LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CANCER HEROES!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CANCER HEROES!
CANCER HEROES IN THE NASCAR CUP SERIES AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY
CANCER HEROES IN THE NASCAR CUP SERIES AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY
Cancer Hero: Frank Meza Riding with NASCAR Cup Series Driver: Kyle Busch Nominated By: Nida Dieckmann Why Cancer Hero Was Nominated: I grew up never knowing I had 2 brothers in California. When my father passed away in 1998, I got to meet these brothers or the first time. It made the biggest impact in my life. Something I would have never dreamed of. I grew up with a brother that was not very close to any of our family. Though I was close to my sister, I always dreamed of having a brother that I was close to. Now I had 2. My brother Bill took me into his home and made me feel welcome. He would take me to my brother Frank's house on occasion and I would get to spend time with him as well. When Billy passed away from cancer, I was sooo lost and heartbroken. That is when my brother Frank stepped in and we were able to lean on each other. I spent a lot of time in California with Frank and his family. They were so welcoming, and Frank became my best friend. He would watch Nascar with me and we could talk about anything. He let me know what it was like to have an amazing relationship with a brother. Something I wanted so much in life. He had cancer, and I would go with him sometimes and sit while he did chemo. He never complained and was such a strong person. Unfortunately, in 2020, around the time that Covid hit, he got sick with what some of us believe was Covid. Since he was on chemotherapy, his immune system was down, and he was not able to fight it and we lost him. I nominated Frank as my cancer hero, because he was the best big brother anyone could ask for. He helped me to realize my dream of having an amazing brother who was always there, no matter what I needed. I love you, Frank!! I cannot wait until you and I and Billy can all be together again.
CANCER HEROES IN THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY
CANCER HEROES IN THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY
Cancer Hero: Eldred (Ole) Olsen Riding with NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver: Josh Williams Nominated By: Brad OlsenWhy Cancer Hero Was Nominated: My dad is my hero. He has helped me grow up with the friendship, caring and a loving heart and to treat everyone like your own family, with Love <3
CANCER HEROES IN THE NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY
CANCER HEROES IN THE NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY
Cancer Hero: Miranda Jackson Riding with NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Driver: Tanner Gray Nominated By: Art Jackson Why Cancer Hero Was Nominated: I chose this Cancer Hero as she will always be my favorite angel. My daughter, Miranda Jackson, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at just 4 months old. Miranda went through many rounds of chemotherapy while inpatient at Comer Children’s Hospital. Miranda’s chemotherapy was very rough, so she spent most of her first year of life in a hospital. Later, Miranda was declared cancer free and was in remission! Miranda was able to live a life of a normal toddler for about a year and a half, until she had relapsed. Miranda continued to fight but ultimately was not strong enough and passed away at just 2 and a half years old. Watching her fight was some of the hardest days, but also some of the strongest. During her time in the hospital we connected with other families traveling the same journey. We began to bring awareness to childhood cancer and advocate for better treatment options. We have continued to keep her name alive over the past 12 years by supporting others and giving back to the community. Every December we collect toy donations for Comer Children’s Hospital, donate to four hospitals backpacks (Mirandas Skye Hug) with everyday essentials that a parent may not have time to grab prior to rushing to the hospital and an MTJ sim racer sponsorship! What other way to honor her name than to team up with NASCAR and Tanner Gray. It is such an honor to be on the Tricon Garage, Tanner Gray truck.