Corvette Conquers Cancer Tour Comes To Anaheim
14 August 1998
Corvette Conquers Cancer Tour Comes To Anaheim
WISCASSET, Maine--(AutomotiveWire)--Aug. 13, 1998--Fueled with a story and hope for a cure, 3-time cancer survivor, Sandy Labaree, has hit the road, bringing the Corvettes Conquer Cancer Tour (CCCT) to cities everywhere.The Wiscasset resident is combining two of her greatest loves -- volunteering for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and taking part in Corvette sports cars events this summer. The tour is gearing up for a stop in Anaheim on Tuesday.
The CCCT is sponsored by Corvette Mike of Anaheim, a Corvette dealership offering parts and services for America's Corvettes. The tour started without an official sponsor, but as predicted, sparked the interests of many people, including Mike Vietro, owner of Corvette Mike. Labaree will be appearing at the Vietro's Anaheim location on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
"We are proud to sponsor Sandy and the CCCT," said Vietro. "She is an inspiring woman and her message is an important one. Corvette Mike is pleased to be a part of the CCCT, and we plan to help Sandy raise funds to find a cure for cancer."
"I welcome Corvette Mike's generosity and commitment to the fight," commented Labaree. "I invite fellow Corvette owners to join Mike and me in supporting the tour. I have found Corvette enthusiasts to be caring and generous people. They love coming together for a cause."
Labaree will be in Anaheim on Tuesday, Aug. 18 to attend a special reception and fund-raiser held in her honor hosted by Vietro. The reception will take place at Corvette Mike located at 1133 North Tustin Avenue from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Labaree will be asked to speak out about her experiences, promote cancer prevention and early detection activities, and raise money for ACS programs of research, education, advocacy and patient services.
She will then continue her 25,000 plus mile journey, appearing at other national Corvette car shows, club meetings, and ACS events. She has already participated at the annual BLoomington Gold, in Bloomington, Ill.; was a featured Corvette among 600 at the Black Hills Classic in Sioux Falls, S.D.; and most recently completed a two-day appearance at Vettes on the Rockies in Frisco, Colo.
Labaree is a cervical and breast cancer survivor, and finished aggressive treatment for a recurrence of breast cancer in May. She is optimistic about the future, however, she feels the need to reach out now and share her story with others.
"I know cancer patients who have survived and thrived in the face of their disease, and I remember those who have left their mark on me and this earth," said Labaree. "This trip is my tribute to all of them."
At each event, Labaree will be displaying a memory book and will encourage her audience to sign the names of loved ones stricken by cancer. "People need a visual that proves there are 1.2 million people diagnosed with this disease each year. The first signature book will be the memory book my daughter gave me for Christmas," shared Labaree.
Labaree will not be alone on her journey. Her husband, Ben, will drive with her for the majority of the tour, but her daughter and two sisters will also join for legs of the trip. Additionally, Labaree is encouraging other Corvette owners and cancer survivors to join the tour, becoming part of a rolling cancer brigade. As Labaree said, "The more, the merrier."
The CCCT departed from Maine on June 13 and will continue until early October if Labaree's stamina -- still weakened from her treatment -- holds up.
For more information on attending the Aug. 18 reception in Anaheim, call Corvette Mike at 800/327-8388.