Retired NASCAR driver John Andretti underwent colorectal cancer removal surgery in Charlotte, N.C. Jan. 9, NBC affiliate WTHR reports.
Five things you should know:
1. Mr. Andretti was reportedly in high spirits after the procedure, according to son Jarett Andretti.
2. After being diagnosed with CRC, he encouraged people to undergo colonoscopies. To that point, he started the Check It 4 Andretti campaign.
3. The campaign encourages people to get colonoscopies. Mr. Andretti regularly tweets messages encouraging screenings and sends updates on his personal battle against CRC.
4. As of July 2018, Mr. Andretti had five surgeries and 14 rounds of chemotherapy to fight CRC. As of December 2018, he completed his final round of chemo and is awaiting updated tests to see how the cancer is progressing.
5. Mr. Andretti also started Race 4 Riley, which raises funds for Indianapolis-based Riley Hospital for Children.