May 1, 2025, marks 45 years since Terry Fox’s monumental Marathon of Hope.
Instead of letting cancer define him, Terry Fox—Canada’s beloved hero—chose to fight back. While in remission, he embarked on an extraordinary journey, setting out from St. John’s, Newfoundland, on April 12, 1980, with a prosthetic leg, determined to run across Canada. Cancer had taken his leg below the knee, but it never took his spirit.
For 143 days and 5,373 km (3,339 mi), Terry ran, inspiring a nation. But on September 1, 1980, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, he was forced to stop—his cancer had returned. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981, at just 22 years old. As a cancer patient, Terry recognized the urgent need for cancer research and made sure all Canadians did, too. By the end of his run, he had raised $1.7 million, which has since grown to over $800 million worldwide in his name. His legacy continues to change lives.
Now, Helene Neville—"One on the Run"—is at it again!
A true warrior, Helene, is in remission from a rare and aggressive stage IV cancer that spread to her liver, spleen, long bones, pelvis, blood, and bone marrow by the time it was discovered. Given just two months to live, she refused to accept defeat. At the time of her diagnosis, Helene worked as a travel nurse on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the odds, enduring multiple surgeries and setbacks, she fought back. Helene is thrilled to announce that on May 1, 2025, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, she will begin a 3,218.7 km (2,000 mi) journey along the Trans-Canada Highway to Victoria, British Columbia, to complete Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. She hopes to finish 109 days later—on August 17, her 65th birthday.
A Message from Helene:
"I run for those who can’t. I run to uplift the unseen, the unheard, and the heroes who fight silent battles. I run in memory of those who are no longer with us. I run to prove that human potential knows no limits. I run for peace, hope, and unity—to show that love will always outweigh hate and that goodness will always prevail. I am not out of touch with reality; I choose to live life to the fullest, bringing hope to others through courage. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s pushing forward through the darkest moments, believing in the best possible outcome, no matter what lies ahead. My way out of the dark is to run out of it. When the road rolls out a welcome mat to a better place than where you are, you take it. Love takes us to unexpected places, and love brings us home. Life sends us new people, new dreams, and new possibilities. I cherish them all and allow myself to embark on a journey of joy. You never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything. It could be nothing. But if there's even the slightest chance of something great, I’ll take it. When I feel like quitting, I think about why I started. I remind myself that I am just an ordinary person with a life in progress. And like all of us, I strive to make the best of what I have every day."
Fueled by Resilience and Determination
Helene’s journey is not new. She has pushed her body, mind, and spirit to prove that endurance is limitless:
- She has run across all 50 U.S. states.
- She ran 135 miles (35 hours) back and forth along the Las Vegas Strip.
- She completed 16 miles (384 times) up and down the Philadelphia Museum (Rocky Steps).
- Since remission, she ran:
- A marathon back and forth across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
- The same marathon distance over the Brooklyn Bridge just hours later.
- 103 miles from her home to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, raising thousands for her oncologist diagnosed with terminal cancer.
- Across Puerto Rico, proving the beauty and resilience of people and places.
Through every challenge, her spirit remains unshaken.
The Power of Community
Helene has never sought corporate sponsorship, believing instead in the strength of community—proving that we are stronger together. She doesn’t chase fame; she chases purpose. Her mission is fueled by gratitude—by those who have supported her along the way, those who believe in something more significant, and those who still fight.
Her goal: $8,500, covering essential expenses
- Food
- Fuel
- Lodging
- Air travel for a rotating crew member each week
Beneficiary
Proceeds after expenses will go to Helene’s former oncologist Dr. Abdallah Abou Zahr who has terminal cancer. He prolonged her life and she’s trying to do the same.
Join the Journey
This isn’t just about running. It’s about desiring a brighter, happier, kinder tomorrow. Follow me north to Canada!
#Canada #Unstoppable #NeverGiveUp #RethinkImpossible #OneOnTheRun #NoOneFightsAlone #Hope #EVOAthlete
https://heleneneville.com
