Sonoma Raceway teamed up with No Stomach For Cancer for the 10th annual John’s March Against Stomach Cancer on Saturday, Jan.9, with the popular event taking a virtual turn for 2021.

The virtual fundraiser generated more than $9,000 for No Stomach for Cancer bringing the event’s 10-year total to more than $154,000 raised for gastric cancer research and awareness.

John’s March is the only major fundraiser for No Stomach For Cancer on the west coast and is typically a fun-filled walk/run around the raceway’s 12-turn road course. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, the raceway and No Stomach For Cancer created a virtual option for 2021 that allowed supporters to participate from any location.  The event was founded and named in honor of longtime raceway spokesperson John Cardinale, who passed away in 2013 after a two-year battle with stomach cancer.

“The humbling commitment and support of Sonoma Raceway and the Annual John’s March fundraiser is not something we take for granted. There are people everywhere whose dedication has contributed to life-changing programs for stomach cancer patients around the world,” said Jon Florin, Executive Director of No Stomach for Cancer. “There are no words to describe the gratitude we have for the fans and staff of Sonoma Raceway for continuing this tradition during the most challenging time in our recent history. Thank you to everyone who supported our cause and honored John Cardinale’s legacy at a time of great uncertainty.”

Participants and donors raised awareness and increased their impact by registering and creating a team page at www.crowdrise.com/johns-march and posted pictures of themselves completing their virtual John’s March, as well as images of loved ones affected by gastric cancer, on the John’s March Facebook event page at https://fb.me/e/1SElETj0N.

No Stomach For Cancer is a non-profit organization that works to increase awareness and education about stomach cancer, provide a support network for affected families, and support research efforts for screening, early detection, treatment, and prevention. Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer type worldwide, with more than 1.03 million new cases each year, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

Donations can still be made in honor of John’s March at www.crowdrise.com/johns-march. For more information about John’s March, contact Jen Imbimbo at [email protected].