Vancouver-born film star, producer and screenwriter Ryan Reynolds’ involvement in this year’s Terry Fox Run is paying off big for cancer research.
Registration for the 43rd annual run launched Wednesday, so it’s only fitting organizers announce $1 million has been raised thanks to “Dear Terry” T-shirt sales.
The limited-edition shirt, designed with help from Reynolds and the Fox family, went on pre-sale on Feb. 19 and to date, more than 28,000 have been purchased.
“This shirt I helped design for Terry Fox Canada isn’t just a shirt. It’s helping countless cancer patients and raising an incredible amount of money. I’ve been inspired by the courage of Terry Fox since second grade,” Reynolds said in a tweet Wednesday.
“He was the ultimate superhero.”
This shirt I helped design for @TerryFoxCanada isn’t just a shirt. It’s helping countless cancer patients and raising an incredible amount of money. I’ve been inspired by the courage of Terry Fox since 2nd grade. He was the ultimate 🇨🇦 superhero. Get yours below ⬇️ https://t.co/CEWzFUNbeY
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) April 12, 2023
The seven figures in T-shirt sales will support cancer research in Canada, according to the Terry Fox Foundation.
It notes that one “lucky Canadian” who registers for the run on April 12 will receive a shirt, which features a black-and-white photo of Fox on the front, signed by Reynolds himself. People are also encouraged to submit a #DearTerry message by mail or online for the chance to be a part of this year’s campaign.
“Since the Marathon of Hope, it has been incredible to see how Terry has remained a source of inspiration for millions of Canadians and people around the world, many of whom have continued to send in messages sharing their own personal connection,” said older brother Fred Fox in a news release.
To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $850 million.
It was back on April 12, 1980, when Fox set out to raise money for cancer research via his Marathon of Hope — a planned cross-country trek that started after he dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean. The goal was to make it to Victoria, B.C., but 5,373 kilometres later, cancer returned to his lungs and he was forced to call it quits outside Thunderbay, Ont.
“It fills our family with joy to see how Terry’s legacy continues to inspire future generations to participate and help realize his dream of a world without cancer,” added Fred.
This year’s run takes place Sept. 17, and people can now register online.
.@TerryFoxCanada pic.twitter.com/8c1zmhR9vx
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) April 12, 2023
Ethan Morneau
