Classic, custom cars line Level Green to show support for child battling cancer

Oliver Tester, 5, of Level Green, is a big fan of the Subaru WRX.

So when staff at Tester’s school, Level Green Elementary, decided to organize a drive-by on April 24 in support of Tester, who has been battling high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma, they made sure the car company’s sporty compact sedan made an appearance.

Tester has undergone several surgeries and is undergoing radiation treatment. On April 9, elementary teachers Emilie Shogan and Nicole Adasczik organized a day for students to wear yellow — the ribbon color that represents sarcoma, or bone cancer.

Adasczik reached out to #1 Cochran to ensure that his favorite car made it into the drive-by parade line-up.

Kevin James, #1 Cochran’s social and community coordinator, said it’s right in line with the company’s existing outreach work.

“Our Monroeville and Butler stores deliver blankets & arts and crafts kits to pediatric cancer patients with our partners at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” James said. “Whether it’s a hospital wing or one child, we could not pass up the opportunity to use one of our vehicles to brighten a kid’s day.”

James also reached out to some of the region’s Subaru enthusiasts, like the “Slowbaru” group, some of whom arrived with customized cars to show off.

“I”m glad to do something like this,” said Slowbaru member Chris Risher. “This kid deserves all the cars.”