Exactly 39 years after Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope, the research institute that bears his name has launched a new, national network. The network — for the first time — brings together Canada's leading cancer hospitals and research universities. It is being touted as the "Team Canada of cancer research." The announcement was made at the spot where Fox started his run. The Terry Fox Research Institute says the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network, will help accelerate so-called precision medicine for cancer patients. The institute added that the network will also help close the gap between research in the lab and patient care in the clinic. Cancer research and care institutions in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Prairies and Atlantic Canada are expected to participate in the network. The federal government will be spending up to $150 million over five years to support the network. Network partners, their foundations and the Terry Fox Foundation are set to match that federal investment.