Late cancer research advocate Terry Fox has his star accepted posthumously by his brother Darrell Fox, left, and his father Rolly Fox during Canada's Walk of Fame induction ceremonies in Toronto on Sept. 21, 2013.MARK BLINCH/Reuters
The legacy of cherished and revered Canadian hero Terry Fox will now be memorialized among the stars.
Mr. Fox's father and brother appeared at Canada's Walk of Fame ceremony on Saturday to receive a plaque of tribute on behalf of their late loved one, whose Marathon of Hope not only initiated cancer-research activism in Canada, but became a source of worldwide inspiration.
"I was there in 1980 and witnessed a miracle for the three months I was with Terry," said Darrell Fox, Mr. Fox's brother. "There are a lot of organizers from across the province that are here today, and we're only here because of them. Terry was only one member of the Marathon of Hope, and he knew he needed people to support him."
After running 5,373 kilometres in 143 days to raise funds for cancer research, Mr. Fox passed away 32 years ago, devastating an entire nation. Though he may be gone, his legacy remains strong.
"The story is being passed on to the next generation," Darrell said. "And more than that, they're embracing it."
This year marked the 33rd annual Terry Fox Run, which is held in locations around the world. In 2010, the Terry Fox Foundation announced its total fundraising efforts had reached the $500-million mark.
Craig and Marc Kielburger, human rights activists and founders of Free the Children, were also inducted into the Walk of Fame, and expressed their admiration for the Canadian icon.
"This is our proudest moment to be Canadian," Craig said. "To be here, inducted alongside heroes like Terry Fox [is great]. Our accomplishments pale in comparison. To celebrate Canada and to celebrate the young people who have worked so hard to make social change cool and possible is a special experience."
Fond memories of the country they grew up in were expressed throughout the lineup of inductees, including actors Alan Thicke and Victor Garber, soccer player Christine Sinclair, music producer Bob Ezrin and late jazz musician Oscar Peterson.
"There is no place like home," said Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen, recipient of this year's Allan Slaight Award that recognizes young and talented Canadians.
Canada's Walk of Fame was created in 1998 to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of various Canadians.
"[This] brings a lot of memories to an entire career and people who I've met who have enriched my life and in fact, some of the other inductees started with me in the same year," said seven-time Emmy nominee Thicke. "My roots go very deep here and it's great to see the fruits of those labours recognized now."