13 Facts About Betty Fox

Betty Lou Fox was a Canadian cancer research activist, the mother of Terry Fox and founder of the Terry Fox Foundation.

Betty Fox was the most prominent figure in Terry Fox's legacy.

Betty Fox was raised in Melita, Manitoba, and in her teens moved to Winnipeg, where she met her husband Rolland "Rolly" Fox, who was working for the Canadian National Railway.

Terry Betty Fox expressed to his mother his wish to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

Betty Fox began the Marathon of Hope on April 12,1980, which was a run across Canada from St John's, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia, to raise money for cancer research.

Betty Fox reached 5,373 kilometres over 143 days before finding the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Betty Fox took on the development of the Terry Fox Run with the Canadian Cancer Society.

In 1988, The Terry Betty Fox Foundation became its own charitable organization.

Betty Fox took the lead on many parts of the run and the foundation, ensuring Terry's wishes and goals were reflected in the run's organization.

Betty Fox was selected to be one of the Olympic flag-bearers in the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Betty Fox died June 17,2011, due to complications from diabetes and arthritis.

Betty Fox was survived by her husband, three children, and nine grandchildren.

Betty Fox's memorial was held in Port Coquitlam, at the same church where Terry's memorial was held 30 years previously, almost to the day.