Join the Race to Beat Cancer with IndyCar opportunities in May
May 1, 2024
By: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center continues its online early detection, prevention campaign
The Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is driving an online public education campaign that focuses on cancer early detection and prevention.
Coinciding with the month of May, the campaign’s theme, “In the Race to Beat Cancer, Early Detection and Prevention Win,” is a nod to Indiana’s storied racing history. The rising rates of early onset cancers are a trending topic. By taking an active role in early detection and prevention, Hoosiers can take the driver’s seat of their health.
Now in its second year, the campaign now includes skin and prostate cancers. This is in addition to breast, colon, lung, and testicular cancers as well as head and neck cancer and cervical cancer, the two most common types of HPV-related cancers. Experts from the cancer center provide easy-to-understand tips about prevention and early detection, signs and symptoms, screening guidelines, the latest research, and more in the campaign.
Jeff Schwarz’s cancer research legacy
The cancer center’s efforts to accelerate cancer research were spotlighted during the NTT IndyCar Series Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 11. Thanks again to the generosity of Chip Ganassi Racing and the Jack, John and Jeff Schwarz Family*, IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong piloted the “Research Cures Cancer” No. 11 IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center car. Armstrong scored a career-best fifth-place result in the race, which was broadcast on NBC.
Jeff Schwarz was a Hoosier through and through. He was born and raised north of Indianapolis and met his wife Jill during their time as undergraduates at IU Bloomington. In 2019, Jeff and Jill joined the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Development Board to support the university they so dearly loved. No one would have imagined that in 2012 Jeff would be diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer – glioblastoma.
During his treatment, Jeff was committed to seeing Indiana University recruit an expert brain cancer researcher. To expedite this, Jeff and his family established the Schwarz Family and Friends Cancer Research Fund. In August 2023, IU used the funding to recruit Jia Shen, PhD, an assistant professor of medical and molecular genetics, to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Based in Bloomington, Shen’s research laboratory focuses on understanding and preventing the recurrence of glioblastoma.
Cancer ended Jeff’s life on Nov. 26, 2023. Jeff’s impact will live on through his legacy of the fund, which has reached an astounding $1.47 million and is one of the largest memorial funds in the history of Indiana University.
Jeff Schwarz’s legacy will be honored during the May 11 race. His name will be part of the “Research Cures Cancer” No. 11 IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center car’s crimson design.
*The Jack, John and Jeff Schwarz Family does not have a familial relationship with the Joe and Shelly Schwarz Family that named the cancer care center in Carmel.
