Cancer Survivor's Exotic Car Rides for Patients: The Smile a While Story

The Genesis of Smile a While

• 💡 Brian Land, a survivor of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), was inspired by a Facebook post about a dying boy who loved exotic cars.
• 🎯 This encounter led Brian to vow that if he could afford an exotic car, he would use it to give rides to other cancer patients.
• 🚀 This commitment formed the foundation of his organization, Smile a While.

Impact and Growth of Smile a While

• ✨ To date, Smile a While has provided exotic car rides to over 200 cancer patients.
• 🚗 The organization has expanded to include an annual cancer rally featuring exotic cars, with 64 participating in the first year and 75 expected for the upcoming September 20th event.
• 🚁 The rally includes aerial filming by helicopter and police escorts for safety and spectacle.

Overcoming Challenges to Acquire an Exotic Car

• 💰 Brian initially planned to buy an exotic car after purchasing a Papa John's and later a Popeye's franchise, but struggled to save enough.
• 💥 A significant turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic when a fireworks shipment from China was delayed, but a local shortage allowed his fireworks business to sell out completely.
• 📈 This financial success enabled Brian to finally purchase an exotic car, specifically a Lamborghini SV, chosen for its potential to appreciate in value.

Patient Experiences and Rally Details

• 🎢 Patient reactions range from extreme fear, with some screaming and asking to slow down, to exhilaration, with others wanting to reach top speeds.
• 🤝 The Clear View Cancer Institute helps select patients for the weekly rides, with doctors asking for interest and providing contact information.
• 🎶 The rally weekend includes a Friday night event with dinner, a live band, and opportunities to meet sponsors and drivers, followed by a large car show for the public.

Future Aspirations and Community Support

• 🌎 Brian's dream is to expand Smile a While to multiple locations so more cancer patients can experience the joy of exotic car rides.
• 🚗 The rally features a diverse collection of exotic cars, including Lamborghinis (Diablo, Countach, Huracan, Murcielago), a Ferrari, and a Liberty Walk 458 widebody, with expectations for even more impressive vehicles in the future.
• 🌟 The event aims to make cancer patients feel special, with spectators encouraged to cheer for them as they arrive.