On Jan. 19, 2024, E Energy Adams, an ethanol producer in Adams, Nebraska, received recognition as the Fuel the Cure Cancer Crusader for going above-and-beyond to support the annual campaign – which raises thousands of dollars each year for cancer research and educates others about healthier fuel options, highlighting ethanol’s role in displacing toxic aromatics in gasoline.
Throughout October, when drivers fill up with higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15, E30 and E85 at participating Fuel the Cure gas stations, it triggers a three-cent donation for each gallon sold. Fuel retailers alone raised $18,733 this past year, and the six-year campaign total has grown to $64,572. The campaign’s grand total comprises additional contributions from industry partners and participating Nebraska ethanol plants. This includes Siouxland Ethanol in Jackson and E Energy Adams.
“E Energy is excited to be involved and to support a great cause like Fuel the Cure. Nearly everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way,” said Tracey Dean, commodities accountant. “We also want our customers to know we appreciate them, and that the corn they grow to make ethanol and its co-products are providing positive health impacts too.”
E Energy employees and FFA students from nearby Freeman High School spread the word about Fuel the Cure during harvest when they handed out sack lunches to 150 producers, dried distillers’ grain haulers, and employees – taking the opportunity to raise support for breast cancer and educate about ethanol’s contribution to reducing cancer risks. They also promoted the campaign at school-sponsored sporting events.
Additionally, E Energy pledged to double donations from Frontier Cooperative in Adams, who has participated in the campaign since it began in 2018. Located just a mile from the plant, E Energy provides the homegrown ethanol to the station.
Supporting Cancer Research Improves Survival Rates
Donations from fuel retailers benefit the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha, a nationally distinguished cancer facility that uses the most advanced biomedical and technological tools available to identify the causes behind cancer to create precise therapies for each cancer patient. This includes Nebraskans, as well as cancer fighters worldwide.
Breast cancer survivor Jenn Klein emphasizes the profound impact of cancer research, saying, “Several medications saved my life.” A funded researcher discovered two of the four chemotherapy treatments she underwent. Klein’s journey showcases the importance of continuous funding and support for groundbreaking treatments that offer hope to countless lives.
Fuel the Cure also sponsors the American Cancer Society of Nebraska’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and provides vital funding to the Heartland Cancer Foundation, assisting over 300 Nebraska cancer patients with fuel costs by way of ethanol gift cards.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. However, thanks to funded research, the mortality rate for those battling cancer is declining. Currently, 1-in-8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The Cancer Center treats all forms of cancer, emphasizing that men face a 1-in-2 chance of a cancer diagnosis while women face a 1-in-3 chance. For in-depth information on health risks associated with gasoline aromatics and the Fuel the Cure initiative, visit fueledbynebraska.com/pink.
Fuel the Cure founders Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Corn Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska are gearing up for the 2024 campaign. They invite Nebraska fuel retailers selling higher ethanol blends and Nebraska ethanol producers to connect with Jessica Sodeke, communications and outreach manager for the Nebraska Ethanol Board, at Jessica.sodeke@nebraska.gov for participation details.
