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The Brampton Guardian
Terry Fox van makes stop in Brampton
Wednesday July 2 2008
By Lori Sherman, Staff Writer
It started with a dream and ended with a legacy. After 28 years, a version of Terry Fox’s original Marathon of Hope is back and once again making its way across the country, seeing several visits across the GTA including a stop in Brampton.
Dubbed the Tour of Hope, the original van that followed Terry on his much-celebrated journey from B.C., across the prairies, to his premature final stop in Thunder Bay, has been fully restored and sent back on the road for cancer research.
In 1977, 18-year-old Terry Fox began experiencing pain in his right knee and was soon diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of cancer that often attacks the muscles and tendons in the leg. His right leg was amputated from the knee down.
Three years later, with the aid of a prosthetic limb, Terry began his journey across the country, running 42 km, the equivalent of a marathon, each day. His tour was sadly cut short in September when the cancer spread to his lungs.
According to the official web site for this year’s Tour of Hope, the 1980 Ford Econoline van was an integral component to Terry’s marathon and his home throughout the 4-1/2month journey.  “It is where he felt protected from the madness outside; where he slept, prepared and perspired,” reads the Terry Fox Foundation website.
The van has had several owners throughout the years but Ford Canada primed the vehicle for the trip by dismantling and reassembling each piece.
The tour, which kicked off May 25 in St. John’s, Nfld., will stop outside the Rose Theatre in Brampton between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 with one of Terry’s family members behind the wheel.
While exploring the historic van, residents are welcome to a complimentary barbecue by Tour of Hope sponsors and organizers ScotiaMcLeod.
“I saw Terry come through Acton,” said Mike Spehar, branch manager of the Nelson Street ScotiaMcLeod in Brampton. “I can recall the day and I can recall exactly where I was on the day. I can remember all the people lining the streets of Acton, just clapping as he ran by. That’s engrained. It was a huge day. Just to think back to that day… in my mind he is a true Canadian hero. The sight of the van will evoke some strong memories.”
Donations will be accepted at the event with all proceeds going towards cancer research.
For more information, or to give an online donation, visit www.tourofhope.ca