Terry Fox seen boarding an ambulance next to his parents, Rolly and Betty Fox, in September, 1980, after his Marathon of Hope was forced to end early. Rolly Fox, 80, has been diagnosed with lung cancer.JP Fraser
Rolland Fox, the father of Canadian hero Terry Fox whose legacy has been the fight against cancer, has been diagnosed with cancer himself, his family says.
On Tuesday, the Fox family disclosed that the 80-year-old also known as Rolly – "a behind-the-scenes believer of Terry's mission for 36 years" – has been recently diagnosed with lung cancer.
"He remains in very good spirits, confirmed by the dated and overused humour we are forced to endure," Mr. Fox's family said in a statement.
They said Mr. Fox was taking his illness in stride.
"Though initially troubled by the news, Rolly is committed to approaching the challenge now before him by adhering to the traits – optimism and a never-give-up attitude – that he likely passed on to his son, Terry."
The family did not provide any further details on the nature of Mr. Fox's lung cancer, when he was diagnosed or his treatment.
While the family said they would keep supporters updated, they said they would not be making any further public comments at this time.
Terry Fox died of bone cancer in 1981, a year after launching the Marathon of Hope – a bid to cross the country and raise money for cancer research. Born in Manitoba, but raised in Surrey and Port Coquitlam, B.C., Terry Fox lost a leg to cancer at the age of 19.
But that didn't stop him from pursuing his marathon, an effort that would vault himself and his family, notably his parents, Betty and Rolly, into prominence, first as supporters of his mission and then guardians of its goals. Rolly, a switchman for the Canadian National Railway, moved the family from Winnipeg to British Columbia in 1966.
During the 5,373 kilometres of the run that Terry Fox completed, he raised an initial $1.7-million. His condition forced him to stop before completing his journey. People inspired by his story still raise money by participating in Terry Fox runs.
Betty Fox died in 2011 after suffering from complications from diabetes and arthritis.
Since then, the family said, the elder Mr. Fox "has been more active visiting Terry Fox runs across Canada and personally signing over 14,000 thank-you letters every year."
B.C. Premier Christy Clark said on Tuesday that she was very sorry to hear the news about Mr. Fox.
"Rolly has made incredible contributions to cancer research, raising money and awareness through Terry Fox runs across our country and, increasingly, the world," Ms. Clark said in a statement.
"Terry Fox inspired the world because he personified hope, courage and the sheer force of will in his battle with cancer – traits that run in the Fox family. I know all British Columbians will be thinking of Rolly in the days and months ahead."
Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott tweeted that she was sad to hear about Mr. Fox's condition, adding "Canadians are standing with you & your family."
In announcing news of Mr. Fox's cancer, the family noted lung cancer "is often neglected as a funding priority for research" though it claims the lives of more Canadians than any other form of cancer because of the smoking stigma around it.
Mr. Fox, the family said, started smoking at the age of 19 "consistent with the times" and quit in 1986 on a dare from a brother.
"It will be 30 years this May that Dad took his last puff," the family said.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, lung cancer accounts for 14 per cent of all new cases of cancer.
Ian Bailey