Cancer Journeys Foundation Creates Awareness Program For Cancer Early Detection

The Cancer Journeys Foundation has created an autocross program to reach the motorsport community with the message urging cancer testing and early detection. CJF founder and President Robert Hess has wrapped his personal MX-5 Miata with cancer awareness messages and is actively racing with the goal of increasing cancer awareness. More information can be found at the organization's website at http://cancerjourneysfoundation.org.

Robert Hess and Melissa Lanfre, one of the CJF board members, raced in the March 19th SCCA CalClub autocross event at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Irvine. Melissa said, "It was really fun and exciting, and the people were absolutely delightful."

The Cancer Journeys Foundation has developed a tool for assessing prostate cancer risk that men will likely find to be helpful because nearly 30,000 men die from prostate cancer every year. The foundation says that men simply need to create an account on the ProstateTrackerApp and track their PSA blood test results each year to see if there is a rising trend. The tool will indicate when it is time to speak with a physician. The autocross program was designed to bring further awareness to this early detection.

"We have a program where donors are able to drive their car in an autocross competition," said Hess. "They just need to be over 18 and have a valid driver license. Just sign up on our website at https://www.scca.com/pages/i-want-to-autocross and we will be in touch with you."

In addition to a valid driver's license, those who wish to enter the autocross should have a vehicle in good working order. Hess says that although these cars do not need to have the same safety gear that are found in race cars, they should be in good shape with no cord or metal showing on tires and other safety precautions in place.

A safety helmet will also be needed when driving on the course, although the foundation states that a helmet will be provided by the host for those who do not have a satisfactory helmet. More on the requirements to participate in the autocross can be seen at http://cancerjourneysfoundation.org/autocross/.

Hess says that the autocross program was created to help prevent cancer deaths and to support those currently living with the disease and those who have survived it. Prostate cancer is curable when found early and treated and Hess states that it is this early detection that the autocross is designed to make people aware of.