Racers Helping Racers news 2010-10-12

Racers Helping Racers as Teams Rally for Samantha

A plea from Terrye Frisselle to help raise $100,000 for young girls medical needs....

12 October, 2010--Most of you probably know or have met Sam Dunlap. Sam has been around the paddock since 1999, working with Corvette Miller, Alegra Motorsports, Bombbaker, Krohn and Robinson Racing. Sam has worked for several teams, driving rigs and personal coaches and is currently driving a rig for Krohn Racing.

I met Sam six years ago and he has to be one of the kindest, most helpful persons I know in the paddock. Sam always has a smile on his face and will help you at the drop of a hat.

Days before the Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona, Sam Dunlap's grand-daughter, Samantha, was in a terrible car accident with her mom, Cherry. Cherry was thrown from the car and crushed to death. Just eleven years old at the time, Samantha survived, but was severely injured and has been left with significant scars to her face. Sam and his wife, Sharon, have been caring for Samantha and her brother, William, who was not involved in the accident, ever since this accident took place.

Samantha's injuries included a broken femur, a destroyed right ankle, severe facial lacerations which involved her right eye and other facial scarring. The insurance covered everything except for the reconstructive surgery that Samantha so badly needs for her face. Sam had talked to a local doctor, a plastic surgeon, who said that he would help, but then later decided not to because his practice was suffering due to the economy.

Sam and Sharon are at a dead end. In order to take their grandchildren in, Sam and Sharon sold their one bedroom house and bought a three-bedroom home, and they sold their car in order to get one that would accommodate the kids. They have had to borrow money for the all of this. Sam and Sharon need our help now to provide Samantha with the essential reconstructive surgery that her injuries require.

I asked Sam how he would feel about the racing community helping his family through this and this is what he had to say:

"I would be proud. I never thought that I could ask for help. I cannot let this little girl look at herself everyday and remember the accident and losing her mother. She combs her hair over her scars to try to hide them. It would mean everything. My racing family has been very good to me. I received phone calls from people during the 24-hour race. Robin Pratt was on the phone with me three or four times a day. I received money from people who I didn't think even knew my name. They helped to pay to bury my daughter. People I didn't even know donated money. Please, I need your help again. We have no money and we would appreciate anything you can do to make Samantha right again. She has lost so much and suffered so greatly and we just want her to live as normal a life as she can."

So my friends, I hope you will join me in making their dreams come true. The goal is to have Samantha look and feel as good as any twelve year-old girl should. I want Samantha to be proud to show her face and not have to hide the scars that so painfully remind her of the tragic day her mother died.

We have been fortunate to receive support from several team owners, drivers, and others in the sport. But we need your help. Our goal is to raise $100,000, and every little bit will help in getting Samantha the reconstructive surgery she so desperately needs.

This is a time that we can all come together for the right reason at the right time. Let's show and be proud that all members of all racing communities can join and help one of our own overcome this most horrific situation.

Please visit www.samanthashope.com now and donate.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the Dunlap family!

With Love and Light,

Terrye Frisselle