Terry Fox legacy continues to inspire

Courage. Selflessness. Strength. Perseverance. These are some of the words Edmontonians used to describe Terry Fox on Sunday, three decades after the Canadian hero's iconic cross-Canada tour.

Although cancer prevented Fox from completing his trek, his legacy lives on and was evident at Hawrelak Park on Sunday, where hundreds gathered to raise money for his cause - one that has touched countless individuals.

"A couple girls on the team have friends and family members that have survived cancer so it's close to the heart," said Erin Blake, a member of the Grant MacEwan Women's Hockey team.

Terry Fox ran for 143 days in 1980, but the power of his journey has provided inspiration that has spanned generations across the globe, resulting in more than $500 million dollars being raised in his name.

"We were kids when he was doing his run," said one of the runners, Pat Hughes, "and we kind of vaguely remember it but we're trying to teach our kids about it now and give them a good example as well."

"I love it. To know that little kids are coming out - they're the next generation that are coming up to be a part of this," said cancer survivor, Chris Litke.

Litke was just four years old when Fox did his run. He was 17 when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma - the same cancer that claimed Fox's life.

"I'm alive today because people took the time to be a part of his dream," said Litke. ""Terry's dream is alive and strong and it's getting stronger every year. And until we actually see the last sad story, the last bit of pain and suffering from this disease - we need to keep going."