"Even though I'm not running anymore, we still have to try to find a cure for cancer. Other people should go ahead and try to do their own thing now"

Terry Fox’s words reflect both humility and enduring commitment to a cause greater than himself. After undertaking his monumental Marathon of Hope, running thousands of kilometers across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research despite losing a leg to the disease, he acknowledges the limits of his personal journey. Physical constraints have forced him to stop running, but his conviction toward the mission remains resolute. The attempt to find a cure for cancer, he implies, does not end with his personal effort. The fight is ongoing, and it is a collective responsibility, not the domain of a single individual.

By expressing the need to “try to find a cure for cancer,” Fox recognizes the gravity and complexity of the challenge. Cancer, for him, is not just a personal adversary but a widespread affliction that affects countless lives. He feels a duty not just to continue the battle as long as he can, but also to inspire others to participate in this mission. When he says, “Other people should go ahead and try to do their own thing now,” he invites others to find their own voices, methods, and strengths in contributing to this crucial cause. It is a call to action, encouraging initiative, ownership, and diversity of effort. Rather than positioning himself as a lone hero, he understands the need for collective action where everyone’s unique approach matters.

His tone is both hopeful and pragmatic. He does not assume the responsibility of defeating cancer rests solely on his shoulders; instead, he passes the torch, trusting that the community will continue what he began. The words reflect the spirit of perseverance and activism, urging others to carry forward the legacy, innovate, and maintain momentum. In stepping back, Fox affirms that individual limitations must not become the limitations of the cause itself. His legacy is not just the run, but the enduring motivation for others to keep striving toward a cure.