"The short kid is the worst player.
His name is Terry Fox. The coach
says wrestling might be a better sport
for him. But if Terry comes to practice,
the coach won't cut him from the team.
I shouldn't be glad that I'm better
than Terry ... but I am."
This new book about Terry Fox is told from a different viewpoint than any others. Doug Alward, Terry's best friend, is the man who drove the van that was right there with Terry on his incredible journey to raise funds for cancer research. They had known each other from early adolescence. For a time, they were competitive with each other in sports. Terry was not good at basketball; Doug was. Terry wanted to be better and eventually convinced Doug to help him. Their friendship flourished.
In high school things changed. Terry was always with his basketball buds, and Doug was training in earnest for cross-country. Just before a big race, Terry called to wish Doug luck. His support was encouraging. At university Terry revealed that he had cancer and would lose his leg. As he recovered, Terry mentioned his idea for running across Canada. Doug knew how tenacious Terry had always been; he believed him.
His rehabilitation in hospital went well. Soon Terry raced against Doug in his wheelchair. They trained together, encouraging each other to do their best. Once again, Terry broached the subject of running across Canada to raise research money. A new leg, a new gait and Terry trained, trained, trained ... despite extreme pain. Soon, the two were ready to begin their journey together.
"The 28-kilometre race is gruelling. The course
is steep and along a busy highway. I finish eighth -
one of my best times. Terry comes in last, grinning
from ear to ear.
The crowd cheers.
"That's my best friend!" I shout.
(If it's the truth, it's not really bragging.)"
The run was planned, the hard training continued; nothing stopped Terry. They agreed to do the trip together 'one step at a time'. Spring arrived. They gathered everything they needed for success. The run began in Newfoundland.
Told with love and admiration in first person voice, Doug Alward allows readers to see the young man Terry was, and the relentless runner he became.
Memorable illustrations created in pencil, crayon and inks use an appealing color palette. They bring an understanding to the long-standing relationship that led to Terry's run. They focus attention on the two friends from start to finish. A map of their route is telling, and daunting.
Back matter includes a note from Terry's brother Darrell, archival photographs, a note from Doug Alward, a look at the training regimen that led the two to begin their Marathon of Hope, and a timeline of Terry's too-short life.
"Even if I don't finish,
we need others to continue.
It's got to keep going without me."
-Terry Fox
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