Joey Gase is racing in the United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, October 18th at 3 p.m.
Gase’s mother, Mary, died suddenly of a brain aneurysm in April 2011. Just eighteen at the time, Joey made the courageous decision to donate her organs and since then he has become a huge advocate for organ donation. Joey will be driving in the October 18th, United Rentals 250. The Donate Life Alabama logo will be prominently displayed on the hood and a picture of Allen “Dex” Kemp, an organ and tissue donor, will also be displayed on the Donate Life Alabama Car. Kemp’s family will be attending the race on Saturday, October 18th, cheering on the Donate Life Alabama car, knowing that Allen’s tragic death helped others through organ and tissue donation.
Kemp’s family describes him as a very dynamic person who was passionate about cars. He worked with cars for over 40 years and when he was not working on them; he was watching them either on TV or at the racetrack. He was a huge NASCAR fan. “He lived and breathed racing. Including his picture on Joey’s car is an honor for our family and the perfect tribute for Allen,” Brenda Spuryer, Kemp’s wife.
Approximately 60% of U.S. adults are registered organ, eye, and tissue donors. Yet the number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the number of organs donated. Over 100,000* people are waiting for an organ transplant and a second chance at life. On average, thirteen people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time. One organ, eye, and tissue donor can save and heal more than 75 people. Registering your decision to become a donor is the most effective way to save lives through donation and is a sign of support to those who continue to wait.