Actor Ryan Reynolds has teamed up with the annual Terry Fox Run to help select a design for this year’s limited edition t-shirt.
The Vancouver-born actor tweeted about his involvement with the Terry Fox Foundation, which raises money for cancer research.
“I’ve competed in the Terry Fox Run since second grade and can’t think of a more enduring or beautiful legacy for one person. Terry Fox inspired millions of lives and deaths,” the tweet said.
Due to the high demand, the foundation made it possible to sell the shirt in advance for the first time. More than 8,000 T-shirts have been sold so far, said Kirsten Fox, Terry’s oldest niece, who is involved with the foundation.
She says the Terry Fox Foundation is happy to have Reynolds involved.
“He’s the BC boy, Canadian, who of course is inspired by Terry Fox, like a lot of us,” she said.
‘Dear Terry’
The foundation releases limited-edition t-shirts each year, with proceeds going to cancer research.
This year’s edition features a black and white photo of Fox on the front, accented with some red. Behind the image are the words “Dear Terry” in blue letters and on the back are genuine handwritten letters to Fox copied and excerpted.
The design is also bilingual, with “Cher Terry” written on the shirt.
“It’s a really nice throwback,” Kirsten said.
“We bring it back to all the amazing letters and words of support, drawings and cards Terry would have received during and after his marathon of hope,” she said.
Honoring a Canadian icon
The shirts are available in t-shirts or long sleeves and range from $20 to $40 depending on size and style.
More than $250,000 has been raised and proceeds will benefit cancer research, Kirsten Fox said.
The shirts will be shipped on April 12th, the anniversary that Fox began its “Marathon of Hope”.
“So staying consistent with what Terry wanted and what his marathon of hope was about,” she said.
After losing a leg to osteosarcoma, Terry Fox began his “marathon of hope” on April 12, 1980 to raise funds for cancer research.
His dream of running cross-country was cut short near Thunder Bay, Ontario when he learned cancer had spread to his lungs. He died on June 28, 1981.
Volunteers have kept Fox’s legacy alive by organizing annual runs to raise money for cancer.
This year’s run will take place on September 17th.
