NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Ryan Hunter-Reay and his wife, Beccy, have established the Hunter-Reay Family Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The fund will support scholarships for students at NSU’s Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing who have an interest in serving oncology patients. Ryan Hunter-Reay’s late mother, Lydia, was a nurse who battled cancer before passing away from the disease in 2009.

Since his mother’s passing, Ryan and Beccy Hunter-Reay formed the Racing for Cancer charity to help fight the disease.

"This scholarship gift will help attract the best and brightest students who are interested in oncology nursing," said Shari Meehan, NSU director of development. "Racing for Cancer, Ryan and Beccy’s charity, together with partner AutoNation, share our vision and core values to train competent and confident nurse leaders who will transform the delivery of nursing care in our communities and beyond.

“We are very grateful for their steadfast partnership and support over the years. Everyone here extends sincere thanks for their generosity and support.”

Hunter-Reay and his family know first-hand the role that nurses play in the detection and prevention of cancer. They saw the impact Lydia Hunter-Reay had on her patients and were also moved by the impact and caring of the oncology nurses who cared for her through her cancer journey and passing.

The Hunter-Reay family felt it was important to ensure a legacy for Lydia that invests in others committed to care and the cure.

"Nearly 28 million people worldwide are battling some form of cancer,” Ryan Hunter-Reay said. “Our goal with Racing for Cancer is to help make the world cancer-free. We believe that investing in nursing students committed to our cause ensures that our efforts will continue for years to come.

“My mother would be so proud to know that her legacy lives on in nurses who serve the cancer community throughout the world."

This scholarship endowment is just one of many efforts in the United States and Canada that Racing for Cancer has supported in the fight against cancer – all possible through AutoNation, DHL and many other donors who continue to believe in the mission.