Terry Fox never thought he’d live a remarkable life.
He liked sports, but no one thought he was talented. During his first year in the university, he had a pain in his right knee, which was so bad that he couldn’t stand up. He went to the doctor for tests. They showed that he had cancer. He was going to lose his leg and be given an artificial one. Terry’s family and friends all gave him fantastic support. Terry said that he knew all those people really cared and helped him. He decided to face it with bravery.
One night Terry was looking through an article about Dick Traum, who also had an artificial leg and had run in the New York Marathon. “If he can do it,” thought Terry, “I can, too. In fact, I’ll run across Canada and raise money for cancer research. It will be a Marathon of Hope!”
For the next 16 months, Terry had special treatments for his cancer. And then he also began to run a little every day. Each day he ran a little farther. It is 5,300 miles across Canada. Terry hoped to run thirty to forty miles a day so that it would take him six months. Most of all, he hoped to raise $1 million for cancer research.
Because Terry had an artificial leg, running wasn’t easy or straightforward. He had to move by jumping on one foot twice and then take a long step with his real leg. Although it looked awkward, he still kept on running. His action made people join him as he ran: children, football stars, wheelchair athletes and even his brother, Darrell. As Terry ran, people waved and cheered. So much money was donated that the volunteers used large garbage bags so everyone could give.
Then, outside Thunder Bay, Ontario, Terry felt a sharp pain in his chest. The pain was from cancer; this time in his lungs. He had to abandon the Marathon after 3, 339 miles. He told the people before he left, “I won’t give up. I just hope people will continue to give money.” And they did. Just under $25 million was given.
Terry received numerous awards. At 22, he was the youngest Canadian to ever receive Canada’s highest award, the Companion of the Order of Canada.
24. What made Terry decide to run across Canada?
A.His passion for Marathon. |
B.An urge to live a normal life. |
C.The support of his family and friends. |
D.The inspiring experience of Dick Traum. |
25. People joined him when he ran mainly because ________.
A.they were moved by the scene of Terry’s running |
B.they served as volunteers in the marathon |
C.they considered Terry as a great hero |
D.they loved running very much |
26. Why did he finally stop the marathon?
A.He collected enough money for the donation. |
B.His family and friends persuaded him to abandon it. |
C.He got great pain in his body because of the cancer. |
D.Running with the artificial leg wasn’t straightforward. |
27. Which of the following words can best describe Terry?
A.Generous. | B.Cooperative. |
C.Determined. | D.Creative. |