Sepsis Alliance Receives $25,000 Donation from NASCAR Foundation

Carl Flatley, finalist for The NASCAR Foundation Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide, receives a $25,000 donation for Sepsis Alliance from the NASCAR Foundation.

San Diego, California – December 10, 2015 – Sepsis Alliance has received a generous donation from The NASCAR Foundation in recognition for founder Carl Flatley’s placement as a finalist for The NASCAR Foundation Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide. Following an 8-week campaign, during which members of the public voted for one of the four finalists, the winner was announced on December 4 at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. Sepsis Alliance would like to congratulate Jeff Hanson, from Children’s Tumor Foundation, who was named the winner. Accompanying Dr. Flatley in Las Vegas were Edna Herrera and her son, Jose Carlos. JC survived sepsis when he was three weeks old. Both are featured in Sepsis Alliance’s short film, Faces of Sepsis.

The finalists also included Bob Bowler, who represented Special Olympics North Carolina, and Stephanie Decker for the Stephanie Decker Foundation. Award finalists are NASCAR fans, chosen because of their volunteer work and dedication, and lasting impact on children in their local communities.

Sepsis Alliance will receive $25,000 from The NASCAR Foundation to be used for sepsis awareness and prevention programs. Additionally, Nationwide has donated $5,000 to the cause.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped us during the campaign,” Dr. Flatley said. “We were able to educate more people about sepsis, saving lives along the way. It was an honor to be part of this, and I’m very grateful for everyone who participated.”

Throughout the campaign, Dr. Flatley and Sepsis Alliance supporters increased their efforts to raise sepsis awareness among the public. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Dr. Flatley attended the NASCAR events, where he distributed sepsis awareness bracelets and material. Hundreds of sepsis survivors and loved ones sent out messages about the campaign through social media, and signed up to be a member of Carl’s Pit Crew. Pit Crew members were sent daily messages about sepsis and reminders to vote. They were also included in a draw for a signed NASCAR helmet, and six prints donated by Sam Bass, The First Officially Licensed Artist of NASCAR. The winners of the prints are Katherine Peterson, Barbara Davison, Norberto Mascorro, Emily Rose, Mike Goodwin, and Diane Mahalko. Emily Walker was the lucky winner of the signed NASCAR helmet.