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The original item was published from 8/15/2017 11:11:00 AM to 8/17/2017 11:00:51 AM.
News Flash
Newton Fire Department
Posted on: August 2, 2017[ARCHIVED] Xfinity Driver Joey Gase and the Iowa Donor Network at the Fire Station
Joey Gase, who is from Cedar Rapids, is an advocate for organ, tissue and eye donation. Joey’s mother, Mary Jo, died suddenly of a brain aneurysm in April 2011. Just 18 at the time, Joey made the courageous decision to donate her organs. Mary Jo’s organs were able to provide new life to a number of individuals in desperate need of a transplant. The experience sparked a fire in Joey to spread the word far and wide about the importance of organ, tissue and eye donation. His passion for sharing the message about donation rivals his passion for racing. And that is saying something.
On Thursday, July 27th at 4 p.m. the Newton Fire Department hosted the Iowa Donor Network, Joey Gase and his racecar for a pre-race event in which the Newton Firefighters and the community placed painted handprints and messages of support on Joey’s car. There was a short ceremony featuring Tony Hakes from Iowa Donor Network, Mayor Mike Hansen and Joey Gase speaking about organ donation. Bob O’Brien was also present, as his son Brendan - who was an organ donor - had a photo on the car. Bob provided treats from Dairy Queen to those in attendance.
