Exactly 25 years ago an ordinary Canadian proved that extra-ordinary effort is possible even with a disease as debilitating as cancer. With pride, we remember our hero Terry Fox, who was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed and lost his right leg to Cancer. Shortly afterward, his decision to run across Canada was announced. He had a definite purpose, which was to eradicate Cancer, and he needed a goal through which to achieve this purpose. Terry’s goal was to raise 1 Million dollars for cancer research, and his run across Canada was the vehicle he chose to raise this money.
During the ‘Marathon of Hope’ Terry ran with a prosthetic leg an average of 42 kilometers each day, for 143 straight days. Terry’s run from St. John’s Newfoundland to Northern Ontario had stolen the attention and generosity of millions of people.
A total of $24 Million dollars was raised during the Marathon of Hope. That is 23 Million more than his original goal and we are still raising money today from his cause, his courage, and the power of his purpose!
25 years ago, this September 1st, 2005 marks a quarter century since Terry’s last day running the Marathon of Hope, but his legend lives on. Physically, Terry’s feat defies explanation. Terry’s attitude of persistent determination and courage led him to victory. Although he only completed a portion of his distance across Canada, he surpassed his goal of funds raised by $23 Million. Society has benefited tremendously not only from the cancer research, but the example of courage and determination that he demonstrated. He is an inspiration to us all.
Perhaps something as amazing as Terry’s contribution to society seems impossible for an average person to accomplish; but when you really think about the example of persistence that Terry Fox set for us, it is apparent that this level of success IS possible! When our actions come from a sense of purpose, we feel that what we do matters. We are able to keep going despite all obstacles. Everyone feels moments of despair and fear at times, but the successful person is the one who keeps going.
Have you ever wondered what YOU could do with a definite purpose, a goal, and the courage to attain it? (Or maybe we should ask what we “couldn’t” do with these qualities.) Purpose is a personal choice. It’s important to know that your existence means something, and that your contribution to society is important. Having a sense of purpose is powerful. It gives us energy, creativity; we accomplish much more, and feel satisfied with ourselves. Rarely do people take the time to reflect on their purpose, yet we are always amazed at heroes like Terry Fox who have performed outstanding feats.
‘Everyday Heroes’ is a phrase that I have heard recently about a neighbour of mine, Barry Spilchuk from North Bay, Ontario who is the founder of ‘The Everyday Heroes Foundation’, and is currently on a mission to raise $100 Million dollars for charity. Our well-known Co Author of the best seller ‘A Cup Of Chicken Soup For The Soul,’ Barry Spilchuk is on route to play a total of 111 golf courses in North America. The charities that will benefit make up an acronym for G.O.L.F. (God based charities, Obesity and diabetes research, Learning foundations for children & Family based charities)
Like Terry Fox, the ‘Everyday Heroes Foundation’ has an incredible goal to work toward, and an incredible amount of purpose driving it. While interviewed on a national radio station years ago, Barry’s interviewer asked, “How does a guy from North Bay, Ontario, get to co-author a book with Jack Canfield?” Barry’s response was, “Well the way I look at it, you’ve got to be from somewhere.”
Everyday Heroes ARE possible, and are among us already. Whether your current goals are not as audacious as Terry’s, or whether they are, you can ride the energy in the memories of people like Terry Fox, who’s legacy leave us feeling proud, confident, and motivated to make a difference. As we commemorate Terry Fox this month, take a moment and ask yourself, “Am I doing my best? Am I investing my time to develop my strengths? What one thing could I do, consistently, that would have significant positive results in my life and in the lives of others?” Put your action toward these answers and you too WILL make a significant and positive difference. This may be a small step toward becoming your personal best, living on purpose, or making a difference, but it will be one step closer to reaching what you desire. Viktor Frankl left us with some powerful words about having a definite purpose by which to live your life. He said “When you have a ‘why’ you can deal with just about any ‘what’ “. The power we gain from having a definite purpose can support us toward any desired result.
I invite you to make a difference in your family, your work, or your community and experience what the Power of Purpose can bring to your life.