Betty Fox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Betty Fox
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Betty Fox (far left, front) carries the Olympic flag into the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Vancouver.
|
|
| Born |
Betty Lou Wark
November 15, 1937 Boissevain, Manitoba, Canada
|
| Died | June 17, 2011 (aged 73) Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
|
| Occupation | Activist |
| Spouse(s) |
Rolland Fox
(m. 1956; |
| Children | 4; including Terry |
Betty Lou Fox (born Wark; November 15, 1937 – June 17, 2011) was a Canadian activist who worked to support cancer research. She was the mother of Terry Fox, who became famous for his "Marathon of Hope." Betty Fox also helped create the Terry Fox Foundation, which continues her son's important work. She played a huge role in keeping Terry's dream alive.
About Betty Fox
Betty Fox was born in Boissevain, Manitoba, on November 15, 1937. She grew up in Melita, Manitoba. Later, as a teenager, she moved to Winnipeg. There, she met Rolland "Rolly" Fox, and they got married in 1956.
Betty and Rolly had four children: Fred, Terry, Darrell, and Judith. In 1966, their family moved to Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. In March 1977, their son Terry was diagnosed with a type of bone cancer called osteogenic sarcoma. Because of this, his right leg had to be removed above the knee.
Terry's Marathon of Hope
Terry Fox wanted to help others with cancer. He decided to run across Canada to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He called his journey the "Marathon of Hope." It began on April 12, 1980, in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Terry ran for 143 days, covering an amazing 5,373 kilometers (about 3,339 miles). Sadly, he had to stop his run on September 1, 1980. The cancer had spread to his lungs, and he could no longer continue. He was about two-thirds of the way across Canada when he stopped near Thunder Bay, Ontario. Even though he couldn't finish, people all over the world were inspired by his courage. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981.
Continuing Terry's Dream
After Terry's death, Betty Fox made sure his dream lived on. She helped develop the Terry Fox Run with the Canadian Cancer Society. In 1988, the Terry Fox Foundation became its own charity. Betty led many parts of the run and the foundation. She worked hard to make sure everything followed Terry's original wishes and goals.
Betty Fox traveled across Canada, speaking to many people. It's thought that she spoke to over 400,000 schoolchildren during her 25 years of touring. She shared Terry's inspiring story, always ending her speeches with her famous words: "Never, ever give up on your dreams."
Betty Fox was also honored for her work. She was chosen to be one of the people carrying the Olympic flag at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. A month later, on March 12, 2010, Betty and her husband Rolly carried the Paralympic Torch into the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympic Games. This was a special moment, as a part of the ceremony was dedicated to their son, Terry.
Her Legacy
Betty Fox passed away on June 17, 2011. Her memorial service was held in Port Coquitlam, in the same church where Terry's service had been held 30 years earlier. Many people attended, including important leaders. Her passing was reported widely across North America.
Her husband, Rolland Fox, passed away on March 9, 2016. Betty Fox's dedication ensured that the "Marathon of Hope" continues to inspire millions and raise money for cancer research around the world.
