RNR Custom Wheels and Tire Express, based in Tampa, Florida but with 67 stores (including 13 franchisees) in 22 states, is asking their customers to support breast cancer research.  Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States among women, as well as the second leading cause of death in women.  According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, it is estimated that in 2013, there will be: 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 64,640 new cases of in situ breast cancer, and 39,620 deaths from breast cancer. The chance of a woman developing breast cancer is 1 in 8. RNR is hoping to make a difference in those numbers.

All through the month of October, RNR is asking their customers to donate a dollar (or more, if they would like) to breast cancer research; when they donate, RNR will put their name on a placard and display it in the store.  All donations will be given to the MoffittCancerCenter in Tampa.  MoffittCancerCenter is one of the pre-eminent cancer hospitals in the country, and one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers due to its acknowledged excellence in research, clinical trials, prevention and cancer control.  According to Moffitt’s website, it is the number 1 cancer hospital in Florida and has been named one of  U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer since 1999—and it’s right in RNR’s backyard.

RNR’s corporate headquarters are on Nebraska Avenue in Tampa, just up the road from MoffittCancerCenter, which is located on the campus of the University of South   Florida.  But proximity to one of the country’s best cancer hospitals isn’t the only reason RNR chose to support Breast Cancer Awareness month in their stores—it’s also personal.  Founder and President of RNR, Larry Sutton, says, “Supporting breast cancer research is personal for me, as my mother was a breast cancer survivor.  I personally believe that every successful business has a responsibility to give back, and finding worthwhile causes for us to support shows our employees the value of being good corporate citizens.”

Breast Cancer Awareness month began more than 25 years ago and remains dedicated to educating women on breast health, from self exams to mammograms to the importance of early diagnosis.  To learn more about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit their website.