Eddy Nolan, who has run in a Terry Fox marathon each year for 46 years, is seen with some of his memorabilia, in Montreal, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Eddy Nolan, a dedicated resident of Montreal, had participated in the Terry Fox Run for 43 consecutive years, a tradition that came to a poignant end this year. Nolan, aged 67, decided to forego running due to health reasons. On the anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, Nolan chose to end his life through medical assistance in dying, as complications from cancer treatment had severely impacted his quality of life.
Reflecting on his enduring commitment to the Terry Fox Run, Nolan expressed pride in his 43-year journey, noting that the timing of his decision on the anniversary of Fox's run held significance for him, particularly as children across the country were honoring Fox's legacy with their own runs.
Born in Pointe-St-Charles, a neighborhood in Montreal, Nolan's upbringing was marked by resilience, having left home at 16 and later becoming a successful amateur boxer. His admiration for Terry Fox stemmed from witnessing Fox's perseverance in running a marathon daily despite losing a leg to cancer. Nolan considered Fox a hero for his dedication to raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
Since the inaugural Terry Fox Run in 1981, Nolan faithfully participated each year, often carrying the iconic Terry Fox flag as packs of schoolchildren joined him in solidarity. He also retraced some of Fox's footsteps, including running on the same track in British Columbia where Fox trained and visiting locations significant to Fox's journey across Canada.
Nolan's home bore testimony to his deep-seated commitment to honoring Terry Fox's legacy. Memorabilia from his years of participation adorned the walls, alongside tokens of appreciation from the children he inspired during his tenure as an educator and caretaker at the English Montreal School Board.
Despite his enduring dedication to the Terry Fox Run and his athletic achievements, including completing 65 full marathons and raising an estimated $1 million for cancer research, Nolan's health began to decline in 2011 when he was diagnosed with cancer. Despite undergoing treatment and even completing a marathon in Washington, D.C., Nolan faced numerous health challenges, including complications from radiation treatment that left him unable to feel parts of his face and ongoing issues with mobility.
After grappling with declining health and its impact on his quality of life, Nolan made the difficult decision to pursue medical assistance in dying, a choice he considered a means to preserve his dignity in the face of physical deterioration. While acknowledging the difficulty of his decision, Nolan found solace in Terry Fox's enduring message that "the hurting must stop."
Nolan's passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who admired his resilience and commitment to honoring Terry Fox's legacy. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of individuals who dedicate themselves to noble causes.
