Terry Fox was 22 years old when he passed away on June 28, 1981. Born on July 28, 1958, he was diagnosed with bone cancer at 18, lost his right leg to amputation, and launched his legendary Marathon of Hope at age 21 in 1980.

Quick Facts

  • Birth : July 28, 1958, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Diagnosis : Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 1977, age 18
  • Marathon Start : April 12, 1980, age 21; ran ~42 km daily for 143 days, covering 5,373 km
  • Death : June 28, 1981, age 22 (cancer spread to lungs)

His Story

Terry's resolve turned personal tragedy into national inspiration. After seeing suffering kids in hospital, he vowed to run across Canada for cancer research, starting in Newfoundland despite early indifference. Canadians rallied as he pushed on, raising millions—his run halted near Thunder Bay, but his legacy endures via annual Terry Fox Runs that've collected over $850 million worldwide.

Today (Jan 2026) , Terry would've turned 67 last July; his story still motivates amid ongoing cancer fights.

TL;DR : Died at 22 after heroic run at 21.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.