About the Plate
The History
When Susan Zuker’s husband, Michael, died of lung cancer at age 53 in January 2004, she knew she had to do something to honor both his life and his battle with the disease. That year, inspired by a New Jersey Conquer Cancer license plate, Susan and her two sons decided to create their own plate for Massachusetts. At the same time, they founded the Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts to receive all proceeds from sales of the plate.

Once the plate was designed, the Zukers still needed to collect 1,500 applications in order for the Registry of Motor Vehicles to produce it. After two years and countless hours canvassing the state, the Conquer Cancer license plate went into production in July 2006. It was officially unveiled during a press conference at the Massachusetts State House on August 21, 2006.

The Design

Click to view larger image

Susan and Michael’s son Jonathan designed this license plate to capture both the sorrow and hope that come with a cancer diagnosis. A single teardrop falls from an eternal flame and the lone star is to wish on. Behind the flame, the sun both sets and rises. On the right you will find the heart of Massachusetts, because it is only by working together that we can ultimately conquer cancer.