Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1531851
more than just cancer research. His focus was always on fundraising, but he also showed what could be accomplished on an artificial leg." As Darrell was applauded by the students, Isadore took the stage to describe his personal connection to the Terry Fox Run. Isadore, whose son Christopher died of cancer in 1978, was touched by Terry's story. He developed a personal dedication to the cause Terry was committed to. "I, like most people, had heard of what he was doing, and it sounded like a dream way beyond what anyone could think of," Isadore said. The concept of Terry running across Canada on one leg prompted him to send one of his employees to fly out and assess Terry's objective. Upon returning, the employee described the situation as very sad, with many dismissing the idea as implausible or a gimmick. "They were mocking him along the road, so I decided we would try to do something to help him." Isadore is not only the founder of the Terry Fox Foundation but also, as is widely known, the founder and now chairperson of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Back then, he utilized his own brand to contribute $10,000 to Terry's effort and invited 999 other companies to make it a $10-million run. "Terry heard about it, and in a breaking voice told me that's all that he needed. If someone cares enough, he'll keep going. He ran until he couldn't." TERRY'S LEGACY Overnight, Terry became a national hero. His questionable status flipped, with communities across Canada now banding together to support him. When his health began to decline in the later stages of his run, Isadore proposed having an annual "family event." "Not a race, but a run, not to finish his marathon but to raise money and continue to fund cancer research." Terry agreed, as long as the proceeds would go to nothing other than cancer research. Over the years, Isadore has been instrumental in supporting the organization and ensuring its message is spread worldwide. "In the beginning of Terry's run," Darrell said, "back in 1980, we were quite a startup, and we needed mentorship and leadership. Mr. Sharp offered both at that time and still does to this day." Before coming to TFS, Darrell had just returned from runs in Malaysia and Singapore, where he stayed at Four Seasons Hotels, thanks to Isadore. "I wake up every morning and know that I'm going to experience something today, a memory about Terry which I'll have with me for years. That's a huge gift and opportunity. What I witnessed in 1980, what I have seen…there are no words to describe it. I witnessed a miracle, a nation embracing my brother. I don't live in the past, but I go back there every day. I still live in the present, and that is fulfilling Terry's dream." "I, like most people, had heard of what he was doing, and it sounded like a dream way beyond what anyone could think of." — ISADORE SHARP 23 TFS