Abu Dhabi: "Terry had a strong character, even in the early years of his life. He demonstrated this by being a leader and not a follower.
"His attitude towards life was positive, he embraced life and all that it offered him," those were some of the words used by Judith Fox-Adler to describe her late brother Terrance Stanley Fox, known as Terry Fox.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Judith opened up about some of the memories she shared with Terry.
Judith, the youngest of four children and the only girl, who was seven years younger than Terry, arrived in the UAE for the first time, to help convey her brother's message during the upcoming 15th Abu Dhabi Terry Fox Run (TFR), where money raised will be donated to the Faculty of Medicine in the UAE University, to help fund innovative cancer research projects, in collaboration with the UAE's cancer registry in Tawam Hospital.
Terry Fox (July 28, 1958 - June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete, who ran with a prosthetic leg during the Marathon of Hope in 1980, to raise money for cancer research. Ever since, he has been recognised internationally during the annual TFR; the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research.
Different types
Proud of her brother, and keen to pass on Terry's mission, who she feels has inspired and motivated people worldwide in all areas of their lives, Judith stressed the importance of conducting cancer research, which she described as an extremely expensive undertaking.
"There are 250 types of cancer to be explored. Terry believed that monies were desperately needed to find cures for all cancers," she told Gulf News.
According to Judith, Terry was a fun person to be around.
"He had a great sense of humour; he was also very determined, when he made up his mind to do something, he was undeterred." Judith and Terry fought, made up, had fun together and were there for one another during difficult times. "We were like other siblings."
Her message to people with medical conditions is to remain hopeful. "Terry never gave up hope and remained positive. I would encourage any cancer patient to do the same. It's critically important to share with family or friends their feelings and thoughts and in return they will receive daily encouragement."
Event information
- The 15th Annual Abu Dhabi Terry Fox Run
- WHEN: Friday February 19
- TIME: Registration begins at 8am and the Run itself will start at 10am.
- WHERE: The Run will kick off from 30th Street (Khaleej Al Arabi) on the Corniche to the car park near the Corniche Hospital, and back.
- People can walk, run, roller-blade or skateboard, and the course is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but cycling will not be permitted due to safety precautions.
- Expected number of participants: Over 15,000
