Jeff Burton recently visited the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Tennessee while in the area preparing for the Bristol Race. Jeff Burton is one of many NASCAR drivers who give back to the fans.
Jeff Burton drives the Number 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet and is a popular and successful NASCAR driver. Like many competitors his time is valuable as he prepares for a race and I thought it super nice of him to visit the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Typically when I hear of a celebrity doing some charity event or visiting sick kids I think “well that’s nice” and give it no more thought. But this visit hit a little close to home for me so I decided to write about it.
Brandon Jolly is a 14 year old patient in the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and his day was made a little brighter by Jeff Burton’s visit. For a young man who likes sports it is a sure treat to meet a famous NASCAR driver and get a photo with him.
I do not know Brandon Jolly but his older brother Buck was a good friend of mine. Unfortunately Buck died before Brandon was born. I also knew and worked with Brandon’s mother, Debbie.
Recently through a mutual Facebook friend I found out Debbie’s son was in the Children’s Hospital. Brandon has been there for one month and one day at the time of this writing.
Brandon suffers from Severe Scoliosis and has been fitted with a Halo traction device to strengthen his spine in preparation for surgery. The young man has a long road ahead of him but by all accounts is facing it bravely.
I ask you to visit this web site and drop Brandon an encouraging message, you can also keep up with his progress there. The family has a strong faith in God that will see them through but thoughtful words of encouragement will be appreciated as well.
This is just one young man who had a better day than usual due to the kindness of Jeff Burton. So next time you hear of a celebrity doing something nice, don’t just shrug it off. Think of doing something nice for somebody yourself.