This weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, NASCAR driver David Gilliland will have artwork on his car that was created by 7-year-old Jack Benjamin, who overcame a rare liver disease.
NASCAR driver’s car will feature artwork by a 7-year-old who beat a rare liver disease
Nice: @DavidGilliland's #38 Love's Ford for Chicago features art by a 7-year-old kid who beat a rare liver disease. pic.twitter.com/yIJax0mfRE
— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) September 17, 2015 The Chicago Tribune profiled Benjamin, who was diagnosed with biliary atresia when he was two months old:
Two days after the diagnosis, Jack had his first surgery at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and three days after that he underwent a liver transplant, and began what Dr. Mohammad said was the beginning of his “miracle” road to recovery.
“He’s doing fabulous,” Dr. Mohammad said. “His recovery was pretty fast and he’s growing like a little boy.”
Along with his artwork being displayed, Benjamin will also be part of Gilliland’s crew, wearing his own suit. As for Gilliland, he’s just happy to be giving Benjamin an experience he won’t forget:
“NASCAR fans are special for sure and he’s obviously very special,” said Gilliland.
“To hear everything he’s had to go through at such a young age is really touching and life changing to be honest with you,” he added. “Every once in a while he’ll text me after a race ‘hey keep your head up or hey great job.’ It’s a friendship we’ve made for life.”
On Saturday, Benjamin joined Gilliland in the pit.
He even signed some autographs:
Jack Benjamin taking over for @DavidGilliland today @ChicagolndSpdwy @LovesTravelStop @FrontRowNASCAR pic.twitter.com/uCclQbyRDS
— Off Axis Paint (@OffAxisPaint) September 20, 2015 * * *
