So, Charlie arranged for my friend and her husband to have hot passes for the Pocono race, the track closest to home for them. They were able to spend the entire race weekend, in spite of over 100 degree temperatures, on pit road and in the garage area, watching all the action.
My friend was able to stand right next to her favorite driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for the pre-race ceremonies. And she spent every moment of the race in Junior's pit stall, carefully watching each pit stop and adjustment.
Charlie made all of that possible, an adult version of a "make a wish" if you will. And I do believe that my friend has progressed so well and made it into remission thanks to the lift that this special NASCAR experience gave her.
But Charlie and his wife Beth are saints in so many other ways. In 2002, their daughter Riley was born early, suffering a brain bleed and a stroke. It was touch and go if Riley would make it and how debilitated she might be.
Riley did indeed survive and she has become Charlie and Beth's miracle child. Their lives are full, taking care of her and their other children, to whom they are incredibly devoted.
But Charlie didn't stop there. He and Beth knew that they had been given so much help when they were going through their toughest times as a family.
They wanted to give back as well. So, Charlie and his family started the Riley & Friends Foundation to help raise money for children just like Riley.
Riley herself designed the logo for the Foundation. The logos includes the characters Weebee and Sheebee, figures that Riley has drawn since she was two years old (see article photo for Riley's logo).
Whether taking care of Riley, raising money to help other children, or racing with his own team, Charlie always finds time for others. Recently, he sent us emails in the middle of the night as he and his team worked 24/7 to prepare Jimmie Johnson's car that he is racing today at Texas.
Charlie knew that my husband worked on Wall Street and just wanted to check in to see how he was holding up with all the turmoil in the stock market. Charlie also checks in regularly with my friend, even supporting her on her recent walk to raise funds for others battling lymphoma.
That's what makes Charlie a NASCAR "saint" in my book. I'm absolutely sure that he will be totally mortified by this story, as he is most humble and never seeks the spotlight.
And I'm sure Charlie would say that a Hendrick Motor Sports win at the track today would be thanks enough for his work. But today, on All Saints Sunday, this NASCAR saint most assuredly deserves a little bit more of the proverbial spotlight.
So, Charlie, on this All Saints Sunday, thank you for being one of the best examples of a NASCAR "saint." You are most certainly one in our book.
For more information about the Riley & Friends Foundation, please check out the website: www.karracing.net.
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