BMW test drive aimed at cancer fund raising

NASHUA – Carolyn Choate is program manager for WYCN-TV 13 in Nashua. But on Friday, she goes national when her portrait and those of 49 other breast cancer survivors from across the country are displayed on a shiny new BMW sports car at Tulley BMW.

The poster of the survivors is a reminder and message of hope: Women fighting breast cancer do survive, but their survival depends on continued research and community outreach programs, Choate said.

On Friday, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., area residents are invited to test drive one of 18 high-performance BMWs at the eighth annual Ultimate Drive for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. For each mile driven, BMW donates $1 to the Komen Foundation.

Choate plans to attend the all-day event, which includes an awards presentation at noon and a fitness demonstration on a NordicTrack treadmill by the TV program manager.

Choate will also announce that NordicTrack is donating a treadmill to the community – first prize for an upcoming essay contest for all cancer survivors – not just breast cancer.

“I never did much exercise, and then I read a number of studies that exercise after breast cancer improves survival rate,” said Choate, who recently began jogging on a treadmill and is now up to four miles a day.

The monetary goal of Friday’s event is to raise $3,000 from local drivers.

But the fund-raiser is also an effort to increase public awareness about breast cancer. Choate said she wants to share her experiences with others and to encourage good nutrition and exercise.

Tulley BMW is at 147 Daniel Webster Highway South.

Hattie Bernstein can be reached 594-6439 or bernsteinh@telegraph-nh.com.