The Terry Fox story – a story of courage, determination and hope – is reaching students across Rainbow Schools thanks to a library book donation from the City of Lakes IODE chapter.
T is for Terry: An ABC of Courage was named the 2026 winner of the IODE’s annual Canadian children’s book award. Through this national program, IODE chapters purchase copies of the winning book for local communities. The City of Lakes IODE chapter chose elementary libraries across the Rainbow District School Board to receive this year’s selection.
“Our members are always looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students in our community,” Debbie Bonhomme, education officer with the City of Lakes IODE Chapter, said in a release. “We feel it’s very important for children to enjoy reading while learning about people and events that uplift and motivate us.”
Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. After losing his right leg to osteosarcoma at age 18, he embarked on the 1980 “Marathon of Hope,” running a gruelling marathon a day across Canada with a prosthetic leg to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.
After running more than 5,300 km across six provinces, he was forced to stop outside Thunder Bay on Sept. 1, 1980, when the cancer spread to his lungs. He died in 1981, but the annual Terry Fox run raises millions of dollars every year for cancer research.
An illustrated children’s book, T is for Terry: An ABC of Courage, introduces the inspiring life of Terry Fox to young readers. Written by Denise Dias and illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry, the book shares Terry’s story from A to Z.
“This book is a very accurate description of Terry’s story, and is told in a way that is easy for young students to understand,” Bonhomme said. “It’s filled with messages of encouragement and is an excellent resource for any student participating in the annual Terry Fox Run.”
Lennon McConnell-Schurm, a Grade 2 student from Alexander Public School, szaid she looks forward to reading the new library book. “I like to read books and look at the pictures,” she said. “This book will help us learn about Terry Fox’s story and all of the great things he did.”
Rainbow’s CEO, Bruce Bourget, called Terry Fox “a Canadian hero. Rainbow Schools have enthusiastically participated in the Terry Fox Run for many years and have raised over $1 million. Terry’s story of determination and courage will certainly resonate with our students.
“Through reading, children develop language skills, expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to communicate and understand others. Reading also fosters critical thinking, curiosity and problem-solving skills.”
Founded in 1900, IODE Canada (Inclusive, Organized, Dedicated, Enthusiastic) is a national women’s charitable organization dedicated to helping children, youth and those in need by enhancing the quality of life through education support, community service and citizenship programs.
Buy the book.
T is for Terry: An ABC of Courage
By Denise Dias (Author), Noémie Gionet Landry (Illustrator)
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