Foundation Friday seeks to spotlight how NASCAR drivers are giving back through their personal foundations. Each week, a different driver and their foundation will be highlighted including who they are helping, notable accomplishments, and how you can get involved in their efforts.
Ryan Blaney Family Foundation
The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation was founded in 2018 by the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Ryan Blaney, and his family. The goal is to raise “brain health awareness and…support for people and families who are dealing with an Alzheimer’s disease or concussion diagnosis.”
The Why
After the loss of Lou Blaney at just 69 years of age, as well as two separate concussion incidents with additional family members, the Blaney family set forth to help raise awareness and support for families in the same boat.
That boat includes physical and financial hardships. However, there is still so much unknown about Alzheimer’s and brain injuries. This can lead to emotional distress for not only the patient but family members and caregivers as well.
The How
In short, the Blaney family wants to offer help and hope. The RBFF has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association as well as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Sports Medicine Concussion Clinic. Through the UPMC, the Blaney’s saw their family members return to work and life after undergoing concussion treatment programs.
By working closely with these two programs, the Blaneys provide “resources and programs that deliver up-to-date information, support, one-on-one interaction, and healing.”
More importantly, they desire to one day see a cure for Alzheimer’s.
Partnerships
In addition to its partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the RBFF has four other programs it partners with.
Forget-Me-Not
The Forget-Me-Not flower is a symbol for those associated with and affected by Alzheimer’s. Naming this program after the flower was poignant. This program provides card and letter writing campaigns, “Smile Box” deliveries, which are filled with comfort items for memory care patients, and Holiday parties. Additionally, they recruit for volunteer programs at memory care centers.
Fund a Fellow
Fund a Fellow is the signature program for RBFF. This program “funds the training of fellows at the world-renowned UPMC Concussion Clinic. Upon completion of the two-year program, these doctors will move on to other practices throughout the country.” The idea is to eliminate the need for all patients to travel to Pittsburgh, PA for treatment.
The RBFF hopes it is their way of “helping to get expert concussion care to more people throughout the United States.”
Youth Bike Helmet
The RBFF provides bike helmets to underserved youth participating in “Speediatric Fun Day Festivals” at various NASCAR tracks throughout the country. This event is held in conjunction with the NASCAR Foundation.
Community Outreach
Finally, the RBFF tent can be found at racetracks and community events throughout the year. You can find more information on the organization and learn about available resources there. Additionally, fans can purchase apparel in support of the foundation and its efforts.
Band with the Blaneys
Those interested in keeping up-to-date with the work the Blaney family is doing can do so via Facebook, Instagram, X. Those seeking to support the RBFF financially can contribute here.
