XFINITY Driver Promoting Organ and Tissue Donation to Honor his Late Mother
LAS VEGAS, March 1 – XFINITY Series driver Joey Gase was just 18 years old when he lost his mother to a brain aneurysm. The oldest of her children, Joey was faced with the responsibility of deciding to donate her organs and tissues. Now every time he races, he chooses to honor other heroes who have given the same lifesaving gifts. During Saturday’s race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he will honor two Las Vegas donors by displaying their photos on his car.
Nevada Donor Network is proud to sponsor Joey Gase this weekend and honor 19 year old Angel Velasquez and his sister Jackie. Angel, who was a Captain in the Metro Police Explorer program, was killed by a hit and run driver August 1, 2013. His donated tissues enhanced the lives of 30 people. Just over a year later, Angel’s family suffered another devastating loss when his older sister 22 year old Army veteran Jacqueline died of cancer. Her corneas were donated to give two people the gift of sight.
Friday afternoon their loved ones will meet Joey and his team and get their first glimpse of the car. Joey learned first-hand how this difficult decision can make a lasting impact on others and has since made it his mission to raise awareness about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
WHAT: Family of local tissue and cornea donors see their loved ones’ images on a NASCAR vehicle for the first time
WHEN: 4:45 p.m., Friday, March 6
WHERE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Nationwide Garage
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE: Joey Gase, Family members of Angel and Jacqueline Velasquez and Nevada Donor Network representatives
CONTACT: Kate McCullough, Nevada Donor Network Community Services Supervisor, 702-884-1229
###
