marathon called the Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research. Though he could not complete the full journey due to illness, his effort captured Canadian hearts and spirit. Terry Fox has become a symbol of Canadian courage, determination, and humanitarian values. His legacy continues through the annual Terry Fox Run, one of Canada's largest fundraising events for cancer research.

Why is Terry Fox important for the citizenship test?

The citizenship test includes questions about Canadian heroes and values. Terry Fox exemplifies Canadian qualities of perseverance and community spirit that are important to Canadian identity.

How might Terry Fox appear on the test?

Expect a multiple-choice question that either asks for the definition of Terry Fox, or asks you to identify it from a short scenario. Practising real exam-style questions is the fastest way to lock the term in.

Source: Discover Canada (2025)