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  • NASCAR driver Kurt Busch visits Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

    NASCAR driver Kurt Busch was generous enough to take time out of his busy schedule to spend Wednesday afternoon visiting with young patients at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, Wash.

    Busch, driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge, shook hands, signed autographs and gave away red hats from his sponsor Shell. The special visit was made possible thanks to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Associated Petroleum Products.

    For children who were unable to leave their beds, Busch went room to room to greet the patients and their families.

    "Hi, I'm a race car driver," he introduced himself with a warm smile.

    He admired one young patient’s Lego race car (Busch himself enjoys building with Legos), and urged other patients to always wear a helmet when skateboarding or riding bikes.

    “I can attest to that,” he said. “I’ve been in a few crashes myself.”

    Busch sits eighth in the overall NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings with only three races left until the “Chase for the Championship.” Busch has 23 wins in the series in his career.

    The Mary Bridge Children's Hospital patients, some of whom face long stays, appreciate special visitors who can distract them from their time in the hospital.

    During his visit, Busch sent a message via Twitter: “@ Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in WA. Great kids & great hospital.”

    Health care is something that's close to Busch's heart: the Kurt Busch Foundation supports organizations involved in health care, education, career training and rehabilitation, and also lends support to military families in need. 

    Busch is also an avid baseball fan. After leaving Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Busch visited Safeco Field in Seattle to meet some Mariners players and throw out the first pitch. He has now visited the Major League Baseball park in every city except Toronto. 

    Posted on Sep 2, 2011 in