An ‘honor and a privilege’ –Terry Fish on what it means to drive the ‘Optimus Prime’ of breast cancer awareness

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Updated Dec 8, 2016

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The Larson Group, a Peterbilt dealership with 18 locations throughout the Midwest and into the South, customized the Peterbilt 389 shown above to raise breast cancer awareness. TLG Peterbilt originally designed the truck to call attention to the Pink in the Park cancer fundraiser held at Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo. last year. The event, which TLG helped sponsor, was organized by the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) in partnership with the Springfield Cardinals.

Today, the award-winning model 389 is under the ownership of Sparks Transport, a Lyons, Ind.-based carrier, and they use it regularly on cross-country runs. “After seeing this truck in person and witnessing the impact it has on fundraising for breast cancer research, we knew it would make a special addition to our fleet,” Sparks Transport Vice President Brad McDonald says.

“We didn’t realize the magnitude of what it would evolve into,” adds Matt McDonald, Sparks Transport head of dispatch and maintenance. “After only three weeks, we have been getting calls from customers requesting service specifically from the pink Peterbilt 389.”

Terry Fish, who drives the truck for Sparks, says public feedback on the road has been just as positive. “People are always taking pictures and giving me a thumbs-up as I drive by,” he says. “This truck is quickly becoming an icon. It is an honor and privilege to drive the Optimus Prime of breast cancer.”

The truck has special meaning for Fish, whose father succumbed to cancer in 2009. In 2010, his aunt successfully fought breast cancer. Fish says his mother cried when she learned that Terry was driving this truck.

“The 389 is a head turner for a good cause, and it is stunning to see in person,” he says.

The Larson Group’s stewardship of the truck prior to Sparks’ purchase also included appearances at other cancer fundraisers, including the Southwest Missouri Chapter’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, an annual event held in conjunction with the American Cancer Society.

As a full service leasing company for commercial truck fleets, TLG Peterbilt serves many cattle farmers, making the Cattle Baron’s Ball an excellent fit for the dealer group’s continued efforts against cancer.

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“We are long-time supporters of the American Cancer Society,” says Corporate Marketing Manager Barbie Langston, “and we’re thrilled that we have had the opportunity to serve as a major sponsor of the Cattle Baron’s Ball for several years now. The event is always a blast, and it goes a long way to fund crucial cancer research.”