One year ago, a man named John Nikas drove a tatty and tired 1953 Austin-Healey 100 from coast to coast, hoping that the drive would encourage the car's owner, a friend who had recently been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, to keep fighting. He named his effort Drive Away Cancer. Improbably, incredibly, the Healey - named Grace - made it from the West Coast to the East Coast and back again. Though it was never part of the plan, passersby he met along the way inscribed the names of their friends and loved ones whose lives had been affected by cancer. Grace had become both a rolling memorial and a symbol of hope and defiance for those living with the disease.

A few weeks ago, John called to tell us that he was undertaking yet another trip in Grace, a 50,000-mile odyssey touching all 50 states. It's called "One Lap for America." He leaves this morning from California, and you can track his progress on his website, through Facebook, on YouTube, or by subscribing to his Twitter feed. This year, John hopes to involve thousands of enthusiasts in the first ever National Drive Away Cancer Day, scheduled for August 11. Individuals and clubs are invited to take part in a variety of ways. You can read all about it here.

John and Grace are planning to make a visit to our headquarters here in Bennington, Vermont. We'll let you know the date as soon as we know. We think John deserves the biggest Hemmings Nation welcome we can give him.

Photos courtesy John Nikas

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