BMW Ultimate Drive for cancer research

by Tristan Henry (thenry@wsbt.com)

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People took test drives in special BMWs to help raise money for cancer research Saturday. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Aug 23, 2008 at 1:19 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 26, 2008 at 10:43 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — You might have noticed white and pink BMWs driving through South Bend Saturday. Breast cancer survivors and supporters took a ride to raise money for breast cancer research with the BMW Ultimate Drive at Basney BMW.

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"It's a lot of fun, I never thought I'd have a chance to drive a BMW," said cancer survivor Joan Pethe.

"Awesome. The girl in front of me was not driving fast enough. I wanted to pass her," joked Lezlie O'Hara.

She's been cancer free for three years and was excited her hair has grown back long enough to enjoy feeling the air blow through it in a convertible.

BMW allows anyone to test drive a car for free on a 14-mile track. The company donates $1 for every mile driven to Susan G. Koman Race For The Cure.

"I'm on a mission to keep as many cars in motion while I'm here that I can, because that's the object to put on mileage so they can raise money," said Pethe.

This is her third year driving in the fundraiser. The Ultimate Drive will stop in 210 cities. Anyone who has taken part in the fundraiser can add their name to a signature car.

It also features a local hero from each stop. Basney BMW picked Linda Jenkins as this year's hero. She's been in remission for six years.

"When I was diagnosed I said, 'OK, there are two ways you can go about this — it can be devastating or you can look into it and see what opportunities God has for you,' and that's the way I choose," said Jenkins.

Jenkins is part of a support group called "Young Survivors." They reach out to younger women about the importance of breast cancer screening.

"We want them to do those self breast exams, get that early detection because that early detection can save your life and it has for so many of us," said Kim Zobrosky, a cancer survivor.

The group hopes rides like this will became a road map to a brighter future for breast cancer patients.

"I think most of the women here will tell you it can be a very positive thing because it can open your eyes to what is important in life. Are you focusing on the right things? Are you doing as much for other people as you can?" said Jenkins.

In the last 11 years, BMW has donated $12 million to cancer research through this fundraiser.

The next drive will take place in Kalamazoo on Monday.

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