For more than 90 years Shriners Hospitals for Children has provided life-changing care to more than one million children. Shriners Hospitals for Children provides all aspects of treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation and psychological support, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.
Ragan, a member of Shriners International and Love to the rescue ambassador for Shriners Hospitals, was on site last week at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Houston to introduce the Healing Power of Love contest. Ragan spent time with patients and staff participating in race-themed activities, games and more. To many patients, the highlight of the afternoon was meeting Ragan as he toured the hospital.
“I’ve always held a special place in my heart for the children who receive treatment at one of the 22 Shriners Hospitals,” said Ragan. “I’m always humbled when I see their strength and positive attitudes. I’m really looking forward to stepping into my race car in Daytona and already know that it will be my favorite paint scheme that I run all year.”
Ragan invited one patient to join his team last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Ian LaRue is a 14-year-old patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Houston being treated for “drop foot” and nerve damage. The nerve damage is a result of ongoing chemotherapy treatment for a condition known as Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Before coming to Shriners Hospitals for Children in 2011, Ian had a very difficult time walking and was in severe pain with no relief in sight. The expert medical care he received at Shriners Hospitals has given him the ability to walk without pain and allowed him to participate in various outdoor activities.
Ian is a huge NASCAR fan and joined Ragan at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend in Ft. Worth, Texas.
“David has been a loyal friend of Shriners Hospitals for many years. Through opportunities like this design contest, we are able to show our patients there are no limits to what they can do,” said Jerry Gantt, chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children. “We couldn’t be prouder of our relationship with David and we cannot wait to see our patient’s design on the track in July.”
About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. Learn more at shrinershospitalsforchildren.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
About BK Racing
BK Racing is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota Racing team headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 2012 after acquiring the assets of Red Bull Racing, BK Racing’s staff of 60+ employees work to field the No. 23 Toyota Camry driven by David Ragan and the No. 83 Toyota Camry driven by Matt DiBenedetto. 2016 marks BK Racing’s 5th consecutive full-time season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
