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A Hero's Legacy

September 19, 2025
Terry Fox Run quilt and T-shirt

Written by Sandy Bexon
Illustrated by Kim Huynh, Junior Graphic Designer, ARTA

Sandy Bexon, who retired from Chinook’s Edge School Division, has been sharing stories from her community ever since 2023. This story was featured in the Autumn 2025 issue of news&views. Visit LifeInRetirement.ca to read more about people like Bill Hoppins and Patrick Gleason.

See the full comic in our magazine by clicking below!

Read in news&views

Flashback of television with Terry Fox running: Hook, line, and sinker. After seeing him on TV, this guy was instantly my hero. 45 years later, Patrick is holding paperwork at the Innisfail Terry Fox Run: Bill says 'Hey Patrick!'

Bill waves to Patrick as he is standing behind the Innisfail Terry Fox Run registration booth. Patrick says 'Bill! It's great to see you!'
Patrick says 'Can you believe it's been 45 years since his Marathon of Hope?' Bill replies 'Ah, yes, the years have evaporated...'
Bill says 'I can only imagine how old he'd be, the kids he would've had...' and Patrick replies 'Hey, we're still here, keeping his dream alive.'
Patrick gives Bill a Terry Fox Run T-shirt and says 'Here's your shirt, add it to your big collection!'. Bill replies 'Thanks Patrick, but I'll grab those later! My old shirt still has some years left in it!'
Patrick replies 'Ha! The shirt from your first Terry Fox Run! Now you can sew two quilts out of all your shirts!'
Mother with stroller approaches and greets Bill Hoppins and Patrick Gleason. Patrick says 'Laura? I haven't seen you in years!'
Laura replies 'The last time I saw you two was in grade 8 during my Terry Fox presentation!'
Laura adds 'And that's when you and Mrs.Hoppins brought your Terry Fox quilt!'
Laura recollects Bill and his wife holding up a Terry Fox quilt in a classroom. Laura says 'I wasn't even born when he was running, but your lesson taught me about the hope, courage, and perseverance he inspired. All these years later, I still remember it. There's no better teachers than Terry Fox...''
Laura adds '... except you two and your wives of course! And now you're all retired!' while gesturing to Patrick and Bill.
Patrick replies 'Thank you Laura! I still see students at the run each year who admire him like he's a superhero!'
Bill says 'His superpower is giving us our own superpowers.'
Bill adds 'He inspired us to believe in what we can do to continue his work.' Laura replies 'I want her to learn this too...' while looking at her child.
Laura adds 'So we'll be here every year!' and both Bill and Patrick reply with 'And so will we!'

Be part of the journey to cure cancer. Visit TerryFox.org to learn more, donate, or volunteer in your community.