He survived childhood cancer, now Moore native Zach Oliva has his sights set on someday driving in NASCAR and he is garnering attention and the support of the local business community.
Valir Physical Therapy just opened Moore’s newest physical therapy clinic. They heard about Oliva’s story of survival and how he now works to inspire other young cancer patients too. The story and the young man impressed the team at Valir PT so much, they wanted to find a way to help boost his success. So, they just became his newest race sponsor.
“We love backing someone like Zach who has overcome such great challenges in his life. Helping people overcome challenges and helping them regain or improve strength following surgery, injury, treatment or other challenges is exactly what we do at Valir Physical Therapy,” said Jeff Jankowski, president of the company, which just opened its newest location in Moore.
Zach was diagnosed with cancer when he was only 5 years old. He battled neuroblastoma and won. In fact, doctors called his results “miraculous.”
Oliva’s personal battle against childhood cancer has motivated the 22-year-old to help other children fighting cancer. He works, races his IMCA southern Sport Mod on most weekends, and still finds time for young cancer patients. In fact, this year, he made one of his young friends his co-driver, winning one of his first races of the season as his young friend looked on. Not long after that race, Zack’s young friend lost his battle to cancer.
“That was unfortunately the last time Jase got to see me race, and that race meant as much to him as it meant to me,” Oliva said. “I talk to him when I’m struggling and say, ‘Just help me out a little,’ and he pulls through.”
Valir PT is not only one of Oliva’s racing sponsors, Valir therapists also plan to work with him through their sports training emphasis, helping make him even more competitive behind the wheel.
Clinic Manager Kristin Schumpert looks forward to working with Oliva.
Schumpert said, “Optimizing performance is another area that physical therapists excel at, taking yourself from good or average to better to best.”
Oliva was guest of honor at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Moore Valir PT clinic with the Moore Chamber of Commerce. He also was presented with a $1,000 sponsorship check by Valir PT.
Kim Brown, CEO of the Moore Chamber, said they are excited to have Valir Physical Therapy as a part of the community and have enjoyed welcoming Schumpert and her team.
“Kristin has just made herself a part of the community,” Brown said. “She’s already been out there, connecting with people.”
“It is important to us to be a meaningful part of this community,” Schumpert said. “We think it’s important to be integrated and to know who we are serving.”
One of Zach’s favorite races is just around the corner. He is excited to have the new Valir Physical Therapy on the hood of his car as he drives in the annual Race For Time in Ardmore. Race For Time is a race in September at Southern Oklahoma Speedway that raises awareness and funds for Oklahoma children fighting cancer.
“I’m trying my hardest to win the championship at Southern Oklahoma Speedway this year,” Oliva said, noting that it’s a win for him, for Jase and other childhood cancer patients, and now for his newest sponsor too.
“For Valir Physical Therapy to be a part of my team means the world to me.”
