Lisa Colagrossi Foundation Partnering With Gase in New Hampshire

The Lisa Colagrossi Foundation

When the NASCAR XFINITY Series field enters the “Magic Mile” of New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July, there will be a new and important cause on the hood of Joey Gase’s No. 52 Chevrolet.

The Lisa Colagrossi Foundation, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness for the warning signs of brain aneurysms, will team up with Gase and Jimmy Means Racing for the Lakes Region 200 at New Hampshire.

Todd Crawford, founder of the organization, holds a similar connection with Gase and the devastating occurrence as Gase’s mother passed away in April of 2011 from a brain aneurysm while Crawford’s wife [Lisa Colagrossi, an ABC News journalist] passed away in March of 2015 of the same cause.

“Joey and I are among the millions of people and families whose lives have been drastically changed forever due to the devastating effects of brain aneurysms,” said Crawford. “TLCF is privileged to receive Joey’s pledge to help us raise awareness for this disease and the placement of our brand on his car for this year’s Lakes Region 200 is just the start of a longer term relationship. 

"This partnership is an industry-first for brain aneurysms and we wanted to give our supporters, fans and those affected by brain aneurysms the opportunity to ride along with us and help us make history as we promote awareness of this important issue.”

The foundation’s primary purpose is to educate the signs, symptoms and risk factors for brain aneurysms while enhancing research and support initiatives that will help save lives. Early detection and innovative research are key to find more effective methods of prevention and treatment.

“I am very excited to be teaming up with The Lisa Colagrossi Foundation,” said Joey Gase. “Before my mother’s passing, I knew very little about brain aneurysms and organ donation. I’ve since learned how important both awareness and research are for brain aneurysms and organ donation. 

"In the last couple of years, we have been able to make big strides in raising awareness for organ donation using my NASCAR platform and I am excited to say we will now be able to do the same for brain aneurysm awareness with TLCF. On July 16, I will be racing for my mom and Lisa, who both died from a rupture and were organ donors, in addition to the millions of other victims, survivors and anyone else ready to join us in the race to prevent brain aneurysms.”

Partnering together for the 200-mile summer event, Crawford heard of Gase’s personal story and thought it would make perfect sense to team up in a way that can spread awareness in the world of NASCAR. As a result, Jimmy Means Racing will honor many who have be affected by brain aneurysms on the hood of the No. 52 Chevrolet while Gase makes his fifth career start at the 1-mile track.

To have a name ($50), photo ($75) or both ($100) included on the No. 52 car during the weekend at New Hampshire, donations must be made to the Lisa Colagrossi Foundation by June 30. All proceeds will go toward the fight against brain aneurysms, including providing enhanced awareness, early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. To donate, please visit: tlcfound.org  and email tlcf.nascar@tlcfound.org the name, JPEG photo or both to be featured on Gase’s car.

For those who want to be honored, or honor a loved one, they can find more information by visiting: http://lisaslegacy7.org/ .