New book captures ‘intimate look’ at Terry Fox

globalnews.ca:

Terry Fox had run the length of a marathon a day during his journey across Canada, she was shocked.Like most Canadians, Adhiya had known about the icon’s 1980 mission to raise funds for cancer research through a 4,700-mile run from Newfoundland to British Columbia, but not much about Fox’s childhood, the day-to-day grind of his run and his deep connection to his supporters.The editor and writer’s new book, Hope by Terry Fox, published this month by ECW Press and Burman Books, explores who Fox was beyond what he called his Marathon of Hope through interviews, journal excerpts, letters and photos.“As Canadians, we adore him for very good reason, and he is our iconic hero,” Adhiya said. “But I think this book allows you to really understand the depth of who he was as a human being.”“This is hope, as Terry Fox would teach you.”Fox, of Port Coquitlam, B.C., was 18 years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have his right leg amputated.

His personal experience motivated him to raise money for cancer research, a move that took the form of the Marathon of Hope.After months of training, Fox began his cross-country run in St. John’s, N.L., garnering a frenzy of fans and media attention along the way.In her attempt to explore Fox’s journey and his background, Adhiya — a former editor at The Canadian Press, Associated Press and Reuters – conducted more than 50 interviews with people from throughout Fox’s life over the course of several months.From the interviews, which included family, childhood friends and nurses, details about Fox’s life emerged that much of the public is likely unaware of, Adhiya said.“You are painted a picture through their eyes of who he was through all these little bits that no one knew