A Saint John man who lost his leg to the same cancer that struck Terry Fox is hoping to rekindle support for his hero after Saint John’s poor fundraising record in 2011.
Chris Thompson was 16-years-old when he learned he had cancer, the same kind of cancer and in the same year the disease conquered Terry Fox.
“It made me a little bit nervous, knowing he had passed away from the same type that I had,” he said.
Thompson survived two years of chemotherapy, radiation and 43 surgeries that failed to save his leg.
Now he wants his hometown to get behind the annual the Terry Fox Run.
“It took a lot of courage to do what he did,” said Thompson on Fox's inspirational run.
In recent years, other neighbouring provinces have greatly surpassed New Brunswick’s fundraising efforts.
Together New Brunswick and P.E.I. raised less than $400,000 in 2011, while Nova Scotia and Newfoundland doubled that, approaching $1 million each.
When it comes to New Brunswick cities, Saint John's fundraising record last year was one of the lowest.
Moncton and Fredericton raised more than $12,000 each, but Saint John pulled in just $1,650.
Volunteer Nicole Paquet said she was surprised to see Saint John’s numbers last year.
"I think there's a sense of apathy,” she said.
Paquet said she remembers when Fox ran through New Brunswick.
“I actually remember driving up to Fredericton and seeing him on the side of the road. The way that he ran, and he just kept going, very, very inspirational,” she said.
Thompson and Paquet said they want Saint John to remember why Fox was a national hero and why his foundation still needs their support.