Gift from The Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation is the largest in the Terry Fox Foundation's history
TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Terry Fox Foundation (TFF) and the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) unveiled 'Powered by Terry,' the second chapter of the powerful Finish It brand campaign. The handcrafted claymation film picks up where Terry left off in 1980, bringing his enduring legacy to life through the millions of Canadians who run, donate and fundraise each year, and the groundbreaking work of the researchers and clinicians they help power through the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN).
At the launch, the Terry Fox Foundation announced a historic $25 million gift from the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation, the largest single donation in the Terry Fox Foundation's history. The Tanenbaums' commitment unlocks matching funds provided by the Government of Canada, creating $50 million in impact for cancer research in Canada. This accelerates a national effort to connect researchers, clinicians, institutions, data and patients so discoveries can move more quickly toward better treatment and better outcomes.
"Canada has extraordinary cancer researchers, clinicians and institutions. The opportunity now is to connect that expertise in ways that allow everyone to learn faster and patients everywhere to benefit," said Larry and Judy Tanenbaum. "We believe deeply in Open Science whereby collaboration and sharing knowledge is for the greater good in accelerating discovery. We are proud to support the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network and hope our commitment encourages others to join us in building something that can benefit Canadians for generations."
'Powered by Terry' debuted as an immersive 360-degree experience at Illuminarium in Toronto's Distillery District. The film reimagines how Terry's dream of a world without cancer lives on through the groundbreaking work of Canada's leading cancer researchers. Directed by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Adrian Villagomez, the film is set to a remix of 'In Lightning' by Feist, a recent inductee into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, reimagined by Montreal-based artist Apashe. Featuring five of Canada's leading cancer researchers at the heart of the story, the film also includes special appearances by individuals inspired by Terry, including his best friend Doug Alward and hockey legend Darryl Sittler, who joined Terry during the Marathon of Hope in Toronto.
For one day only, on October 22, the immersive experience will be open to the public from 1 to 7 p.m., featuring interactive brand activations, unique photo opportunities and a pop-up gift shop offering limited-edition merchandise.
Led by the Terry Fox Research Institute, MOHCCN unites 57 member institutions across Canada around a shared goal: using precision oncology to improve outcomes for people with cancer. The network has built a national resource of genomic and clinical data from more than 16,000 cancer patients, and more than 1,500 people have already received treatment guided by Network-funded genomic sequencing. A recent $80 million funding announcement from the Government of Canada will allow the network and its members to bring personalized cancer care to more Canadians and advance research that will impact cancer care for generations to come.
"This is a landmark moment for the Terry Fox Foundation," said Michael Mazza, Chief Executive Officer, Terry Fox Foundation. "Larry and Judy's commitment is extraordinary not simply because of its size, but because of what it makes possible. They are investing in Canadian researchers working together, in knowledge being shared rather than held within walls, and ultimately in better possibilities for patients. We could not be more grateful for their leadership and their trust."
Together, thanks to the support of millions of Canadians, we are running towards the finish line. Help us fuel the research that will end cancer as we know it by supporting the Terry Fox Foundation. To learn about the impact your support will have, visit terryfox.org.
Additional Quotes:
"I'm so proud to have In Lightning help re-tell the story of Terry Fox and how his courage and determination pulled Canada right along beside him." - Feist
"Through more than 4,500 hours of human artistry and storytelling, Powered by Terry shines a spotlight on the brilliant researchers and groundbreaking collaboration behind the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. Terry's marathon continues through all of us, powering progress, hope and discovery as we work together to finish it." - Denise Dias, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Terry Fox Foundation
"The support received by the Terry Fox Research Institute is helping to build something no single institution could achieve alone. Through MOHCCN, researchers across the country are learning from the data of more than 16,000 patients, and over 1,500 people have already received treatments guided by genomic sequencing. In the years ahead, we will bring precision oncology to many thousands more no matter where they live." - Dr. Jim Woodgett, President & Scientific Director, Terry Fox Research Institute
"Larry and Judy Tanenbaum have done something catalytic. I hope their leadership inspires others to join them. This is an extraordinary opportunity to leverage the Government of Canada's commitment and bring significant new philanthropic investment into cancer research. We want other families, foundations and business leaders across the country to see themselves in this mission. This is the greatest expression of what Powered by Terry to finish it means." - John Kearsey, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Terry Fox Foundation
About the Terry Fox Foundation
The Terry Fox Foundation honours the vision and spirit of an iconic Canadian while raising critical funds for cancer research. As a leading national charitable organization, the Terry Fox Foundation plays a vital role in building community, engaging more than 20,000 passionate volunteers and 3.5 million students in nearly 10,000 annual fundraising events across the country. People around the world of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities have been inspired by Terry's enduring legacy. Through the generous support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $1 billion for cancer research bringing hope and health to millions of Canadians. Visit terryfox.org for more information and to learn how you can help take Terry's Marathon of Hope across the finish line.
About the Terry Fox Research Institute
Established in 2007, the Terry Fox Research Institute invests in world class, collaborative cancer research teams and partnerships across Canada. Through its flagship research programs and national precision medicine initiatives, TFRI brings together leading scientists, clinicians and institutions to accelerate cancer discoveries and translate research into improved patient care. For more information visit tfri.ca.
About Larry & Judy Tanebaum Family Foundation
The Larry & Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation is committed to building healthier, smarter, and stronger communities across Canada. The Foundation's cornerstones are to advance healthcare and medical research, to strengthen Jewish culture and identity, to further educational opportunities, and to strengthen community initiatives that support vulnerable people in our society. We work with a deep commitment to impactful philanthropy, with a strong sense of strategic purpose, and with empathy for the challenges of others -- to make the world a better place.
SOURCE The Terry Fox Foundation
MEDIA CONTACTS: Denise Dias, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Terry Fox Foundation, [email protected]; Courtney Glen, Vice President of Communications, Kilmer Group, [email protected]
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