Drive for the cure at BMW

By Katelyn Gendron-List

Staff Writer

WEST SPRINGFIELD For all of those BMW enthusiasts out there that are itching to test-drive one of their favorite automobiles for a good cause, now is the time.

On June 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., BMW of West Springfield will be sponsoring the BMW Ultimate Drive supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The public is invited to test-drive one of the 19-car fleet of titanium silver BMWs, which is lead by a signature car, the BMW X5. For each mile driven $1 will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, according to BMW.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982, after Nancy G. Brinker made a promise to her sister Susan G. Komen, who was dying of breast cancer, that she would do something to help those struggling with breast cancer, according to BMW. The Komen for the Cure's motto is "to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find cures for all."

"Nearly 300,000 people have participated in the program over the past 10 years, and this year, 237 communities and thousands of supporters in the fight against breast cancer nationwide will have the opportunity to become involved," Tom Purves, chairman and CEO of BMW North American said.

According to information released by BMW North America, donated funds from the BMW Ultimate Drive will top $11 million this year, as the 10-month tour of the 19-car fleet hits 237 communities nationwide.

BMW has a fundraising goal this year of $1,000,000 for 1,000,000 driven. The funds will go to Komen for the Cure which will use the donations to support cancer research, education, screenings and community outreach programs. This organization is the United States' largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer worldwide, according to information released by BMW.

"We can't all find a cure but this is a way for all those who are not scientifically inclined to help," Paula Goldfarb, event and sponsorship manager for Komen for the Cure said. "Most anyone can get behind the wheel and drive in order to help."

Goldfarb went on to state, that for each location there are six different BMW dealerships in Massachusetts alone there will be one "Local Hero," whose photo will be sealed onto the BMW signature vehicle in addtion to their signature.

The "Local Hero" is a resident that has made an outstanding personal effort in the fight against breast cancer, according to BMW. The signature car serves as a timeline that illustrates the Ultimate Drive's route from Georgia to Arizona.

For Goldfarb, each BMW Ultimate Drive is a new enlightening and fulfilling experience as she learns the stories of each "Local Hero."

"Each 'Local Hero' impacts me because each woman's struggle is independent," Goldfarb said. "I think about how hard it must be and they are great role models."

This year's "Local Hero" in West Springfield is Nickie Nicholson, a 23 year-old music teacher in Amherst, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 17.

"My mother had just taught me how to do a self-examination and I found a lump on my first try," Nicholson said. "I thought that I was just freaking myself out but I went to the doctor and there was definitely a lump there."

Nicholson went on to add that after she had been given all of the options she decided to have the lump surgically removed. She didn't even miss any days of school for the procedure because she did not want to ruin her perfect attendance record.

"There was no scar and the doctor did a great job," Nicholson said. "I wore my icepack with pride."

Now that Nicholson is in remission she devotes much of her time to educating young people about breast cancer along with various community and nationally based organizations. She stated that she stresses statistics in order to make people understand how rare it is for women under the age of 35 to be diagnosed with breast cancer, only 5%, but that knowledge is the key to keeping people healthy.

As far as being the "Local Hero" is concerned Nicholson stated that she feels humbled.

"I don't think that I'm anything to be celebrated," Nicholson said. "Being younger really helped me because I didn't realize how serious it was so I didn't have the opportunity to be scared. My parents always say that things don't happen to us they happen for us and that's why I feel that I can help other people."

According to Bob Morin, client advisor at BMW in West Springfield, he has been with the company since they began hosting the BMW Ultimate Drive at this location eight years ago. He stated that they expect to have between 300 and 350 test-drives on the day of the event.

"We want to draw attention to breast cancer awareness," Morin said. "We want to get as many miles on the cars as we can."

Morin went on to add that if a vehicle is idle one of the BMW personnel will take the car out to ensure that miles are put on the car. Furthermore the day of the Ultimate Drive is not about selling cars, for Morin it is about raising awareness and encouraging all those who wish to buy a car that day to take advantage of the additional test-drives for a good cause.

"Everyone has been touched by this disease and the BMW Ultimate Drive pulls people together," Goldfarb said.