Driven by courage: Daytona Beach cancer survivor honored at the Coke Zero Sugar 400

During this year’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, millions of fans who tuned into the broadcast saw the name Corrine Graczewski speed past them on the car driven by NASCAR Cup Series driver Erik Jones.

For Graczewski, a 72-year-old cancer survivor from Daytona Beach and lifelong racing fan, it was a full-circle moment. She wasn’t just watching the race. She was part of it.

As the Official Health Care Provider of Daytona International Speedway, AdventHealth’s presence at the track isn’t just about providing medical care to drivers, pit crews, and fans. It’s also about creating space for meaningful stories — like Graczewski’s — to be shared on a larger stage.

Graczewski was selected as one of 82 Cancer Heroes in three different series for the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation and NASCAR Foundation’s Honor a Cancer Hero Presented by AdventHealth program, an initiative that celebrates individuals who have faced cancer head-on. Her name appeared on Jones’ car through a partnership between AdventHealth and Legacy Motor Club, paying tribute to her journey and uplifting cancer heroes everywhere.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Graczewski. “My name on a race car — and Erik Jones’ car, no less! We’ve followed NASCAR for years. My son even raced Joey Logano when they were kids in Connecticut. This just means the world to me and my family.”

Graczewski’s cancer story began in 2020, when what appeared to be appendicitis turned out to be something far more serious. A CT scan revealed three different types of cancer — in her kidney, colon, and a rare neuroendocrine tumor. After surgery, including the removal of her left kidney, and remained cancer-free for nearly five years.

Then, earlier this year, her care team at AdventHealth Daytona Beach discovered a new tumor. This time, it was on her right adrenal gland, just millimeters from her only remaining kidney. It was a recurrence of her kidney cancer, and it required treatment with exceptional accuracy.

Thanks to recent investments at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, patients like Graczewski can now access next-generation cancer treatment right here in their own community.

She became the first in Volusia and Flagler counties to receive Ethos™ adaptive radiation therapy, an advanced technology that adjusts in real time to a patient’s anatomy.

Ethos is part of a new generation of radiation therapy. By adapting to subtle shifts in tumor and organ position, Ethos helps protect healthy tissue while targeting the cancer with unmatched accuracy.

“This machine was ideal for me,” Graczewski said. “It pinpoints exactly where the doctor wants the treatment to go — it doesn’t affect the rest of your body. I got through all five treatments with no pain, no sickness, and only a little bit of tiredness.”

“It was kind of surreal,” she added. “They played music during treatment, and before I knew it — seven songs later — I was done. No clunking, no pain. It was peaceful.”

Radiation oncologist Dr. Shiv Desai, who led Graczewski’s treatment, said the technology allows doctors to tailor care with extraordinary precision.

“Adaptive radiotherapy is like customizing a suit — not once, but every day,” said Desai. “For patients like Corrine, that level of accuracy can mean the difference between effective treatment and long-term side effects.”

“She only has one kidney,” he added. “So even the smallest amount of damage to healthy tissue could have serious consequences.”

Graczewski will now begin immunotherapy under the care of Dr. Eric Harris, hematologist and oncologist at AdventHealth Daytona Beach.

“Given the tumor’s location near her only kidney, this was a high-stakes decision,” said Harris. “Ethos is the best option available. It allowed our team to treat the cancer while protecting her kidney and overall health.”

A mother of three and grandmother of two, Graczewski said her race day experience is something she’ll never forget — not just for the thrill, but for what it symbolized.

“Being part of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 is more than an honor. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone,” she said. “There’s so much life after cancer. And now, my name has literally been part of the race.”

“This technology and this team gave me my life back,” she added. “We’ve got a cruise coming up, and I plan to enjoy every second.”

Dr. David Sinclair, CEO of AdventHealth Daytona Beach, said the combination of innovation and compassionate care is what sets this moment apart.

“Ethos represents a major step forward in cancer care,” said Sinclair. “We’re proud to offer this world-class treatment right here in our community — and even more proud to see patients like Corrine thrive. Her name on the AdventHealth car symbolizes everything we stand for: hope, innovation, and the human spirit. She’s an inspiration to our team and our entire community.”