Cruising for a Cure II

[JamesP]

Thanks for sharing all the picture and the results. Congrats to all the winners.

James

[Stoke]

From a local news website.


CRUISERS “CRUISE IN” FOR GOOD CAUSE

Benefit one of many for upcoming Lincolnton Relay for Life

BOGER CITY – Despite the cloudy, gray Saturday, more than 30 owners of Chrysler PT Cruisers jammed the People’s Bank parking lot on Highway 27 in Boger City for a good cause. Armed with cloths, car polish, tire spray and a smile, these cruisers had their hoods raised to hold a fund raiser for the Lincolnton Relay for Life.

For Anne Willis, cancer is something that’s very personal. Four years ago – at the age of 39 – Willis was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. Willis said once she got her diagnosis, she became proactive and was determined to beat her cancer.

“I had to have my thyroid removed and take radiation treatments,” said Willis. “I was lucky because my cancer was treatable.”

Willis added that she had a world of support from her cruising buddies.

“It was a lot of heartfelt support in the face of an overwhelming cancer diagnosis,” said Willis. “Everyone got together and supported me.”

Willis said the event Saturday was to raise money for research in the fight against cancer. It was the second year the event’s been held.

According to Chris Smith, accounting chairperson for Lincolnton Relay, organizers of the event were hoping to raise about $2,000. Smith, who has been participating in Relay events for the past 12 years, said cancer is something very personal to her as well.

“My sister died of Ovarian Cancer,” said Smith. “Cancer isn’t a death sentence anymore because of events like this that benefit Relay. Money is raised for research and new treatments.”

Cruisers from the Carolinas and Tennessee took part in the event.

Becky Allen came with her 2005 PT Cruiser from Bristol, Tenn. A Greensboro native, Allen said she got her first cruiser in December 2000.

Fellow cruisers refer to Allen as “Ms. B., the Pampered Princess.” Cancer is something that’s touched Allen’s life in regard to her parents.

Her dad died in 1980 from bone cancer. Her mother, however, is a real survivor’s story. She had uterine cancer in the 1960s.

“We were in Germany and they treated her cancer with x-rays,” said Allen. “They removed the cancer and my mom’s been a 40-year cancer survivor.”

The Lincolnton Relay for Life will be Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3. For more information on the event, call 704-735-2544.

[Miss B]

Congratulations on a great show Anne! As always I had a blast getting a chance to visit with you and Tim again. I've got you on my calendar again for next year. Hopefully we won't have to sit out anymore tornados!

Leslie & Dave, it was great meeting you both and hope to see y'all down in Gatlinburg.

My pics are posted here: