Cruisin’ for a Cure

What a weekend of fun galore! Today's excitement was found at the Orange County Fairgrounds for the 25th Annual Cruisin' for a Cure.

Cruisin’ for a Cure was started in 1999 by Debbie Baker whose husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer and lost his life in 2009 from the illness. It became, and continues to be, Debbie’s passion to do something for our men by bringing awareness of prostate cancer to help save their lives through the offering of free prostate screening at the event. Over the past 25 years, over 15,000 men have been tested and more than 4,000 have been saved, those who would have never known they had a suspicious lump or prostate cancer. As Debbie tells the men, “You take care of your cars, you need to take care of your body."
This incredible day was suggested by Julie and we were joined by her delightful friends, Pat and Patty.
I was in awe before I even left the parking lot!

What makes this car show extra exciting is the cruisin' component. All day long, moving works of mechanical art meander through the fairgrounds. We not only had the opportunity to see these treasures, we were able hear and smell them. What a very unique, and appreciated, feature.






The variety was exceptional!
How about this very fun car? Ford Motor Company Produced the Retractable Hardtop Skyliner from 1957 through 1959. It was the first retractable hardtop to be mass produced.
In 1971, John Bobo of Dayton, OH, founded the International Ford Retractable Club. The Club's goals are, "To promote the preservation and restoration of this unique automobile with its complex yet reliable roof mechanism; and, to further the interest in it."






Cruisin’ for a Cure is the world’s largest one-day charity car show with over 3,000 vehicles on display and over 150+vendors and exhibitors.


My college car was a yellow VW Thing. I still have a soft spot for them.



I love this license plate... ½ BUS.
What's a car show without hanging with Elwood Blues?
Oh, by the way, the music was outstanding. The band, The Answer, had everyone dancing. The full name is The Answer to Classic Rock. We are going to hunt them down to see one of their shows. WOW.
As for the reason for the event- Prostate Cancer, Steve's Dad had it so today was a great opportunity to continue with diligence. So off Steve went to get the whole exam shebang.
From the website, "We are very grateful to continue offering our free prostate screening to men 40 years and older. It is a simple blood test. We also offer the DRE (digital rectal exam). The testing results are sent to the KSK Cancer Center of Irvine where Dr. Tokida continues tracking all of the men over the years, as well as all the new men that take the advantage of the testing each year. The results are confidentially sent out within 7-10 days after the event from Dr. Tokida’s office. Dr. Tokida has been tracking returning participants each year and will personally call anyone that has a rise in their PSA, or a new participant that may have an elevated PSA." Oh my gosh. It is beyond amazing.
Steve's DRE was performed by Dr. Ben Dover... hysterical!
I receive emails from Suleika Jaouad, an author, artist, and activist who has shared her cancer journey. Recently her cancer returned from remission and she wrote eloquently on how she perseveres. One of her techniques is noticing and cultivating small joys. Today, one of my small joys is the glee these two oversized vehicles brought me. As I type this I am still cracking up.

This was one of those times when so many riches filled the day. New and old friends, the camaraderie of like-minded enthusiasts, a moveable feast of historic vehicles, an admirable cause, and many small joys! I can't wait for next year!

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