At STREET/RACE Magazine it’s not about just the car, it’s also about the face behind the steering wheel and their story. Being a part of the car community for many years, there’s nothing quite like the support from other car enthusiasts and the impact they can have on you. I came across this story today, and from one car guy to another wanted to spread the word and share this touching story about Andrew Lee.
Andrew’s Story
Andrew Lee of Silver Springs, Maryland, was just finishing up his freshman year at the University of New Hampshire. Like any other 19 year old, the biggest challenge on his mind was getting through his first year of college and surviving finals week. Unfortunately for Andrew, life took a different direction and college became the least of his worries. On May 12th, 2015 Andrew was diagnosed with a rare form of Kidney Cancer known as Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer (HLRCC). He was told that his Stage 4 kidney cancer would not respond to any of the approved cancer treatments available today.
“Fortunately, the doctors at Mass General Hospital referred me to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where researchers have had some success with an experimental treatment program for my type of cancer. I am proud to be Number 42 in the trial treatment program, and thrilled that, thanks to their incredible work, the doctors at NIH are having success prolonging my life.”
“As the dust began to settle from my finding out about the cancer, I remember sitting down with my dad, as the clock was ticking. He stood there and asked a simple question. “Andrew” he said, “what are your life goals?” I thought for a moment with this new lens on life, looked at him, and chuckled “Well I need to own my dream car sometime in my life.” But my dad didn’t take it as a joke.
“As I journeyed back to Maryland to begin tests and experimental treatments, my dad began an incredible project to make my goal and dream come true. Three weeks after being diagnosed, I found myself sinking in to the soft leather of my very own brand new Nissan GTR. It was more than a dream come true.
“My GTR has proven to be the closest thing I have to a cure for my cancer. Over the past year, it has been a tremendous outlet for me. The places I have gone, the people I have met, and the passions I have developed just because of this gift have become the best medicine available. Within days of driving the car off the lot I found myself attending local car shows, answering lots of questions, and creating new friendships with people of all different backgrounds. As folks started talking, my story began spreading and within a month people started knowing who I was and why I had this incredible vehicle. It was clear my situation had a big impact on others and I suddenly found myself experiencing an immense outpouring of love and support. It was then I realized that the vehicle of my dreams was also the vehicle which gave me the opportunity to make a difference; to do something bigger than myself. That is why I am here, writing this story.”
Having been given a maximum of a few years to live after being diagnosed, Andrew decided to raise awareness of his condition with an incredible idea: Use the GT-R as a billboard for his new found charity Driven to Cure! Eventually, Lee came in contact with APAC body shop in Maryland and told them about his idea. They were immediately on board and helped turn Andrew’s amazing idea into a reality. The DTC GT-R is a one of a kind car custom built for Andrew’s cause. It is now equipped with a full Liberty Walk body kit, suspension, wheels and a custom orange paint job. Under the hood, the GT-R is pushing out about 700hp from basic bolt-on performance parts installed and tuned by Baker Performance. He even somehow managed to convince the DMV into letting him get a license plate that reads “F Cancr”. Andrew spends as much time as possible driving the GT-R to car shows, meeting other car enthusiasts, sharing his story and raising awareness.
“I created Driven to Cure to join two of my biggest passions, cars and cancer awareness, and to serve something far greater than myself. According to the American Cancer Society, kidney cancer affects 31,000 Americans annually, killing 11,900 of them. I was told at the time of my diagnosis that I might survive a year or more. I have chosen to fight this horrible disease and to help others in this process. Driven to Cure’s goal is to bring awareness and additional research funding to find a cure soon for rare kidney cancer diseases, including the development of the next generation of drugs to help others. Your generous donation will help to accomplish this goal and will make a difference in the lives of children, young adults, and their families affected by these diseases. Please help us spread the word and to find new support! Together we can help those who suffer from rare kidney cancers.” – Andrew Lee
#FCANCR
If you would like to support Andrew and Driven to Cure, Click here to Donate Now.
For Updates follow the Driven to Cure Facebook and Instagram!
FB: facebook.com/driventocure IG: @Driventocure
Video via: Crustless Media
