Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
These 2 kids will be crew chiefs at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix—find out what this unique opportunity means
Reading time: 3 minutes
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You might know about the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix coming up, but did you know that patients serve as honorary crew chiefs for the Racing for Children’s cars each year? We got to meet this year’s crew chiefs to hear about the opportunity. Here’s what we learned.
Racing for Children’s
The honorary Racing for Children’s cars. (Children’s of Alabama)
The Indy Grand Prix is already one of the most fun weekends of the year, but throw supporting local children and families into the mix and I’m sold.
Through ticket sales, Ferris wheel rides and so much more, this event promotes awareness of and raises funds for Children’s of Alabama.
These patients, Sean Baker and Hayli Williams, remind us of what the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix is all about.
Meet the Indy Grand Prix crew chiefs
Sean Baker
Sean was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease at birth.
But this disease does not hold him back. Sean’s mom, Shenita Baker, told us that he plays the trumpet in band and also enjoys chess, golf and community service projects with his school J.H. Phillips Academy.
Currently receiving care from the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology department at Children’s, Sean can’t wait to cheer on his favorite drivers at this year’s Indy Grand Prix.
“Sean is looking forward to seeing Loek Hartog win the race and meet the other drivers. He is also excited about visiting the pit stop to see how fast the cars are serviced.”
Shenita Baker, Sean’s mom
Hayli Williams
Hayli Williams loves shopping, volleyball and playing her trombone.
Hayli was experiencing back trouble while she and her family wrote it off as some temporary pain.
“We decided to come to the emergency department due to the intensity of pain and we were advised that [Hayli] had cells in her marrow that looked like blood cancer.”
Katrina Williams, Hayli’s mom
Even through her blood cancer diagnosis and time spent in and out of the hospital, Hayli is eager to suit up and serve as a crew chief at the Indy Grand Prix.
“She is very excited. She gets a chance to have an up-close experience with the race cars. For our family, it’s a great opportunity to share the experience with other families with childhood illnesses.”
Katrina Williams, Hayli’s mom
Attend Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on April 26-28
- When: Friday, April 26-Sunday, April 28
- Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
- Cost: Friday $25 | Saturday $45 | Sunday $55
- Get tickets—a portion of ticket sales are donated to Children’s of Alabama!
“As a parent, it means a lot to us because it is exposing Sean to something new, such as Indy Sports.
We are appreciative of the drivers and the Racing for Children’s team for providing support and bringing awareness to childhood cancer and blood disorders.”
Shenita Baker, Sean’s mom
Help support this mission by attending Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, or donating directly to Children’s.
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