20-Year Survivor Hosts Car Show for Cancer Research

When Eva McKee looks at the rows of cars, trucks, and motorcycles filling DuBois City Park each September, she sees more than chrome and engines. She sees two decades of survival and a community refusing to give up on finding a cure.

McKee is a 20-year breast cancer survivor who credits her life to medication developed through American Cancer Society-funded research. That personal connection drives her to organize the annual Relay For Life Car Cruz-In, now in its 15th year.

The event takes place Saturday, September 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at DuBois City Park in Pennsylvania. Registration starts at 11 a.m., and all proceeds benefit cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

What started as a small parking lot gathering has grown into a beloved community tradition. McKee and her husband launched the Car Cruz-In 15 years ago during a Relay For Life event, then moved it to become its own standalone celebration that kicks off each new Relay season.

The event welcomes anything with wheels. Cars, motorcycles, tractors, fire trucks, golf carts, and even lawn mowers can register for $10. Kids can bring power wheels or pedal bikes for $5 and take a victory lap around the show area.

McKee deliberately kept the event non-competitive, with no trophies or judging. Instead, it's designed as a day for neighbors to gather, admire vehicles, and chat over shared stories and hopes.

Sunny's Take

The beauty of this event isn't just in the shiny paint jobs or rumbling engines. It's in watching a survivor transform her gratitude into action, year after year. McKee knows firsthand that research saves lives because it saved hers. Now she's creating a space where people can support that mission while simply enjoying a beautiful Saturday with their community.

Visitors can vote for their favorite vehicles by dropping donations in collection cans beside participating cars. The day also features a basket raffle, DJ, food vendors, a 50/50 drawing, and entertainment.

Every dollar raised supports the American Cancer Society's work across all types of cancer, not just one. McKee emphasizes this comprehensive approach as crucial to helping more families avoid hearing those three devastating words: "You have cancer."

For McKee, September 19 represents hope on wheels, proof that community spirit and scientific progress can roll forward together toward a future with better treatments and fewer diagnoses.

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