(INDIANAPOLIS) – Two-and-a-half years after announcing his colon cancer diagnosis, former IndyCar driver John Andretti says he’s staying positive as doctors try to keep the cancer at bay.
Andretti was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer two years ago. Chemo put him in remission, but the disease returned in March. He’s on his second clinical trial after a first was ineffective.
Andretti acknowledges cancer patients sometimes reach the point where they’re tired of fighting, but says he’s still staying upbeat, and distracting himself with other things. His uncle Mario calls regularly to talk racing, and Andretti says he’s working on a business venture with his son.
He’s also still the public face of the annual “Race for Riley” fundraiser for Riley Hospital for Children. He’s been part of the fund drive since it began as a WIBC promotion 22 years ago, with Andretti taking on challengers at a karting track. Kroger now sponsors the event, which has raised nearly $5 million. This year’s campaign brought in $550,000.
Andretti says he’s always been conscious of the strength Riley patients draw from their families, and the daily effort that goes into staying positive about their treatment. He says that bond is stronger now that he’s going through a similar challenge himself.
Andretti’s also leading a one-man awareness campaign reminding you to get your colonoscopy, with the hashtag #CheckIt4Andretti. He says he thinks every day about whether his family could have been spared the stress ofthe last two years if he’d gotten his checkup. He says if you haven’t gotten tested and you’re over 50, “shame on you.”
John Andretti (Photo: Eric Berman/WIBC)
