MARSHFIELD – Pittsville native Dan Neve and his family are all too familiar with breast and other cancer diagnoses.

In 2010 while his wife, Linda, was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, he decided to combine his passion for cars and desire to fight back against breast cancer. Cruise for a Cause was launched. Traveling the country in his Mustang Shelby GT 500 to car shows, auto races, and countless other events, Neve has raised more than a $1.3 million for cancer research. Dan himself underwent kidney cancer surgery in February just three weeks prior to attending his first event in Tennessee. 

On Dec. 4, Dan and Linda met with more than 100 researchers, physicians and scientists at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute and presented a $175,730 check to fund cancer research within Marshfield Clinic Health System. He said that Cruise for a Cause’s mission statement of ‘Delivering hope where we go” also relates to them.

“Delivering hope should be in each of your job descriptions, because I truly believe that is what you do,” Dan Neve said. “You give others hope with the jobs that you all do. You gave Linda and I hope 14 years ago. You gave hope to Linda’s two sisters who lost their fights with breast cancer and you give hope to her youngest sister who is undergoing chemo treatments as she begins her journey with breast cancer.”

Cruise for a Cause’s biggest event of the year is the annual Fall Ford Fest held the first weekend in October and features a car show, car parade, auction, golf outing and other activities in Wisconsin Dells. The event draws thousands of Ford lovers and people who want to continue the fight against breast cancer.

“Cancer touches everybody, and we will continue to fight cancer one patient at a time, one family at a time,” said oncologist/hematologist Dr. Adedayo Onitilo, who is one of the leading cancer researchers in Wisconsin.

Marshfield Clinic Research Institute Executive Director and Chief Research Officer Dr. Jennifer Meece said critical cancer research takes place in Wisconsin communities that can benefit cancer patients across the world.

“The latest treatment options for cancer, research studies and clinical trials are being worked on by our physicians and scientists in Marshfield, Weston, Minocqua Eau Claire and other communities,” Meece said. “The fight against cancer is taking place in our backyard and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is a key component.”

Learn more about Cruise for a Cause and its many events and fundraisers across the country at https://cruise4acause.org/.

“Dan and Linda Neve have an unparalleled passion for fundraising and providing hope to all affected by cancer,” said Tiffany Halan, Director of Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation Operations. “We are incredibly grateful to them and their generous supporters for their local support of cancer research.”

Visit https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/giving to learn more about cancer fundraising events and others ways you can give to support rural health care.