Terry Fox and Me

Before Terry Fox become a national hero and icon, he was just a regular kid. But even then, his characteristic strength, determination and loyalty were apparent and were the foundation for his friendship with Doug. The two first met at basketball tryouts in grammar school. Terry was the smallest - and worst - basketball player on the court. But that didn't stop him. With Doug's help, Terry practiced and practiced until he earned a spot on the team. As they grew up, the best friends supported each other, challenged each other, helped each other become better athletes and better people. Doug was by Terry's side every step of the way: when Terry received a diagnosis of cancer in his leg, when he was learning to walk then run with a prosthetic leg and while he was training for the race of his life, his Marathon of Hope.

Written from Doug's perspective, this story shows that Terry Fox's legacy goes beyond the physical and individual accomplishments of a disabled athlete and honours the true value of friendship. (From Tundra Books)

Mary Beth Leatherdale is an author and storytellerbased in Toronto. She, along with co-writer Lisa Charleyboy, won theBest Young Adult Book at the 2018AILAYouth Literature Awards for their anthology#NotYourPrincess.

Milan Pavlovi is a illustrator, graphic artist and educator from Toronto. He is the illustrator of several children's books, includingThe Boy Who Invented the PopsiclebyAnne Renaud.

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More about Terry Fox

The Marathon of Hope lives on in 1981

43 years ago

Duration 6:05

By 1981 people everywhere are running for Terry Fox and celebrating his achievement. Aired Sept. 13, 1981 on CBC's The National.

In memory of Terry Fox

43 years ago

Duration 1:34

Thousands of Canadians take to the streets as part of the first annual Terry Fox Run. Leading the charge is Terry's close friend Rick Hansen. Aired Sept. 13, 1981 on CBC's The National.

First annual Terry Fox Run in 1981

43 years ago

Duration 6:08

By 1981 people everywhere are running for Terry Fox and celebrating his achievement. Aired Sept. 13, 1981 on CBC's The National.

The Fox family's dream

25 years ago

Duration 7:43

Nearly two decades after Terry's run, Betty and Darrell Fox still hope a cure for cancer can be found.