Thumbs Up

September 22, 2026. West of Paris.

My wife and I enjoy a stroll in the picturesque town of Carriers-sur-Seine. Keen to get over any jet lag after a lengthy transatlantic flight.

A bright sun shines above. The river sparkles. Tall grasses along the bank sway in the afternoon breeze.

We pass a gentleman sitting alone on a bench. A gray cap sits atop a well lived in face. A light blue vest covers a collared shirt. Sleeves rolled up. Blue jeans. Hands, clasped together in his lap, grip a cane.

Our eyes lock. He nods approvingly. Gestures at the single word, emblazoned in bold print, on my white polo shirt. Frees his hands, breaks out a broad smile, gives me a “thumbs up” signal.

That one word?

CANADA

For whatever reason, almost immediately I track back some 36 hours to Mile Zero in Victoria, BC. There, along with over 1,000 similar enthusiasts, I gather near a famous statue. For a 45^th year in a row, I will run in support of arguably our country’s greatest ever hero. In support of a man who attempts to run across the entire country, some 5,000 miles. All, after losing a leg to the disease, to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

He is Terry Fox.

While time and distance can dull one’s memory, in this particular case they will never dull mine.

It is the summer of 1977. Fox a shy, sometimes mischievous, but otherwise unremarkable 18 year old. Yet, especially for a lover of sport, an annoying pain in his right knee proves to be so much more. Namely, a malignant tumour. The treatment is severe. Amputation of the leg at the mid thigh.

Still, the devastating diagnosis and setback proves only to be the springboard for a most remarkable story. A springboard for an ambitious, audacious project, fueled by mountains of courage and a deep desire to help alleviate the suffering of other youngsters in his hospital ward.

A springboard for an amazing endeavour still known today as the Marathon of Hope.

The sheer numbers are simply mind blowing. After building mileage in training, and coming to grips with a crude, ill-fitting prosthetic leg made of plastic, leather and metal, Fox sets off from St. Johns, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. Heads west, running the equivalent of a marathon, 26 miles, day after day.

I marvel at his bravery, determination, and sense of purpose. At his sheer doggedness. Rejoice now in the fact that, with the world in strife and with Canada’s own sovereignty under assault, his story is again attracting praise and wonder.

Ironically, the start of Fox’s long and lonely trek, aided only by family and friends, proves both dangerous and difficult. Initially, he is deemed something of a freak show. Cynics question his intentions. Busy roads, fatigue, cold, wind, rain, and painful chafing further threaten to derail his efforts.

Nonetheless, his odyssey eventually gains the desired momentum. As he reaches Toronto, he receives a hero’s welcome. Becomes a national symbol. Roads, schools, stamps, coins, and statues soon named or minted in his honour.

Most significantly, Canada unites as never before, rallying behind a young man and his dream. Residents line highways, pack town and city sidewalks, contribute money.

By the fall of 1980, Fox reaches Thunder Bay, on the western edge of Lake Ontario. More than halfway across the country. 143 days. 3339 miles in total.

Sadly, this incredible undertaking comes to an end. The pain returns, becomes unbearable. Increasingly tired, now coughing and choking, he requires hospitalization. Flown back home to the west coast, he learns that the cancer has spread to his lungs.

Canadians, and by now millions of others world wide, are stunned. Hearts break as news emerges that there would be no cure.

On June 28, 1981, at the tender age of 22, Terry Fox passes away.

Yet, a legacy of courage, resolve, and hope continues after his death. Just three months later, the first Terry Fox Run takes place. Now held annually in late September, in more than sixty countries across the globe, it remains the world’s largest one day fundraiser for cancer research. In total, over 1 billion Canadian $ raised.

I return from my reverie to the present day. With impeccable timing, various announcements on social media further buoy my spirits. Indeed, a documentary titled Run Terry Run premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Plenty of previously unseen footage moves and inspires. Viewers, many of whose lives have also been touched by cancer, see another side of Fox. Note his humour and humility, vision and values. Appreciate his selflessness.

And, when presented as something of a superhero, one also profoundly human.

Our French journey continues apace. From Paris, then south to Toulouse, then east along the Mediterranean towards Nice.

While Terry Fox remains very much at the forefront of my thoughts, there is much more Canadiana to be proud of.

In the south of France especially, the sport of rugby is something of a religion. Wall to wall coverage, on television and in the media, captures all the latest domestic and international action.

In this regard, among the numerous game available to watch, the fall WXV Global Series pits the Canadian Women’s side, losing finalists at the 2025 World Cup, against world #1 England. The dominant, formidable Red Roses, unbeaten in their last 41 matches over four plus years, look set to extend their winning streak.

However, Canada has other ideas. Backed by a record crowd of nearly 19,000 in Toronto on October 9, the team overcomes a nine point, late second half deficit to engineer two superb game winning tries. A 24-21 victory fully merited, in a total team performance marked by bucketloads of skill, grit, and resilience.

On the political front, and for all the right reasons, Canada likewise remains very much in the domestic and global headlines. I recall his powerful presentation to the World Economic Forum, then absorb prime minister Mark Carney’s exhilarating mid-September speech to the European Union. Both draw huge respect and rare standing ovations.

Importantly, in an increasingly divided, turbulent world, Carney displays tact, credibility, integrity, and stability. Calm and measured, he neatly positions Canada as a “middle power,” a nation with numerous strengths and not prepared to buckle to bullies, outside pressures, and external threats. By so doing, he wins huge trust and accolades at home and abroad.

It is impossible not to be inspired. An odyssey, a rugby match, a political speech, blend together. Just three examples highlighting the myriad qualities that resonate strongly with the vast majority of Canadians and with many international observers.

I feel it. Hopefully, you feel it also.

And, maybe, just maybe, as our most enjoyable three week French excursion draws to a close, so too does an old man perched on a park bench.

Thumbs up indeed.

Editors note:

Rugby photos - credit of Jeff Chan.