Steve Fonyo
Steve Fonyo was a Canadian long-distance runner and cancer fundraiser known for completing a cross-Canada run in 1984–1985 after losing his left leg to bone cancer as a child.
Steve Fonyo was a Canadian runner and fundraiser who completed a cross-Canada run after losing a leg to cancer. His Journey for Lives raised over $13 million for cancer research.
The Journey for Lives
Inspired by Terry Fox, Fonyo ran from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia, between 1984 and 1985. The 14-month journey raised more than $13 million for cancer research and made him a national figure.
Honours and revocation
Fonyo was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1985, at age 19 the youngest recipient at the time. The honour was revoked in 2009 after multiple criminal convictions, including theft and fraud.
Later years and death
Fonyo struggled with substance abuse and legal problems in his later life. He died in Burnaby, British Columbia, on February 18, 2022, at age 56.
In short
- Lost left leg to bone cancer at age 12
- Ran across Canada, raised $13M+ for cancer research
- Awarded Order of Canada at 19, revoked in 2009
- Died in Burnaby, BC, in 2022
Fonyo is a notable Canadian charity and sports figure whose cross-country run became part of Canadian cancer fundraising history and public memory.
Quick questions
Who was Steve Fonyo?
How much money did Steve Fonyo raise?
Did Steve Fonyo receive the Order of Canada?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_FonyoSupports: Birth name, birth/death dates, Canadian runner and fundraiser, Order of Canada recognition.
- EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/steve-fonyoSupports: Journey for Lives, cross-Canada route, cancer diagnosis, fundraising total, later legal troubles, and documentary mention.
- CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/steve-fonyo-obit-1.6359230Supports: Death, age at death, cross-Canada run, and Order of Canada context.
- The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-cancer-survivor-steve-fonyos-run-across-canada-raised-135-million-for/Supports: Birthplace, fundraising amount, and national significance of the run.
- CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/the-buzzer-steve-fonyo-other-terry-fox-1.6418913Supports: Loss of left leg to cancer, completion of cross-country run, and being named a Member of the Order of Canada at age 19.
- CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/tiff-2015-steve-fonyo-seeks-forgiveness-through-documentary-hurt-1.3233911Supports: Background on his run, fundraising, and later legacy challenges.