I'm taking a bit of a turn from the usual Blog content this week. I am currently working on a new Canadian musical based on the true story of an inspirational young man.
In 1980, after losing his right leg to cancer, Terry Fox began his "Marathon of Hope". It was Terry's dream to run across Canada in an effort to raise money for cancer research. After running over 3300 miles at a rate of a marathon per day, Terry was hospitalized near Thunder Bay and it was discovered that his cancer had returned and was in his lungs.
Although Terry's dream and ultimately his life was cut short, his dream carried on in his memory. Since 1981 "Terry Fox Runs" are held across Canada and around the world each September and have raised over 600 million dollars for cancer research.
Since this weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving, it seems appropriate as a Canadian and cancer survivor to honour a man who gave so much of himself to help others.
Check out this ESPN profile of Terry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjgTlCTluPA
Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians, and thanx to djuby for more inspiration.
I think it’s wonderful that you and your colleagues are working on a Terry Fox musical. Truly one of the most inspiring people in Canada’s history.
Belated Happy Thanksgiving. Very curious how Terry Fox’ story is potrayed as a musical. Any song titles?
Don’t have the list with me today, but our Music Theatre development program does some pretty interesting work. Last year we workshopped “Come From Away”, which tells the story of the planes rerouted to Gander, Newfoundland on 9-11. It is currently being worked in NYC as part of a musical development collective.