The Marathon of Hope: The Legacy of Terry Fox
In the annals of Canadian history, few figures embody the spirit of resilience and selflessness quite like Terry Fox. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1958, Fox was an active, competitive teenager who excelled in sports, particularly basketball. His life took an unexpected and devastating turn in 1977 when, at just eighteen years old, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. The diagnosis required the immediate amputation of his right leg above the knee, followed by months of intense chemotherapy. Rather than allowing this profound adversity to defeat him, Fox emerged from the ordeal with a renewed sense of purpose and a monumental vision that would capture the heart of an entire nation.
- Osteosarcoma:
- A rare type of bone cancer that typically develops during periods of rapid growth in teenagers and young adults.
- Prosthetic:
- An artificial device used to replace a missing limb or body part.
- Transcontinental:
- Crossing from one side of a continent to the other.
- Resilience:
- The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, pain, or extreme adversity.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What diagnosis did Terry Fox receive in 1977, and what immediate physical treatment did it require?
- 2What inspired Terry Fox to organize the Marathon of Hope?
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About this biography passage for Middle School
“The Marathon of Hope: The Legacy of Terry Fox” is a biography reading passage about Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope, written for Middle School. It takes about 4 minutes to read (545 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.