The NASCAR Foundation news 2010-11-10

Speediatrics Unit Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Halifax Health Medical Center's NASCAR-Themed Unit Unveils Renovation

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (Nov. 10, 2010) -- The Halifax Health - Betty Jane France Center for Pediatrics, otherwise known as Speediatrics, celebrated the beginning of a new decade of caring by unveiling a complete renovation of the children's unit during a ceremony held this afternoon in Daytona Beach, Fla.

This year, The NASCAR Foundation and Halifax Health will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Speediatrics. In recognition of this celebration, The NASCAR Foundation presented Speediatrics with a $150,000 donation to the unit. During the event, NASCAR Foundation Chairperson Betty Jane France was joined by NASCAR President and NASCAR Foundation Board Member Mike Helton, NASCAR Foundation Board Member Rusty Wallace, Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey and Halifax Health President and CEO Jeff Feasel.

The renovation of the NASCAR-themed unit was accomplished with the help of NASCAR sponsors 3M and Best Buy as well as Vomela Motorsports, Akzo Nobel Paints LLC and K'NEX. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Juan and Connie Montoya's Formula Smiles Foundation have also supported this very important cause.

The renovation includes a new nurse's station, as well as new flooring, lighting and furniture for the kids and teen rooms. The Speediatrics decor has been updated with child-friendly decorations on the walls and ceiling featuring custom Speediatrics cartoon characters. Also included is a new donor wall complete with a new video display and the restoration of the iconic signature wall that includes autographs from drivers who have visited the unit over the years.

"So many people have stepped forward to help this important project," France said. "Speediatrics has done some remarkable things in its first 10 years. Now, with this renovation, the unit is set to continue its work in coming years. We are all very grateful for the assistance."

Speediatrics is a 36-bed unit that cares for more than 2,000 children annually, with another 400 more receiving critical care in the area's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

The environment created by the Speediatrics unit provides a much-needed diversion to young patients undergoing intensive treatments, lessening the intimidation factor that often comes with hospital visits. Each waiting room, hallway, nurse station and patient room has a motorsports theme, including race cars, checkered flags and colorful cartoon characters. Additionally, each young patient admitted to the unit receives a Speediatrics-themed teddy bear specially designed by Betty Jane France and donated by The NASCAR Foundation, to provide a little extra comfort throughout their intensive treatments and recovery.

"Our pediatrics department, which includes the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, provides vital and exceptional services to East Central Florida residents that are only available at Halifax Health," said Feasel. "And through this wonderful partnership with the France Family and The NASCAR Foundation, Speediatrics continues to serve so many families in our community who might otherwise have to go outside of the area for this specialized care."

The NASCAR Foundation initiates a wide range of annual and ongoing fundraising efforts to support Speediatrics. Since 2006, The NASCAR Foundation has donated more than $720,000 to the Speediatrics units in Daytona Beach and Miami. These contributions are made possible in part by funds raised through the participation of many great businesses and fans supporting NASCAR Day.

Speediatrics has also become an important part of the entire NASCAR community's commitment to helping others. NASCAR drivers and other personalities from the sport make frequent visits to the Speediatrics units. Also, NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation employees have made commitments to support the Speediatrics unit through donations and volunteer service.

-source: tnr