The Terry Fox Exhibit at the Royal B.C. Museum is sure to inspire-Don`t miss it

   by Keith and Heather Nicol

   On Thursday, April 13 we visited the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria to see the Terry Fox exhibit which opened the day before – 37 years to the day after Terry dipped his leg into the Atlantic Ocean in St John`s. Although he didn`t know it at the time Terry Fox was embarking on what would become one of the most famous runs in Canadian history-The Marathon of Hope. The exhibit was developed by the Canadian Museum of History in conjunction with the Terry Fox Centre. 

Seeing the van Terry Fox used for his cross country run was a hghlight

 This exhibit not only has lots of memorabilia related to his 143 day run but also many personal stories related to the people he met along the way.  We enjoyed seeing the iconic Ford E250 Econoline Van which  became his home away from home for his run to raise money and awareness about cancer. The exhibit has many videos, artifacts and photos about his run which also tell the tale of Terry`s selflessness and determination which would eventually capture the imagination of all Canadians. For many he is one of Canada`s true heroes and it is a fitting story to tell on Canada’s 150^th anniversary. 

Terry starting off in St John`s Newfoundland

      We particularly liked the story of his interaction with 10 year old Greg Scott who also lost a leg to cancer. There is a poignant video of Terry and Greg sharing an afternoon swim after a tiring day of running. “I had the most inspirational day of my life today”  Terry told the people of Terrace Bay, Ontario that evening.  

 

Terry with 10 year old Greg Scott

      Although fundraising was slow to start, Terry reached his goal of raising $1,000,000 for cancer research as his run traversed Ontario through the summer of 1980. Unfortunately his cancer returned and Terry was forced to end his run near Thunder Bay on September 1 after running 3339 miles. Although Terry passed away on June 18, 1981 his life lives on through the annual Terry Fox runs held across Canada. They have now raised over $700,000,000 for cancer awareness and research! If you are traveling to Victoria, B.C. this summer be sure to catch this exhibit of one of Canada’s most inspiring citizens. The exhibit runs until October 1, 2017. For more information see: http://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/

The exhibit was popular with kids on the day we saw it.