[BobbyB]

NASCAR fan's race against time
Feb. 20, 2009

On Tuesday, NASCAR agent Scott Pfeiffer will roll into town from Baker, Calif. -- in his wheelchair.

Pfeiffer is attending the NASCAR race in Fontana, Calif., on Feb. 22, then attending the March 1 race in Las Vegas. He's traveling the final 150 miles to his destination by wheelchair.

Pfeiffer is starting at Baker, Calif., and will pass through Pahrump next Tuesday, spending the night at Saddle West Hotel.

The 44-year old Wisconsin resident was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in 2007, and is fighting with all his energy to celebrate his life while raising money to find a cure for the progressive neurodegenerative disease.

One of the first people Pfeiffer told about his diagnosis was up and coming racing star, Derek Thorn, who was rookie of the year runner-up in the 2007 Pat Bourdow Memorial race. Pfeiffer is Thorn's agent.

For the 2008 racing season, Thorn and Pfeiffer formed a new ASA Late Model Series Team: Racin' For a Cure, and on the Web site for the organization, Thorn commented on "being able to do my part while doing something I love."

Lou Gehrig's disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and affects the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement. Patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed before their death.

"I will never be able to teach my son how to throw a ball or walk my daughter down the aisle," said Pfeiffer on his Web site. "But I can teach both of them that they can accomplish anything that they put their mind to. Please support me on my ride from Baker to Vegas."

See the Saddle West Hotel and Casino front desk to make a contribution. Make checks payable to ALS WI Chapter. All proceeds will help lead the fight to find a cure and treat ALS through research and to help provide support and compassion for families affected by Lou Gehrig's disease. For online information go to www.racinforacure.com.



http://www.pahrumpvalleytimes.com/20.../27022368.html