Truckers Parade Against Cancer honored nationally; local organizers say funds support research and local patients

Organizers of the Truckers Parade Against Cancer (TPAC) told the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors the event earned national recognition and continues to raise funds that support both local patient services and cancer research.

Shannon Feinman, a TPAC team member, told the board TPAC was named the American Cancer Society’s nationwide team of the year for 2024 and that the group has raised more than $180,000 in a recent year and more than $2 million cumulatively over its history. Feinman said the group’s fundraising helped sponsor a research “hero” grant at Duke University and, more recently, a research fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focused on pancreatic cancer.

Feinman said part of TPAC’s mission is to support local patients — including counseling, patient transport and assistance with medications — and to fund research that could lead to new treatments. Organizers said they plan to use Zoom check‑ins with the funded researchers and to share progress with the community. TPAC’s 25th anniversary parade is scheduled for Oct. 11.

Supervisors congratulated organizers and said the event is a county highlight; the board authorized no county funding at the meeting but expressed appreciation for the volunteer effort and partnerships with county schools, sheriff’s office and emergency services.