The federal government announced last month in its 2024 Fall Economic Statement that Terry Fox will soon make his way onto the $5 bank note.
Lori Hutchings, co-organizer with the Red Deer Terry Fox Run, was excited to hear the news.
"He is a truly fantastic Canadian that represents a lot of the values that Canadians have," she said. "He was never one who wanted recognition."
The government said the goal was to inspire more Canadians to give $5 towards cancer research.
"It's interesting that now he's going to be on what's going to be known as the Terry Fox Fiver," noted Hutchings. "I think it's a fantastic thing."
Hutchings, who is a cancer survivor herself, says she was only 10 years old when Terry embarked on his Marathon of Hope, and never had the opportunity to meet him.
"Thankfully mine was caught early through screenings but I know that the treatments I received and the treatments I am getting ongoing is due to research that has helped move along ending cancer. Very important in so many aspects."
She's hoping the image of Terry Fox on the $5 bill will inspire more kids to learn about what he stood for.
"Kids are definitely learning in school who he is and the importance of what he's done by having him now on our money that will continue his legacy and continue his impact on what he's done, not only for Canada and representing Canadians, but for just who he is and what he's done in the world of raising money for a good cause."
The 2024 Red Deer Terry Fox Run raised just over $30,000, the second-highest amount ever for the local run. The event normally attracts between 200 and 300 participants every year.
2025 will mark the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run.
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