Cruise for a Cause Donates to Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

Monday, December 22nd, 2025 -- 12:00 PM

A cool car, a passionate approach to cancer research and the dedication of thousands of supporters are helping Marshfield Clinic Research Institute continue its fight against cancer.

Pittsville native Dan Neve and his wife, Linda, met with more than 100 researchers, physicians and scientists at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute Dec. 18 and presented a $175,750 check on behalf of their charity, Cruise for a Cause, to fund cancer research within Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health.

“It’s all of the researchers and scientists who make me and everyone else believe and have hope,” Dan Neve said. “Keep doing what you do and one day we’ll all be able to say, ‘we won’.”

The Neves are all too familiar with breast and other cancer diagnoses. In 2010 while Linda was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Dan decided to combine his passion for cars and desire to fight back against cancer and launched Cruise for a Cause.

Traveling the country in his Mustang Shelby GT 500 to car shows, auto races, and countless other events, Neve has raised more than a $1.5 million for cancer research.

Cruise for a Cause’s biggest event of the year is the annual Fall Ford Fest held the first weekend in October and features a car show, car parade, auction, and other activities in Wisconsin Dells.

The event draws thousands of Ford lovers and people who want to continue the fight against breast cancer. The annual golf outing will move in 2026 to a separate event Sept. 14 at Greenwood Hills Country Club in Wausau.

“Cancer touches everybody, and we will continue to fight cancer one patient at a time, one family at a time,” said Marshfield Clinic oncologist/hematologist Dr. Adedayo Onitilo, who is one of the leading cancer researchers in Wisconsin.

Marshfield Clinic Research Institute Executive Director and Chief Research Officer Dr. Jennifer Meece said critical cancer research takes place in Wisconsin communities that can benefit cancer patients across the world.

“The latest treatment options for cancer, research studies and clinical trials are being worked on by our physicians and scientists in Marshfield, Weston, Minocqua Eau Claire and other communities,” Meece said. “The fight against cancer is taking place in our backyard and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is a key component.”

Learn more about Cruise for a Cause and its many events and fundraisers across the country at https://cruise4acause.org/. “Dan and Linda Neve have an unparalleled passion for fundraising and providing hope to all affected by cancer,” said Anna Selk, Marshfield Clinic Foundation special events officer. “We are incredibly grateful to them and their generous supporters for their local support of cancer research.”

Visit https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/giving to learn more about cancer fundraising events and others ways you can give to support rural health care.

(Photo courtesy of Marshfield Medical Center via press release)

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