In The News

U.S. Convoy for a Cure set to roll Oct. 22

When OOIDA Life Members Clarence and Terry Davis of Rochester, NY, drove in the first-ever U.S. Convoy for a Cure back in October 2009, they were there to support their good friend Karen, who was battling Stage 4 breast cancer.

Then in February 2010, after a routine physical, Terry Davis received the devastating news that she too had cancer. After months of grueling rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Terry was able to return to trucking nine months later in November of that year.

While they had to miss the second convoy in Terrell, TX, in 2010, Terry plans to drive in this year’s Cure convoy on Oct. 22, at the Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas.

“When we drove in the first one, it was to show our support for Karen, who was the maid of honor in our wedding,” Terry Davis told Land Line recently. “I didn’t know how much I would need that support system and the encouragement until I faced cancer myself.”

OOIDA Life Member Cindy Stowe of Will’s Point, TX, is organizing the event at the Texas Motor Speedway. The money raised will go to breastcancer.org .

“We are encouraging drivers to come out and show their support for finding a cure for this disease because cancer has affected every driver in some way,” Stowe told Land Line .

She said the registration fee for trucks wanting to participate in the convoy will be lowered to $50 in 2011.

This year’s convoy will be bittersweet for Clarence and Terry Davis because while Terry survived her bout with cancer, their close friend Karen did not.

“We will be driving ‘in memory’ instead of ‘in honor’ of Karen this year, but this is a way that we can raise a little money to help others find a cure for cancer,” Terry Davis said. “So many people have been touched by breast cancer and by cancer in general.”

During her battle with cancer, Terry Davis credits her husband, Clarence, who was her “rock” throughout her treatment.

“I don’t know what I would have done without him, I wish there was an award I could nominate him for,” she said. “He took care of me; he stood strong and was always upbeat. I know this was very hard for him because he was on the road, but I could call him at any time and he was there for me.”

“My attitude is they can get me down, but they can’t keep me down,” Terry Davis said.

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