Driven for a Cause

Reconstruction and restoration are the name of the game in the world of breast cancer.  Reconstruction rebuilds what was physically taken away while restoration gradually occurs as your heart and mind mend, affirming everything really will be OK.

Restoration also breathes new life into vintage sheets and scraps of metal until they resemble the vehicles they were designed to be.
... And on rare occasion, you discover that the world of breast cancer and classic cars intertwine.

Michelle Baker, of Falkville, AL, kneels beside her pride and joy (along with some faith, hope, and love).

Today I found myself at the 30th Annual St. Ann's Seafood Fiesta and Big Fish Car Show in Decatur, AL. I found myself there because my husband organizes the car show portion, so it's kind of a must, even if I would have preferred to fold laundry while watching The Crown. But had I gotten caught up with Queen Elizabeth and my fitted sheets I wouldn't have met Michelle Baker, the proud owner of a 1971 Chevrolet C10 that's designed with a message.

This message is on the rear windshield. Michelle makes the vinyl die cut decals herself.

I chatted with Michelle for awhile and learned she had always wanted an old work truck, but once she got one she decided it should do more than haul stuff. Having a functional truck was great, but having one with a sense of purpose was far better.

Share this web address with anyone who you know is putting off a mammogram due to strained finances.

You see, breast cancer has taken several of Michelle's family members and she's experienced a few scares herself.  She understands first-hand the importance of mammograms and early detection, and knows not everyone can afford them. That's why her truck proudly displays decals that honor women who've died from breast cancer, are fighting breast cancer, or need that gentle reminder to get a mammogram. One of the vinyl decals is for the website Joy to Life, an organization that helps cover mammogram costs for under-insured women.

Personally, I'm not the biggest Susan G. Komen supporter, but to each her own. It's still a cool truck.

For a small donation, she'll add your name, or that of a loved one, onto the side of her truck. All the money goes to one of a couple of organizations geared toward research and early detection. She said she hopes over time to see more names  honoring women who are fighting than those who've died, a small indicator that we're winning the battle.

If you feel lead to give toward Michelle's truck restoration, contact me and I'll put you in touch with her.

It amazes me how many people have been touched by breast cancer. And even more amazingly is how once you are, you're driven to do something about it. No longer can you sit in the comfort of your living room, shaking your head, thinking, "Oh, that poor soul. Hope she makes it." You find yourself asking, "What can I do to help that person make it?" I've felt so supported on this journey, and if you're on it, I hope you do too. I've discovered there are lots of Michelles in the world, they just don't all have a truck as eye-catching as hers.

Once Michelle saves a little more money she's going to give her truck some much deserved TLC via a new paint job. Don't we all have on-going projects?

This happens to be my word for the year. Where would we be without hope? Think about that.

I nabbed this pic from Michelle's FB page because I failed to get a wide shot. You'd think after years of shooting video where "wide, medium, tight" were drilled into my head I would have remembered to step back for a wide angle, but no. I'm more of a lost in the weeds type who overlooks the big picture. Oops!