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Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health
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Terry Fox Run
September 18th, 2011
Terry Fox will always be remembered for his legendary, 1980 Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research. Running on an artificial leg, this young man completed the equivalent of one marathon a day over 143 days. Tragically, Terry had to cut his run short when his cancer returned, but he had already raised a staggering $24 million for cancer research.
Following Terry's death, his mother, Betty, spoke to close to 400,000 school children about her son's dream to beat cancer. She finished each speech with the statement "Never, ever, give up on your dreams." Canada lost a great supporter of cancer research when Betty Fox died earlier this year.
Every September, school children across Canada and around the world honour Terry and continue his dream through sponsored runs supporting cancer research. Terry's vision, carried on by his mother, has raised over $500 million. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer our gratitude to the Fox family and to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Caring for those who have cancer, as well as finding a cure are essential. Since 2000, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.3 billion in cancer research and $159 million in 2009-2010 alone. The Cancer Research Institute, which is part of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, also collaborates with the Terry Fox Foundation, to fund a research program for cure-oriented studies. These organizations also manage a $12 million grant program to train and develop the next generation of cancer researchers.
The Government of Canada's commitment extends beyond research. We recently renewed funding of $250 million over five years, beginning in 2012, for the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. This support will ensure that the latest evidence and best practices are used across the country to improve prevention and patient support, early detection techniques, and treatments for all cancers.
This year, the Terry Fox Run will take place on September 18th. Your participation and pledges will ensure that Terry's commitment to cancer research lives on. I encourage all Canadians to visit the 
Terry Fox Foundation site to learn about events in your community.
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
