DeBoer to race with names of “Mason’s Hope” donors on the TRG-Aston Martin Racecar in Wisconsin
PETALUMA, CA. (June 20, 2016): TRG-Aston Martin Racing driver Derek DeBoer is collaborating on a very special cause for a child with cancer. Mason Gordon, 11, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor on June 20, 2012, and has had dozens of surgeries since then. In addition to this active little boy developing memory and eyesight issues as a direct result of his tumor, his family struggles with balancing work and routine emergency care.
A fund, Mason’s Hope, has been set up on his behalf, and already the health and motorsports community has gotten involved. Near Mason’s hometown of Kirkland, Washington, Get Zen Hot Yoga has organized a community effort to bring funding and awareness to his plight. Online motorsports community Racing Nerds has begun a social media campaign, #ThumbsUpForMason, encouraging people to simply send a photo of them with the “thumbs up” sign to Mason to show him their support. Of course, the main goal is to fulfill the remaining $6,500 of the $25,000 needed to help Mason’s family pay their own month-to-month bills, such as rent and food, as Mason’s surgery is thankfully covered by insurance. His mother must take unpaid leave from work to care for Mason.
TRG-AMR team driver, Derek DeBoer, whose No. 09 Aston Martin Vantage competes in racetracks around the country with the “Racing for Cancer” charity logo, is taking up the cause to help raise donations. In addition to pledging to add Mason’s name to his racecar for the next Pirelli World Challenge race at Road America, DeBoer is also taking donations for Mason’s Hope on his website. He’ll also have Mason’s Hope stickers at the TRG-AMR paddock during the Road America race, to be held at Elkhart Lake, WI June 23-26.
“Cancer is such a tough one – there are so many unknowns and so much more that still needs to be done,” said DeBoer. “It’s awful seeing anyone suffer, but especially children. They should be laughing playing and smiling. I feel an extra responsibility to help – I get to be on this motorsports stage living my dream, and my hope is that many more people can experience living out their dreams, too.”
The names of everyone who makes a donation by June 20th via derekdeboerracing.com will be added to DeBoer’s car for the Pirelli World Challenge race at Road America, June 23-26.
More information
Check out The Racing Nerds and Get Zen Yoga for more information on how you can help.
All-access hospitality passes to the Road America race, plus other TRG-AMR, events can be found at theracersgroup.com.