Terry Fox Foundation Reports Betty Fox Seriously Ill

This morning the Terry Fox Foundation released a statement that Betty Fox, Terry Fox’s mother, is seriously ill:

We wish to share that our wife and mother, Mrs. Betty Fox, is seriously ill. Media reports today that she has cancer are incorrect. To respect her privacy, no other details will be provided.

We have always appreciated the support and understanding the media has granted to our family since Terry’s Marathon of Hope in 1980. We are hopeful that Betty’s privacy and ours will be respected at this time. We thank you in advance for your consideration.

Betty and Rolly Fox at Vancouver 2010. Photo credit: adrian8_8 on Flickr

From the Tri-City News this morning:

Since Fox, a Port Coquitlam kid who became a national hero, started his Marathon of Hope across Canada in 1980, more than $550 million has been raised in his memory to fight cancer.

For more than 30 years Betty has been the face of the Terry Fox Foundation, encouraging, inspiring, pushing the world to continue her son’s dream of eradicating cancer.

She quit her job, traveled the world, listened to stories, shed tears, shaved her head, and was selected to be a flag bearer among other Canadian celebrities for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics – all in the name of her son.

It was what he would have wanted.

My sister reminded me that we were in the audience when she was interviewed by George Stroumboulopoulos on what was then CBC’s The Hour. Her thoughtful responses were very touching.

If you would like to send messages of support you can email bettyfoxmessages[at]gmail.com or visit this link via the Terry Fox Foundation’s website.

Betty has lived her life to serve her son’s legacy. A new Terry Fox Memorial should be unveiled outside BC Place in the fall of 2011.

Update June 17, 2011 Betty Fox has passed away. The entire nation will mourn her for a very long time.