Wipe Out Cancer–10th year

KEARNEY — Kearney Tire & Auto Service is holding its tenth annual "Wipe Out Cancer" campaign throughout October. Since 2015, the "Change a Blade, Change a Life" initiative has raised $19,653.14 to support cancer patients in central Nebraska.

Don and Ronda Jaeschke, owners of Kearney Tire & Auto at 801 E. 25th St., donate a portion of wiper blades sales throughout the year to Kearney Tackles Cancer (KTC). During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all proceeds from wiper blade sales will be contributed to KTC. Patrons who purchase wiper blades in October will also receive a commemorative ‘pink ribbon’ glass tumbler. 

For the first time, Kearney Tire and Auto is unable to provide special pink wiper blades this October. Their vendor has discontinued the item.

“We aren’t going to let anything stop us. We believe in this project, giving to families battling cancer here in our community, and helping people see safely while driving, too. We are excited to see what year 10 holds,” says Ronda Jaeschke.

Kearney Tackles Cancer is a student-led initiative dedicated to raising cancer awareness and funds. For 16 years, Kearney Public Schools, Kearney Catholic School and CHI Health Good Samaritan Cancer Center have collaborated with community partners like Kearney Tire & Auto Service. All KTC proceeds directly impact local cancer patients by providing financial assistance for medications, travel and living expenses during treatment.

“We are profoundly grateful for the incredible support Kearney Tackles Cancer has received over the years,” said Dana Welsh, supervisor, CHI Health Good Samaritan Cancer Center. “I just wished everyone could see the impact a simple gesture like providing a gas card has for our patients who are already struggling to overcome cancer. It’s truly a blessing.” 

Welsh has been a KTC adult sponsor since the group began in 2009. Follow Kearney Tackles Cancer on Facebook for updates on shirt sales and future event