It's hard not to respect the big names in motorsports who give back to the community. NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. is among those generous people with his non-profit company, the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation (MTJF). Originally founded in 2007, the organization's mission is to help support cancer research initiatives specific to ovarian cancer and childhood cancers, as well as the individuals and families affected by them.
Together with his longtime girlfriend, Sherry Pollex, they created an extremely beneficial organization that helped raise awareness with their cancer initiatives. However, the couple's mission took on a whole new meaning when Sherry was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2014. This only gave them even more purpose to continue raising cancer awareness, financial support, and aid to cancer patients.
After enduring cancer treatments and integrative therapies from her medical provider, Sherry ended up winning her battle with the disease. She shared her inspiring story on her blog, Sherrystrong.org, and she continues to provide updates on the latest news in her personal life, as well as on the foundation.
The MTJF hasn't slowed down since. The company exists simply through the generosity of donors, partners, and corporate sponsors, and it's working out extremely well. Back in 2018, they gave a massive $1.2 million gift to Novant Health. In return, the foundation is in the process of building two projects: The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Children's Emergency Department at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center and the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic at Novant Health Presbyterian Main in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additionally, MTJF provided a $750,000 transformational gift to Atrium Health, and the funds will go to medicine programs at Levine Cancer Institute and the Levine Children's Hospital.
Earlier this year, it was also announced that the NASCAR Foundation is teaming up with the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation to launch the Honor A Cancer Hero campaign. This gives the NASCAR community an opportunity to nominate a cancer hero to ride along with their favorite driver during the NASCAR race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September. Additionally, several drivers will replace their signature location with a cancer hero's name.
This is an awesome way to have some fun, while also bringing awareness to the racing community. September happens to be designated as childhood and ovarian cancer awareness month, and that's not a coincidence. If you want to nominate someone, or you want to learn more about the campaign, check out NASCARfoundation.org.
If Truex's driving in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 Toyota Camry couldn't fully convince you to be a fan of his, then this foundation should be enough. What he's doing for the community is nothing short of amazing, and both he and Sherry definitely deserve the recognition for taking initiative when they saw an opportunity to help in the health industry. It's people with hearts like these that help you regain faith in humanity.
