AutoNation helps support cancer patients through COVID-19 pandemic

AutoNation says that under the best of circumstances, a cancer diagnosis can be frightening and devastating.

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the American Cancer Society and its partners such as AutoNation want to ensure that programs supporting cancer patients will continue through the pandemic and beyond.

On Tuesday, AutoNation said it will partner with the American Cancer Society to help raise funds and awareness for its COVID-19 Response Fund.

AutoNation on Tuesday began offering its customers the opportunity to donate to the American Cancer Society through the credit card terminals in all 325 AutoNation locations. One hundred percent of all the donations will go directly toward the fund.

AutoNation has raised more than $22 million since 2013 toward eliminating cancer, creating awareness and supporting research through its DRIVE PINK initiative, which was officially branded in 2015.

AutoNation executive vice president and chief customer experience officer Marc Cannon said in a news release that AutoNation’s DRV PNK Initiative “has resonated profoundly with our customers, our associates and our communities alike.”

The initiative has resulted in donations of nearly $24 million to cancer research and treatment.

“And during these uncertain times, we are accelerating our efforts,” Cannon said.

Cannon continued, “We recognize that cancer patients are now more vulnerable than ever, and we are turning our cancer-fighting efforts to supporting these patients.”

American Cancer Society chief executive officer Gary Reedy said the society appreciated AutoNation and its work on behalf of cancer patients, caregivers, survivors and volunteers.

“As we navigate this time of COVID-19 and beyond, we look forward to a partnership that advances our shared vision of a world without cancer,” Reedy said.