CLEVELAND — Trucks sponsored by individuals and businesses will drive in the “Fighting Against Cancer Together Truck Ride” (F.A.C.T) to support patients and families in covering health-care costs associated with their illness and in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.

The F.A.C.T. is for Rowan County Relay for Life supporting the American Cancer Society.

Daimler Trucks of North America is hosting a F.A.C.T. kickoff ride by hosting a breakfast event for truck sponsors and drivers. In support of the cause, Daimler Trucks of North America is sponsoring trucks for the CURE Cancer Truck Ride. Included in the ride are Ride with Pride Trucks, along with 30-50 trucks driven in honor or memory of friends and loved ones.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2017, there will be 56,900 new cancer cases and 20,020 deaths in North Carolina. North Carolina is also rated number three in our country for the aging veterans and number nine in our country for veterans in service.

The ride starts at 9 a.m. Departing from the Freightliner Truck Plant at 11550 Statesville Boulevard in Cleveland,  the CURE Truck Ride route will go through the town of Cleveland traveling through Bear Poplar Road over to N.C. 801 then head east onto Graham Road taking Millbridge Road. The ride will turn left onto N.C. 152/153 bearing right towards Landis by approximately 9:30 a.m.

From Landis, the F.A.C.T will turn left onto old 29 towards China Grove with a target arrival time of 9:45 a.m. After departing China Grove, the drivers will take N.C. 152 to Rockwell arriving around 10:15 a.m. The route will then turn left onto U.S. 52 to Granite Quarry, arriving around 10:40 a.m.

Once through Granite Quarry, the F.A.C.T will take I-85 North to Long Ferry Road Exit, leading them into Spencer, arriving around 11:05 a.m. The drive route will go through the town of Spencer into Salisbury. The route through Salisbury will lead ultimately to West End Plaza to be greeted by Seven Roads Band for fabulous live music, along with great raffle prizes and auction.