Tractor Ride Against Cancer makes stop in Creston

Cancer survivor Bob Husz is making his second trek across Iowa as part of the Tractor Ride Against Cancer (T.R.A.C.) that will run through Friday. The 250 mile journey along Highway 34 is a grassroots effort to raise funds and support for hematological malignancy (blood-related) cancer and solid tumor cancer research at University of Nebraska Medical Center. After a ceremonial send off from the UNMC campus, Husz, 53, of Council Bluffs left from Glenwood at noon Monday, and he will end his journey in Burlington Friday, at the Mississippi River. Husz arrived in Creston Monday evening and pulled out of the Super 8 parking lot shortly after 9 a.m. today. "It's an honor to take this campaign across Iowa for the second year in a row," Husz said. "I hope we are able to reach out and make a difference for this disease that affects so many lives every day." In 2004, Husz was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a malignant growth of cells in the lymph system. Husz started chemotherapy treatment immediately at UNMC. Through his first month of chemotherapy, Husz' wife Jane found her husband emotionally down and suggested he get involved in a task that would allow him to keep a positive goal in mind during his treatment. Husz bought a 1952 vintage Ford 8N tractor as a "fix-up" project. The old tractor, which is now in parade condition, became a symbol of Husz's journey to becoming cancer-free. The American Cancer Society reports that about 559,650 men and women will die of cancer this year. It is reported that there will be approximately 63,190 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma this year. "My life was permanently changed by cancer, but I am thankful that I can look back at my diagnosis to help me now enjoy each day," Husz said. "I look forward to a long life ahead. Unfortunately, not everyone diagnosed with cancer has a similar story and that is why a cure needs to be found." Husz encourages others who have tractors and who have battled cancer -- or know someone who has suffered from the disease -- to join him on the town-to-town tractor caravan along Highway 34 as he plows across Iowa for a cure. The trip will be divided into stops where drivers can join him in support. Husz will be making additional stops in Osceola, Chariton, Albia, Ottumwa, Fairfield and Mount Pleasant before finishing in Burlington. Husz will meet people along the way and hand out donation cards for those who wish to give to the T.R.A.C. fund for cancer research, which has been established at the University of Nebraska Foundation. Last year, Husz traveled across Iowa on his tractor along State Highway 92 from Lake Manawa to Grandview, raising nearly $9,000 for cancer research.