A piece of Canadian history and a symbol of hope rolled into Brampton last Tuesday afternoon.
The original van that housed Terry Fox during his momentous Marathon of Hope parked outside the Rose Theatre during the lunch break— just one of the many stops the van is making as it travels across the country for cancer research.
The Tour of Hope began on May 25 in St. John's, Nfld. and has since traveled through the Maritimes, across Quebec, and now Ontario, before it continues on to it's final destination in Victoria B.C.
People young and old gathered to get a glimpse of the famous 1980 Ford Econoline.
"That van was Terry," said Sgt .Harry Carrigan, an OPP officer who accompanied Terry for a portion of the original Marathon of Hope.
"He lived in it. He sweated in it. That was his home. That was his symbol for him that he was coming home."
Ford of Canada spent hours fully restoring the van back to its original condition.
Everything to the carpet, to the upholstery is identical to the way Terry originally saw it.
"This is more than just a piece of metal," said Darrell Fox, Terry's brother who also traveled in the van during the marathon back in 1988.
"This is a part of our identity. It's part of Canadian history."
The van has sold twice since the original marathon.
The second owner gave the van to his son, who took it back to B.C. coincidentally as a touring vehicle for his rock and roll band.
"It's really overwhelming and emotional to be here 28 years later and see the reaction to Terry's story," continued Fox.
"Being part of the Marathon of Hope was a tremendous gift and I cherish it."
Fox posed for photographs and listened to people's personal stories of his heroic brother.
Children formed a line beside Darrell to receive autographs on t-shirts and books.
"It's a statement not only to teachers and educators but also parents who recognize how important it is to share Terry's story," said Fox.
"But it's even more than that. It's the fact children are not only learning the story, but embracing it."
When Terry was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 1977, he was given a 30 to 40 per cent chance of living and his leg was amputated.
Now, thanks in part to over $400 million raised since Terry's mission through the Terry Fox Foundation, that statistic no longer exists.
People diagnosed with cancer now have over an 80 per cent survival rate.
According to Fox, if research were as advanced then as it is today, Terry would never have lost his leg.
He admits that is a difficult reality to face, but understands that Terry's struggle and ultimate dream to find a cure for cancer, is what is helping so many today.
"Every dollar received goes towards finding a cure for cancer. Trust me, it makes a difference," said Fox.
Terry, with the aid of a prosthetic limb, ran the equivalent of a marathon each day.
He would rise at 5 a.m. every morning to begin his journey.
"This piece here brings me back," said Fox, motioning to a ledge on the inside of the van door.
"This is where the glass of water would sit after every second mile Terry ran and where the orange would be placed. That's where I would place it."
Fox became emotional while telling this story of Terry.
"I want to show how much it means to me and how much it meant to Terry."
Brampton resident, Rick Ashmore peered inside the van, reading an inspirational poem posted on the interior.
"Pretty amazing, isn't it?" said Ashmore.
His son Shawn played Terry Fox in the CTV original film Terry.
The film helped launch Shawn into the Hollywood acting scene.
"We're talking about an icon and we're talking about a Canadian," said Ashmore.
"He (Shawn) wanted to be sure he got Terry right for all of history and we're very proud of what he did."
Ashmore believes having the original van back on the road gives hope to the possibility of finding a cure for cancer.
If Terry were alive today to see how much progress has been made Darrell thinks he would just smile.
"A smile would tell the story. Terry had an incredible sense of humour and a big smile, something we always enjoyed seeing. I know he's smiling looking down on us today and I know he's proud of everything we've done."