Oki Data Fights Cancer with Cadillacs

Last year printer vendor Oki Printing Solutions launched its philanthropic program Color Me Oki, created to support causes that impact the company's employees and the community at large.

Oki's program so far has taken up the fight against both breast and colorectal cancer.

In its first year, the Color Me Oki program focused on breast cancer awareness.

Oki Data has been touring with a 1955 Pink Cadillac Fleetwood, printing commemorative photos at events around the country to help breast cancer survivors celebrate life.

The car was restored by OKI Data Americas' President and CEO Stewart Krentzman and his wife Bonnie. They called it the "Twin Sister" because it is an exact replica of the 1955 Pink Cadillac that Elvis Presley gave to his mother.

The company took Twin Sister and a tribute artist to 21 events around the country, giving attendees photos printed out on its digital color printers.

Here, volunteers pose for a photo with the Cadillac.

This year, Oki has expanded the program adding two cars and an additional cause: colorectal cancer.

A 1959 Pink Cadillac Series 62 Convertible has joined in the fight against breast cancer. The two restored Pink Cadillacs represent "the rebuilding process women must go through when restoring their mind, body and soul from breast cancer," the company said. Oki's 1992 "Spirit of America" neoclassic Corsair is traveling in support of colorectal cancer.

"This year we look forward to expanding the program to support the colorectal cancer cause and drive awareness of early breast and colorectal cancer screenings, which are critical to preventing these diseases all together," said Krentzman.

The Krentzmans own all three vehicles, and they are touring the country this year.

Oki Data's Pink Cadillacs have gone to breast cancer events around the United States, from New York City to Las Vegas.

From June 30 through July 2, Twin Sister will attend the National Breast Cancer Foundation's national education computing conference in San Antonio, Texas.

In May, Twin Sister attended the Octoberwoman Foundation's walk in Basking Ridge, N.J., in Oki's home state.

"When launching the Color Me Oki philanthropic program in 2007, we were determined to help celebrate the lives of those touched by breast cancer at each event," said Krentzman.

"We pride ourselves on the level of commitment we offer our customers and it's our hope that our commitment to supporting both breast and colorectal cancers in 2008 will help make a difference for those battling the diseases."

Oki also brings the vehicles to industry trade shows where it accepts donations from attendees for the National Breast Cancer Foundation in exchange for photos of attendees with the classic cars.

"We witnessed some of the most inspiring displays of strength, spirit and resolution at breast cancer events last year while meeting the thousands of people who are fighting this disease. The level of emotion and enthusiasm at these events is overwhelming and we are honored to be able to provide people with an opportunity to celebrate life and restoration as part of our program," said Krentzman of the program.

Oki plans to continue its efforts to battle cancer into the future and has begun lining up events for 2009.