Car dealership is raising money to advance sarcoma research
Sarcoma surgeon and researcher R. Lor Randall headed to the Sierra Nevada foothills to present Shingle Springs Subaru with a symbol of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center gratitude: a race car-style trophy.
Since 2021, the El Dorado County dealership has leveraged Subaru’s annual Share the Love Event to raise nearly $400,000 to help with Randall’s research into sarcoma.
“The trophy symbolizes to UC Davis the gratitude we feel toward Shingle Springs Subaru, and what they are doing for sarcoma patients today and tomorrow,” said Randall. He is the chair of the UC Davis Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and holder of the David Linn Endowed Chair in orthopaedic surgery.
Passion for sarcoma research hits home
Sarcoma invades bone or muscle tissue. Unlike most types of cancers, it is found in children and adolescents as well as adults. Although rare, it constitutes about 15% of all childhood cancers.
Finding a cure for sarcoma is close to the heart of the Shingle Springs Subaru team. The dealership’s executive general manager, Bryant McCarver, and his wife, Kirsten, were shocked to learn of their daughter’s sarcoma diagnosis when she was only 15.
Kate McCarver was a sophomore at Oak Ridge High School when a sarcoma was detected close to her scapula (shoulder blade). The El Dorado Hills volleyball player thought she had injured her shoulder, but a scan revealed that a tumor was the source of her sharp pain.
Randall was her surgeon. He carefully removed the cancerous growth and, fortunately, it has not returned.
“I actually went on to play more volleyball in high school,” said Kate. “Now I’m about to graduate from college and decide what career to go into. There are so many possibilities.”
The psychology major is contemplating a future in medical sales or marketing.
Moving from anxious times to making a difference
The McCarver family was immensely grateful after their daughter’s successful surgery and recovery. Bryant and Kirsten committed to working to help find a cure for sarcoma so the lives of other young patients can be saved.
As part of Subaru America’s national Share the Love Event, the car manufacturer donates $250 for each new Subaru sold during the holiday season. The Shingle Springs Subaru dealership decided to match that and recommended sarcoma research as one of the nonprofit causes for their customers to pick when buying a vehicle.
“We could not be more grateful for the cancer care she received at UC Davis. We were so impressed to find out we could get this type of high-caliber care close to home,” Kirsten said. “We want to help as the cancer center continues with leading-edge sarcoma research.”
Shingle Springs Subaru Sarcoma Symposium
In 2024, the McCarvers decided they wanted to do even more to support UC Davis sarcoma researchers. Working with Randall, they founded the inaugural Shingle Springs Subaru Sarcoma Symposium.
Randall is one of the nation’s leading sarcoma researchers. He also is collaborating with other sarcoma experts from across the country to advance the fight against the devastating disease that takes more than 5,000 young lives each year. Treatment often results in limb loss.
“Our hope is that this annual event will bring together the brightest minds to find a cure for sarcoma,” McCarver said.
Planning is already underway for the next Shingle Springs Subaru Sarcoma Symposium, which will be held on Oct. 7.
If you require additional information regarding the symposium or are interested in supporting sarcoma research at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, please contact Emily McNaughton at emcnaughton@ucdavis.edu or visit give.ucdavis.edu/CCAD/CC44955
