The Story Behind the “Motorvator”
The reason the “Motorvator” exists today is cancer. You see, Gayle and Adam’s lives have been personally affected by all types of cancer. Gayle’s best friend Rita, died at 42 of breast cancer, and later she herself was diagnosed with lung cancer. As a nurse, Gayle took care of survivors of all types of cancers through her business. Her husband Michael, who is a Radiation Oncologist who takes care of cancer survivors every day, lost his sister at age 38 to a brain tumor, and Adam’s father passed away at age 43 from lymphoma. This is why they believe no one deserves cancer, everyone deserves HOPE and they aim to bring HOPE to millions with the “Motorvator.”
In 2006, Gayle’s first book, Pink Lemonade, was hot off the presses and her speaking engagement calendar was quickly filling up, taking her all over the country. She was contemplating her upcoming hectic travel schedule with some concern due to the fact that she has had multiple surgeries and traveling by car is very uncomfortable for long periods of time. Flying with all her books was not feasible either. One day, while Gayle was taking a walk through the neighborhood, she spotted an RV in a neighbor’s driveway. After a conversation with the owner Gayle realized that this would be a wonderful opportunity. She could work and write while traveling and Adam, her son and Marketing /Sales Director, would be her driver. Two weeks later, with much support from her husband Michael, owning an RV became a reality.
Within a week of purchasing the RV Adam, suggested that they “Go Big or Go Home.” and create a mobile billboard by wrapping the RV with information about Gayle’s book and her message of hope. Since going home wasn’t an option at that point, Gayle enlisted the help of John, her illustrator, and went big. The original 31′ Pink “Motorvator” was born. Gayle and Adam traveled more than 30,000 miles around the country in the first “Motorvator” design, raising awareness for both lung and breast cancers through local media outlets around the country.
In November of 2007 Gayle and Adam teamed up with the Lung Cancer Alliance out of Washington D.C.. They redesigned the RV with the Lung Cancer Alliance logo and went on a 10 city, 5000 mile tour to specifically raise awareness for Lung Cancer. Although the tour was awesome and they met many great people along the way, one of the most frequently asked questions was, “What about other cancers?” Gayle remembered her family and all the other survivors she’d taken care of through her business, such as children, men and women suffering from all types of cancers. She realized, at that point, that no cancer is good and that all cancers should be recognized.
In July of 2008 the “Motorvator” received yet another wrap. Their new design features ribbons of every color and the name of the cancers they represent. They want to raise awareness and educate the public about ALL cancers. As she speaks throughout the country, Gayle and the “Motorvator” will continue to bring a positive message of HOPE to anyone touched by cancer.
