History of the Plate
With those three words, 'You Have Cancer,' life changes forever.
Michael Zuker was diagnosed with late stage lung cancer at the age of 53. After the diagnosis, he told his family that "no matter what happens to me, know that I have led a blessed life." 4 Months later we lost our Hero.
Michael was always the first one to help other people, lend a hand, and listen. He always said that "actions speak louder than words."
Driving together through Boston one day soon after his funeral, we all saw the same thing. There was a car with a license plate from New Jersey with the words 'Conquer Cancer' staring back at us. From that point forward, we knew what Michael would do.
So we called New Jersey, found out about the plate and process, and were told they have raised millions for cancer research. How do we establish a 'Conquer Cancer' plate in Massachusetts?
One step at a time, a lesson we are all too familiar with, was our approach. We formed a non-profit organization, The Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts with the goal of raising funding and awareness in the fight against all cancers. Then we began our journey, meeting with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and meeting the state requirement of 1,500 applications with $40 checks.
We traveled to places near and far, from Hospitals to Fenway Park, from county fairs to local restaurant's. We talked with schools, and worked with a great team of Brandeis University students. Nana Cele lead the charge on many of our trips and threw out a fastball to open the Brockton Rox 'Conquer Cancer Day.'
By the time we reached our 1,500 applications, 18 months had passed and we had met the most amazing people, with incredible stories of hope, loss and compassion. That is why the design includes a flame for hope, and a teardrop for sorrow. We proudly numbered and delivered each application to the RMV, knowing the stories and people behind them.
Just before father's day weekend 2006, we (Susan, Matthew and Jonathan) were again driving in Boston and saw 'Conquer Cancer Plates' but this time they were from Massachusetts! A special dedication on the steps of the State House made it official, and seeing them made it real.
Since then we have grown to include thousands more plates, together raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in the fight against all cancers, recently itntroducing a line of t-shirts called 'Wear Out Cancer' and working with the City of Boston to establish the Cancer Garden of Hope on City Hall Plaza.
When we lost Michael it felt like we had lost our fight against cancer. Now we know this is just a beginning!
We want to thank everyone who has been driven to make a difference. It is only through the generosity and support of each individual that has made this plate a reality, and we cannot say thank you enough.
