Terry Fox Monument, St. John`s

The Terry Fox Memorial in St. John's commemorates Terry Fox's iconic Marathon of Hope, where he ran across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. The memorial, located in a small park behind the Port Authority Building, features a bronze statue of Fox dipping his prosthetic foot into the Atlantic Ocean, symbolizing the start of his journey. The memorial was dedicated on the 32nd anniversary of the Marathon of Hope, with Fox's family in attendance.

While the statue serves as a material connection to Fox's remarkable journey and aims to inspire future generations, it raises concerns about Fox's own wishes. Throughout his marathon, Fox emphasized that he did not seek personal fame or recognition but rather aimed to raise money to help those in need. The substantial cost of building the statue, approximately $450,000, could have been directed towards cancer research instead. Fox's views during his lifetime suggest he might have preferred funds to be allocated differently.

However, the statue does not diminish the significance of Fox's accomplishments and his impact on cancer research. It allows people to visually connect with one of Canada's greatest figures and serves as a reminder of his dedication and generosity. The memorial, along with annual Terry Fox runs and other dedications across the country, continues to inspire individuals to pursue their goals and make a positive difference. Ultimately, the statue serves as a testament to Terry Fox's legacy, even though alternative ways of memorializing him may have been more aligned with his own values.