Betty Fox is a very influential person throughout the country of Canada. Her son Terry Fox was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated 15 centimeters (six inches) above the knee in 1977. http://www.terryfox.org/Foundation/
He decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research and would call his journey the Marathon of Hope. It was a journey that Canadians never forgot. Eventually, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometers (3,339 miles) Terry had to stop due to cancer in his lungs. He later died June 28, 1981 at the age 22. http://www.terryfox.org/Foundation/
Why she should carry Olympic torch: Betty Fox is now the Fox that passes on Terry’s tradition. Most people of Canada would love to see her carry the torch. Having his mother light the torch at the other end, 30 years later, would show how his legacy is still defining. This is Canada’s one shot to knit together an often fragmented country and Betty Fox is the one person to do so. http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/vancouver/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Fox-not-Gretzky-should-light-cauldron?urn=oly,218877
Quotes
“I'm so proud to think that 25 years after Terry started this marathon, people are showing up and still believing in what he started.”
"I'm out here to share my son's story, to thank people for their contributions in helping to keep his dream alive.”
“Terry didn't want any glory out of his run and we don't want any glory either.”
“We're so proud of Canadians and people worldwide who are keeping Terry's dream alive.”
