Terry & Me

Terry Fox is one of the most well-known and celebrated Canadians‚ with more than $800 million raised in his name to support cancer research. His legacy is so large and unquestionable that it can be easy to forget how it all began. 

In Terry & Me, a new book by Bill Vigars, readers are transported back to 1980, when Fox was in remission from his cancer and embarked on his nowiconic run. His ambitious goal: to run across Canada while raising $24 million, a dollar for every Canadian then alive. But when Fox chose to begin his run in St. John’s, N.L., in April, he didn’t realize that the timing coincided with the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual daffodil campaign — its biggest fundraising initiative that consumed substantial time and resources. 

Vigars worked for the cancer society and was eventually sent to meet with Fox in New Brunswick to see if he was “the real deal.” By that time Fox had already been running for nearly two months and had yet to attract much attention to his cause. Vigars immediately knew that he was witnessing something special and started making plans to build public support for the runner — beginning with Fox’s triumphant arrival in Ottawa on Canada Day. 

Through personal memories, letters, and diaries, as well as recent conversations with others who shared in Fox’s journey, Vigars takes readers through the logistical challenges and emotional highs and lows of the now-famous Marathon of Hope. He also provides a firsthand look into Fox’s spirit — quiet, resilient, determined, and unwavering in his commitment to raise awareness and money for cancer research. 

From the sidelines, Vigars watched as Fox captured the hearts of those who were lucky enough to cross his path, whether it was a young cancer patient, a law-enforcement officer, or a stranger along the route. Terry & Me is a deeply personal and insightful account of Fox’s Marathon of Hope from one of his closest friends and confidantes.