Bob Husz’s tractor is a symbol of his triumph. While battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma in late 2004, he found hope and purpose in restoring the 54-year-old machine. Six months of treatment quelled the disease, and now Husz is showing off his prized project in a statewide tour of cancer awareness.
Husz started a 270-mile tractor ride Aug. 7 in his hometown of Council Bluffs and ended his trek five days later in Louisa County.
‘‘I’ve had a lot of fun with this old girl,’’ Husz said about his 1952 Ford 8N tractor.
Husz, 52, dedicated his ride to his late father, who died of lung cancer last May. He decided to make his trip a fundraiser for cancer research. His wife, Jane, traveled in a separate vehicle during the trip, making stops in each town to hand out awareness brochures and donation cards.
‘‘The people of Iowa have been great,’’ Jane Husz said. ‘‘They’re so generous with their donations, and we’re hoping their donations make a difference.’’
Husz has connected with audiences throughout Iowa and has become an advocate for cancer awareness.
On Thursday, he spoke to a crowd in Washington, Iowa. And just before he completed the route, Husz stopped at a small gas station in Grandview to have lunch with his family.
The mood was upbeat and positive — not what many would expect from a man whose life has been scarred by cancer. As he listed off family members who have battled or died from cancer, it was apparent why he took his tractor ride across Iowa.
‘‘This is a great cause,’’ said Steve Lincoln of Council Bluffs, one of three tractor drivers who followed Husz on the first segment of his ride. ‘‘I admire Bob for doing this.’’
Husz said he has no intention of quitting his mission. With the help of his family, he wants to do it at least four more years.
‘‘I got four grandkids, and each one of them is going across (Iowa),’’ Husz said.
