ST. FRANCIS CANCER CENTER ... IS OFF TO THE RACES!!
Racing endeavor supports individuals and families through their journey with cancer

Minneapolis, Minn., April 14, 2008 — For the first time, a racecar in the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour is not only on a mission to win races, but to also raise awareness and support a local cancer center. The first race of the season is Saturday, April 19th, at Elko Speedway.

This unique racecar sponsorship is made possible by Heather Chantry and Community Chest Racing, Inc. In November 2007, Heather’s mother, Audrey Chantry, passed away after a courageous 7-month battle with bone marrow cancer. Prior to Audrey’s passing, Heather (herself a breast cancer survivor) and her mom made the decision to help raise money and awareness for the cause, and support a local cancer center. Racing would be the vehicle and the chosen center would be the St. Francis Cancer Center. Funds raised during the 2008 racing season will be donated to the St. Francis Cancer Center. Proceeds will come from t-shirt sales, individual donations, carnival games and more.

“My mom was upbeat, energetic, and also had a cheerful personality. She was always there for her family when we needed her. She also volunteered a lot of her time with different organizations, including the Children’s Home Society,” said Heather Chantry, Community Chest Racing, Inc. “As a breast cancer survivor myself, and with my mom’s bone marrow cancer diagnosis in April 2007, we knew we had to move forward to create an organization that raised awareness and supported a local cancer center. A couple of weeks before my mom passed away in November 2008, we talked about how the St. Francis Foundation and the St. Francis Cancer Center would be a great place to pursue our plan to raise money for cancer patients, as well as raise awareness. With our strong Catholic background and strong ties with St. Francis Regional Medical Center, we knew this would be the place to start.”

On April 9th, more than 75 employees and St. Francis Foundation Board Members celebrated this racing endeavor by participating in a Kick-off event outside the St. Francis Cancer Center. Attendees heard from Carley M. Stuber, St. Francis Foundation Executive Director; Nancy Menth, RN, Cancer Center & Specialty Clinics Patient Care Manager; Tim Olson American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour, Owner; and Gordy Swanson, Champion stockcar racer and the St. Francis driver. During the event, attendees had a chance to sit in the car, as well as purchase special t-shirts and tickets for the first race at Elko Speedway.

Rev. Kyle Vlach, St. Francis Regional Medical Center Chaplain, shared thoughts on a safe and inspirational season. “Bless this family through the help they will bring to others; bless the patients and families who receive care here, help them to know they are not alone and that nothing can separate them from your love; bless the St. Francis staff for their compassionate care; bless the racing team and Gordy this season, we ask you for all of their safety and your favor; bless the gifts that will come to St. Francis and help us to steward them well for your purposes; and lastly bless the memory of Audrey, may her care for others be contagious to many as her story is told,” he said.

The St. Francis Cancer Center is dedicated to offering patients and their families a full program of cancer care, which includes prevention and early detection, diagnostic tests and procedures, treatment, as well as education and support. The Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary method of healing—focusing on the body, mind and spirit—allows for high-quality care to be delivered in a respectful and compassionate manner. A collaboration between St. Francis Regional Medical Center and Minneapolis Radiation Oncology PA makes it possible for the St. Francis Cancer Center to offer sophisticated equipment, the latest treatments and specially trained staff. The American College of Surgeons ranks its accredited cancer program among the top 25 percent of hospitals in the United States

“One of the many benefits of our cancer center is the ability for our patients to connect with their caregivers in a more personal way,” said Nancy Menth, RN, Cancer Center & Specialty Clinics Patient Care Manager. “We are proud of the compassionate care our physicians and nursing staff provide which has also resulted in higher averages than the national survival average for breast, lung and colon cancer.”

The St. Francis Cancer Center racecar is owned and managed by Heather Chantry of Community Chest Racing, Inc. For race event information visit www.stfrancis-shakopee.com or call the Foundation at 952-403-2070. For information on the St. Francis Cancer Center call 952-403-2031. For a complete 2008 racing schedule, visit www.asamidwesttour.com.

April 19th Elko Speedway event details include: Qualifying 4pm; Autograph Session in Champions Centre at 5:30pm Local Division Racing Begins at 6pm; ASA Racing Begins at 7pm

*The St. Francis racecar will be displayed at Tires Plus in Northfield, Friday, April 18th, from 1-5 pm.

The St. Francis Foundation exists to support St. Francis Regional Medical Center and to enhance the healing experience in the communities we serve. St. Francis, like all vibrant medical centers, depends on the best facilities, technology and programs to attract and retain the finest physicians. The St. Francis Foundation guides philanthropic efforts which address immediate, intermediate and long-term needs of patients, their families and communities served by St. Francis.

St. Francis Regional Medical Center, recognized as a Top 100 Hospital, is jointly owned and sponsored by the Benedictine Health System, Allina Hospitals & Clinics, and Park Nicollet Health Services. This unique structure combines the caring and compassion of a community hospital with the modern medical technology, specialties, and services found in the metro area. St. Francis provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency care services on a collaborative medical campus with more than 30 other clinics and providers. Visit www.stfrancis-shakopee.com or call ‘Ask St. Francis’ at 952-403-2000.

To learn more about the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment log on to www.asamidwesttour.com or call the ASA Midwest Tour office at (262) 514-3880 or e-mail Tim Olson at tim@asamidwesttour.com or Steve Einhaus at steve@asamidwesttour.com. For news and information from racetracks and regional tours involved in the American Speed Association, visit www.asaracing.com.