As members of a family touched by Tourette Syndrome, Autism, and other companion disorders, Cheryl and Joshua (‘CAW’ and ‘JAW’) both understand the need for awareness of disabilities. Only through awareness can indifference and intolerance be abolished, and the march toward cures be supported and given strength.

While Joshua has interviewed the likes of such NASCAR luminaries as Mike Joy and Kenny Wallace, Cheryl and Joshua believe there are other stars in the NASCAR universe that should be given their time in the spotlight as well. As they believe that NASCAR fans are very compassionate and caring people, they believe they have the perfect audience for these special individuals and families.

Cheryl and Joshua are honored to bring these exceptional people to their web page to be made a ‘star for a day’. They welcome posted messages of support and kindness from the fans following each article. Help make a special someone have their place in the sun.

NASCAR’s Special Individuals and Families in Focus: Meet Gene Herbert Gaddis

Some of the roots of NASCAR are buried deep in the state of Kentucky. Such NASCAR stars as Jeremy Mayfield and the brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip were born here, and the Kentucky Speedway is located in Sparta.

The Gaddis family (David, Dorothy, Gene Herbert, and Michael) are NASCAR fans from this great state. They began their interest in 1992, the last year that Richard Petty ran. They are fans of Dale Earnhardt Sr., Mark Martin, and Tony Stewart. They are also able to boast that they have attended a few races at what some consider the most exciting racetrack on the circuit, Bristol Motor Speedway.

Today in particular we would like NASCAR fans to meet Gene Herbert Gaddis. He is a young man who needs a lot of help and support from his family members. He is stricken with Cerebral Palsy, an incurable disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination; and Hydrocephalus, an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain.

While people with Cerebral Palsy can be affected by it to varying degrees, Gene’s mother, Dorothy, says that Gene will need care for his lifetime. That care is intensive, requiring her to be on-call for him 24/7. He requires a feeding tube, as well as help being moved from room-to-room in their home. He cannot sit or stand by himself, and essentially everything must be done for him. When out in public people stare, and Dorothy and her family members do their best to explain Gene’s conditions and answer any questions that people may have.

Most of all she would like curious onlookers to know that people with handicaps are sensitive to the stares and whispers.

Her advice is this: “Just treat them like one of the crowd and remember they have feelings also, which can be hurt just like ours can.”

Despite the obstacles and hardships, Dorothy says that Gene is her world, and she loves every minute of caring for him.

Their interest in NASCAR has brought lots of happiness to the family.

“Being able to see the races on television and attending the few races that we have has been a blessing, this is something that he can enjoy and watch,” she says. “I would gladly pack up all his equipment he needs and go to a race, spend the weekend in a hotel and watch his face light up when he sees the cars and hear them running around the track. It is worth every bit of the hardship that goes into going to a race, but every little bit of joy for him is worth it all. There is nothing like seeing that smile on his face and knowing that he is having fun if only for a little while.”

It has been our pleasure to introduce NASCAR fans to Gene Herbert, a special young man (and NASCAR fan) from Kentucky.

For more information on Cerebral Palsy, please visit the United Cerebral Palsy website. For more information on Hydrocephalus, please visit the Hydrocephalus Association website.