We thank our champions for taking the time to express their sentiments on the Terry Fox Legacy Project.

ISadore Sharp

As the Founder and Chairman of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts I am writing to lend my personal support and that of our 43,000 employees worldwide for a permanent Terry Fox Memorial in Toronto - an enduring tribute to Terry’s courage and vision.

Thirty-five years ago, this brave man began a Marathon of Hope. Despite having lost a leg to cancer, Terry proposed to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Inspired by his courage and determination, I pledged $10,000 to support his cause and personally wrote to another 999 Canadian corporations urging them to do the same. 

When Terry heard about this, he called me. With an emotional and breaking voice, he said that he was ready to throw in the towel, but if we believed in him he would fight on.

And he did.

…After 143 days - running a marathon a day - Terry’s cancer returned and he was forced to stop before completing his challenge. I immediately sent a telegram to the Fox family, promising that an annual run would be held in Terry’s name until the battle against cancer was won. A few months after Terry’s death, the first run was held. It drew more than 300,000 Canadian participants and raised $3.2 million. The Terry Fox Run is now held each September in more than 50 countries and is the world’s largest one-day fund raiser for cancer research.

To date, over $700 million worldwide has been raised. 

I am confident that the memorial would become a Toronto landmark, both a place for reflection and a catalyst for future fund-raising, so that Terry’s goal of finding a cure for cancer can be achieved. 

Darryl Sittler

My name is Darryl Sittler and I played in the National Hockey League from 1970 to 1985; I was team captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and am a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. I now serve on the board of several mining companies and am a supporter of  the Special Olympics, and Screen Colons Canada and Colon Cancer Canada in honor of my wife Wendy who died in 2001. 

In July, 1980 I was honoured to run with Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope down University Avenue from Yorkville to Nathan Phillips Square. It was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. University Avenue was lined with people and the square at City Hall was packed.

I was fortunate to get to know Terry over the next few months as he ran through Ontario. He continues to be an inspiration to me and his photo hangs proudly in my home. To me he is the greatest Canadian ever!

Terry did so much for all of us in such a short period in his life, but his legacy will live forever. He was truly a man of so much courage, determination and humility that he has become a role model for Canadians of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

It will be a place to remember Terry's legacy, but also inspire generations to model his altruism and crusading spirit. 

Thank you,  
Darryl Sittler

Her Honour the Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

When we think of Terry Fox and his marathon from St. John’s Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, we feel the magnitude of his epic journey. We all know the story, but it is worth recalling. 

We do so in thanksgiving for the life that has inspired tens of millions of people here and around the world.  We come together to carry on where Terry left off – to raise funds for cancer research while at the same time challenging ourselves to become better people…

To believe in the miracles we can perform in our own lives…
And to encourage that spirit of hope in each other, and in our own communities.
As The Queen’s representative in Ontario, et au nom de la Reine, thank you for your tremendous efforts in honouring a hero we call our own.

David Crombie

David Crombie, PC OC Ont, is a Canadian politician, professor and consultant.  He served as mayor of Toronto from 1972 to 1978.

It's been 35 years since Terry Fox crossed the intersection of University & College in Toronto and propelled himself into our hearts-- and into our history.

Since that time, he has become a Canadian and indeed a global legend of unique proportion. He has become, indisputably, our iconic touchstone for evoking the possibilities for human courage, determination and accomplishment in the face of barriers that lie in all of us.

When he lit his candle, he brightened our world. And his gift keeps on giving as each new generation learns of his extraordinary pilgrimage. 
 

David Crombie

PAUL ALOFS

As President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, I am delighted to provide my enthusiastic endorsement of the Terry Fox Legacy Project!

The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the world’s top 5 cancer research centres. In April 2012, exactly 32 years to the day after Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope - we launched the Billion Dollar Challenge with a goal of securing $500 million in philanthropy and $500 million in research grants over a 5 year period to create a new model of Personalized Cancer Medicine. Like Terry Fox, we have a goal and a vision: To Conquer Cancer in Our Lifetime.

It is absolutely fitting to erect a memorial to Terry Fox - one of our country’s greatest heroes [...]. Cancer research - like Terry’s quest - is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires passion, skill, determination, strength, hope and persistence.

I have no doubt that the memorial will become a Toronto landmark and will serve to stimulate future fundraising so that Terry’s goal of finding a cure for cancer can be achieved. It will also bring Terry’s legacy into the present and ensure that generations to come are motivated by one of history’s great Canadians.

JOE CRESSY

Joe Cressy is the City Councillor for Ward 20, Trinity Spadina. 

As the City Councillor for Ward 20, I would like to express my enthusiastic support for the Terry Fox Legacy Project in celebration and remembrance of a remarkable Canadian.

It is my hope that with the erection of this memorial in Terry's honour, his legacy and Toronto's contributions to innovative cancer research in his name, will continue to change the face of cancer research around the globe.

Michael Mcclew

I am a retired Ernst & Young Senior partner. I have had the privilege of being involved in The Terry Fox Run from its inception. In fact I am proud to say that not only I, as de facto Chairman for many years, but my wife Breeda McClew (in a number of roles including Ontario Provincial Director, National Director and International Director of The Terry Fox Foundation), our eldest daughter Katharine Davidson (Organizer of the first Terry Fox Run in Ontario) and our youngest daughter, Martha McClew (currently and for over 20 years the Ontario Provincial Director of The Terry Fox Foundation) continue to be totally committed to the furtherance of the challenge that Terry Fox gave to all Canadians 35 years ago – to find a cure for cancer.

During these years some $750 million has been raised in Canada and in over 50 countries around the world.  

It was shortly before her death that Betty Fox (Terry’s mother) and her husband Rolly indicated to us that they would heartily endorse a memorial to Terry in Toronto.  

My family and I most earnestly appeal to you to approve the subject site for this most noble cause.

Yours sincerely,  

Captain M.J. McClew, R.A.R.O. MA (Oxon) C.M.C. O.L.E.

TERRY NICHOLSON

Terry Nicholson was Director of Arts & Culture Services, Economic Development & Culture for the City of Toronto. 

I am writing to provide my enthusiastic support for the proposed Terry Fox Memorial in the City of Toronto.  I remember well the day in 1980 when Terry made his way down University Avenue on his way to City Hall and in current terminology, his "Marathon of Hope" went viral. 

I remain impressed with your dedication to achieving the highest quality in design, and I will continue to support you in this objective.