News: Erik Jones Foundation Brings “Busload” of Fan Engagement and Sun Safety to Championship Weekend, Sets Record in the Process
The Erik Jones Foundation partnered with the Sun Bus, a Denver, Colorado-based non-profit organization, to bring skin cancer screenings and sun safety education to the NASCAR Championship weekend at Phoenix Raceway. The Sun Bus, a mobile clinic and classroom with the flexibility to target select audiences at significant events engaged fans, members of the NASCAR industry, and speedway volunteers throughout the weekend. Hundreds of people took advantage of the opportunity to have their skin checked for suspicious lesions indicative of skin cancer. Throughout the weekend, 245 people were screened, with 109 referred for follow-ups with their local dermatologists.
In addition to the screenings overseen by board-certified dermatologists, several partners of the Sun Bus were present to educate the community about sun safety and provide free sunscreen.
"When planning this effort, I was a little skeptical about how many folks would be interested in taking time out of their weekend to see one of the doctors and have a skin screening. I was very pleased to see how much reaction we got. Based on the number of people we saw and the lesions we found, the most exciting aspect of the weekend is that we may have saved a life," said Erik Jones Foundation Executive Director Brent Nickola.
On Saturday, the Sun Bus saw 100 patients, setting a new record for the number seen in a single day at any event, surpassing 91. Erik Jones Foundation President Erik Jones was among those who got their skin checked and was recommended to see a dermatologist about a spot on his face, which was later checked and removed.
"When I was at the Sun Bus, they found a spot on my face and suggested I go in to get it checked out and possibly removed. I went to my local dermatologist, and they looked at it. I had it frozen off. So, it's healing up, and it was a nice and easy procedure. I hope people get their skin checked. It is a super easy process and could save your life," said Jones.
According to the Sun Bus, they identified the following suspicious lesions over the weekend:
- 89 suspected Actinic Keratosis
- 38 suspected Basal Cell Carcinoma
- 18 suspected Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- 11 suspicious (Melanoma)
- One suspected Neoplasm of Uncertain Behavior
- 14 other skin concerns
Several weeks after the event, one participant sent a note to Phoenix Raceway expressing gratitude to the Erik Jones Foundation and the Sun Bus for screening the spots on their face. It turned out to be basal cell carcinoma, and the individual was being proactive, with MOHS surgery scheduled in the next week. The message concluded with a reminder: "If in doubt...get it checked out!"
Thanks to all the partners that made the weekend possible, including The Sun Bus, Epiphany Dermatology, Castle Biosciences, EltaMD, DermTech Inc, Ferndale Health, BioFrontera, and the Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation.
The Erik Jones Foundation is exploring bringing the Sun Bus to other NASCAR races during the 2024 season.
