On Sunday, Sept. 4, if you were watching the Cookout Southern 500 NASCAR race, you may have noticed something different about the car and uniform on one of the driver's vehicles. As part of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Chase Elliott, who has 17 career Cup Series wins and was named the Most Popular Driver in the Cup Series from 2018-2021, teamed up with NAPA and Hendrick Motorsports for the sixth edition of its “DESI9N TO DRIVE” art collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s).
This year's "DESI9N TO DRIVE" program received dozens of submissions from patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's. A sketched design by 16-year-old Dani Gamel of Sharpsburg, Ga. was selected by Elliott for the full-design makeover and was featured on Elliott’s Alpinestars racing suit, gloves, shoes, and Arai helmet, in addition to a full paint on his No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race car.
The design of Gamel, who was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 13, showcases the Children’s facility dogs that helped her cope with cancer treatment and therapy during many visits to Children’s before becoming cancer free late last year.
“It is an honor to once again support the kids at Children’s and to bring awareness to a world class hospital,” said Marti Walsh, vice president of marketing, NAPA. “The NAPA organization is proud of its relationship with the Chase Elliott Foundation and thrilled to support the good work it does in NAPA’s hometown of Atlanta.”
The DESI9N TO DRIVE program has raised and donated over $250,000 to Children’s from the auction of autographed racing shoes and corporate partner support in its first five years.
"Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is grateful the Chase Elliott Foundation and "DESI9N TO DRIVE" art collaboration is showcasing the artistic talent of our patients receiving treatment at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's," said Beth Buursema, senior development director at the Children's Foundation. “Treating more than 520 new cancer patients in 2021, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center cares for more kids with cancer than anywhere else in Georgia or in the Southeast. This continued collaboration will bring hope to our patients while furthering our mission of making kids better today and healthier tomorrow.”
