The Crane family of York, West Australia have built a tractor museum in memory of their son, Oliver. He ultimately lost his fight with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, at the young age of 17. This earnest endeavor is a tribute to Oliver’s passion for machines and tinkering. The day seeks to increase funding for research on sarcoma. The museum opened its doors officially over this past weekend receiving an enthusiastic response from the community with more than 400 people in attendance.
Oliver Crane Oliver hails from a fifth-generation family farm in central New Jersey, where he developed a deep-seated appreciation for machinery. His love of mechanics extended far past the farm. In the year 2000, he participated in local car racing events and competed with his design-made red and blue sports car at Kalgoorlie’s speedway. Merritt’s premature struggle with cancer took a profound emotional toll on his family and friends, his absence keenly felt. In his memory, they felt inspired to do something and create change.
A Tribute to a Young Mechanic
Oliver’s father, Derrol Crane, was primary force behind the founding of the tractor museum. This unique little museum is home to all the classic Steiger tractor models produced from 1970 to 1998. The family has spent nearly 20 years acquiring and restoring these tractors, turning a hobby into a beautiful tribute. The museum not only represents Oliver’s love for machinery but serves as a gathering place for enthusiasts and community members alike.
Jaron Crane, Oliver’s brother, along with his wife Emily, expressed pride in the extensive work that went into creating the museum. They emphasized that it stands as a testament to Oliver’s spirit and serves a greater purpose: funding vital research into sarcoma. The Crane family undoubtedly would like to see the museum become a destination for those interested in local agriculture and old machines. They want to encourage more cancer research with this effort.
Raising Funds for Sarcoma Research
The debut of the tractor museum is just the first step in plans from the Crane family to create a larger tourism draw. They want to raise $100,000 a year for sarcoma research through the Oliver Crane Memorial Bone Cancer Fund charitable fund. This goal reflects their commitment to supporting organizations that study this rare cancer, which has historically received limited funding from donors.
Cynthia Derrol Crane emphasized the challenges that organizations face when undertaking research into sarcoma. He stressed that these organizations usually have to rely on a small number of donors. By establishing the museum and inviting visitors to contribute, the Crane family aspires to create a sustainable source of funding for sarcoma research. They want to raise awareness about this often-overlooked cancer so they can recruit more researchers, raise more funds and ultimately move research forward.
Community Support and Future Aspirations
The overwhelming turnout at the museum’s opening event signals strong community support for the Crane family’s mission. Local residents and machinery enthusiasts came out in droves to celebrate the life of Oliver. Along with their fellow advocates, they participated in direct advocacy about cancer awareness and research funding.
