Blodgett family creates lupus fundraiser

National Dragster, Mar 18, 2005

Southern California veteran racer Mike Blodgett Jr. and his family have dedicated their 2005 race season to raising awareness of the disease lupus. As part of their public-awareness campaign, the family has created a fundraiser for Lupus International, an organization that provides support for people who have the often-misunderstood autoimmune disease that can affect every organ in the body. Blodgett's wife Beth has battled lupus for several years, which have included two years of chemotherapy.

"Beth is tired of sitting back waiting for somebody to find a cure, and we really don't want others to go through what we have," said Blodgett. "Lupus is often misdiagnosed, and it's common for people to have it for years before they identify the problem. Raising awareness of the disease and helping patients find Lupus International is our way of helping out."

The Blodgetts have organized a raffle for two prizes to raise funds for Lupus International and are selling tickets at the track and on their website, www.BlodgettFamilyRacing.com. The first winner will be announced April 15 at the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas and will receive a $1,000 shopping spree at Jeg's Mail Order. The second winner will be announced during the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals and will receive a ride on the Goodyear blimp Spirit of America for four people. Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100, and all of the donations will go directly to Lupus International. For information, log on to www.BlodgettFamilyRacing.com.