Terry Fox: A Canadian Hero

A hero has noble qualities that they are admired for their brave deeds. A heroic individual puts their own life at great risk for the greater good of others. Although, these brave deeds give them the capability to endure overwhelming obstacles such as affliction and negligence. One individual who has confronted challenges in life is Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. Leslie Scrivener, the author of Terry Fox: His Story, describes Terry’s childhood struggles which guided him to accomplish his goals. As a child, Fox Terry always had a competitive spirit when it came to sports. However, at the age of 18, Terry was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma and had to amputate his right leg to be attached to a prosthetic.

He continues to inspire many people by demonstrating the true meaning of selflessness. Terry made many sacrifices to run across Canada, for instance, fighting against his leg. Terry had big dreams for his future, but since he was disabled, his hope of becoming a gym teacher was annihilated. His motivation was his only key to success. Seeing other patients battling cancer impacted him to discover a change in his own behaviour and ultimately make a difference in society. Through his detrimental past, he took this challenge and made it positive by raising awareness. “After that night Terry never looked back to his world trying to run but he'd said to look on the loss of his leg as a new challenge he was going to work hard just as he worked hard for all of his accomplishments” (Scrivener 43). Terry faced many challenges, running through ice storms, bitter winds, and the summer heat. Even so, he preserved, earned sponsors, and love from fans. Though he was an ordinary man, he became a hero when he embarked on the Marathon of Hope. The marathon started with only a van, 2 friends and his strong belief in miracles. Terry had the chance to choose a new goal that didn’t require his leg. He changed people’s attitude towards the disabled and possessed qualities that made him a hero. The power of determination. When one allows themselves to continue to achieve their dreams even while facing challenges, the impact of

It can be difficult to overcome challenges without strength, support, and management skills. It is captivating to see those who are successful embrace obstacles, whereas one may see them as impenetrable barriers. I see myself as Terry, striving for victory and helping my surroundings. But, in order to do so, I myself have faced challenges that were heavy on my shoulders but have shaped me into a better person. My grade 7 year began uneventfully where I was challenged to know the importance of self-respect. As I grew, I started to perfect myself with my academic work, thinking I wasn’t good enough to be successful in life. I was only focused on my academic achievements to the point where I chose my praise for perfection over my friends and family. My family reached out to me asking if I needed help sorting out my issues, but I found it to be a distraction from my work, and conclusively drifted apart from them. My thirst for perfection came to a point where I thought that my family was an interference and the only way to persist in precision was to pressure myself. I sensed desolation and soon ended up in a hole of depression and anxiety. I soon realized that the only way to let this mindset go was by cutting the strings of perfectionism. I realized that my self worth was greater than others'. Comprehending my worth helped me become a stronger person in having confidence in myself. Challenges arise and may intimidate your journey, but once