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Pam Ward |
| I have been wanting to write for
some time, but haven't been able to bring myself to share my experience about Derrike due
to the emotions. My mother, Nancy Hillenbrand, is suffering from reoccurring ovarian
cancer and has been fighting this for the past 3 to 4 years. In January of 1998 I decided that I needed to give my mother something to look forward to. I wrote letters to almost every NASCAR driver trying to make arrangements for her to meet one! Out of all the letters I wrote 2 drivers responded, Jeff Gordon and Derrike Cope. What amazed me and touched to the point of tears was that Derrike responded to the letter himself and sent autographed pictures for me to give to my mother. Shortly after his response to my letter, my father was diagnosed with rectal cancer. To lift both of their spirits, I contacted the Bahari' Racing race shop to try to set up a meeting for them. Through all of the letters and phone calls, it was made to happen! My parents were able to meet Derrike in October 1998 when they finally ran the Pepsi 400. I was so impressed that Derrike took the time to meet my parents and spend a few minutes with them. It made my mother's day and gave her more hope and drive! She now looks forward to all of the races and cheers on Derrike at every race. My mother gave him her guardian angel pin for him to wear during the race. My mother is still fighting the disease and could really use everyone's prayers. If anyone cares to write her, her email address is westywoman@aol.com. She has written a letter thanking him for his time and I hope they can see each other again. I want to thank him for his time and to me, he is my guardian angel because he has given my mother hope! |
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