Terry Fox Run — Photo by Four Seasons

As we collectively come together and adapt to this year's challenges, it's more important than ever to continue to support Terry Fox's vision of a world without cancer, and the work he began 40 years ago.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is inviting runners, walkers, riders and skaters to take part in a virtual version of the Terry Fox Run held annually at Toronto's Wilket Creek Park, a beloved tradition for Four Seasons corporate and hotel employees and thousands of others who have collectively raised close to CAD 12 million at this event alone. From its humble and heartfelt beginnings in Canada 40 years ago, the Terry Fox Run has become the world's largest single day fundraiser, now taking place in 33 countries across five continents, including more than 10,000 events across Canada.

Here's How It Works

  • Register as an individual, family or virtual team here, and start fundraising.
  • On Sunday, September 20, 2020, run, walk, ride or skate - down the street, around the block, even in your own backyard - and then share the results on the page you have created, and follow the instructions for making the donations you have raised to the Terry Fox Foundation.
  • You can also set up your own challenge by joining the Try Like Terry Challenge on social media.
  • Not able to physically participate? Donate here, and encourage others to join in the effort to raise money for cancer research in Terry's name.

Forever Terry: A Legacy in Letters

This year, to commemorate Terry's historic and heroic effort, a selection of remembrances has been compiled in a new book, Forever Terry: A Legacy in Letters, now available for purchase and gifting with proceeds supporting the Terry Fox Foundation. Among the many letters shared by prominent Canadians including sports stars, entertainers, authors and activists, Four Seasons Founder and Chairman Isadore Sharp shares details of his very personal relationship with Terry, and the events that led to the inaugural Terry Fox Run in 1981. In his own words:

"Terry will always be a part of not only the history of Canada but of humanity. It was an honour and privilege to know him and to be a part of his brave and hopeful marathon. As I committed to Terry four decades ago, I will not rest until his dream is realized and we will not stop running until the battle is won."

Realising Terry's Dream

More than CAD 500,000 was raised in the 2019 Terry Fox Run at Wilket Creek, with close to CAD 12 million raised through this run site alone since 1981. Every dollar raised has gone directly to the Terry Fox Foundation. Projects supported by this event include precision oncology for young people with hard-to-treat cancers; genetic research into hereditary cancers including Li-Fraumeni Syndrome; special projects of the Terry Fox Research Institute related to brain and eye cancers; advanced research to help understand and treat leukemia; overcoming treatment failure in lymphoid cancers and drug resistance in prostate cancer; improvement early detection of lung cancer and more.

Additional events organised by Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world also support cancer research and care in their own communities.

The Marathon of Hope Continues

Terry Fox inspired Canadians with his 1980 Marathon of Hope, and Isadore Sharp personally pledged to Terry's cause and wrote to 999 other Canadian executives urging them to support cancer research. Sadly, Terry succumbed to the disease the following year. The first Terry Fox Run was organised by Sharp and Four Seasons and held in 1981, and today there are thousands of annual Terry Fox Runs around the world, all volunteer led and organised. To date, more than CAD 750 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name.

To learn more about Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope, how the Terry Fox Foundation is making a difference and how individuals and companies can support cancer research around the world, visit the Terry Fox Foundation website, and follow the fight against cancer on Facebook and Twitter.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961, and since that time has been dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 119 hotels and resorts, and 44 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.

Sarah Tuite
Senior Director, Corporate Public Relations
+1 416 441 4350
Four Seasons

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