Natalie Decker holds a fundraiser to benefit others with arthritis.
At the tender age of 5,Natalie Deckerknew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Raised in Wisconsin, Natalie’s father, Chuck, ran a motor sports track that hosted the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Natalie wasn’t much into snowmobiling, but she was mesmerized by go-karts and told her dad that her big dream was to race in NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing).
Today, at 22 and living in North Carolina, Natalie has made her dream come true, becoming one of the top young drivers in the NASCAR scene. Along the way, she has broken records and continues climbing the racing ladder as she aims to achieve more victories and accolades on short tracks across the country. Last year, she was the highest finishing female on a superspeedway in Automobile Racing Club of America competition, taking fifth place. Her biggest dream is making the Cup Series, NASCAR’s top racing category.
What makes her victories even more impressive is that Natalie grew up with childhood arthritis, which she has battled since birth. After keeping quiet about her illness most of her life, afraid of being perceived as weak, she recently revealed her illness to the world and announced on her social media channels the fundraiser she’s doing to support the Arthritis Foundation. She’ll announce it again in person to her fans at the Homestead Miami-Speedway’s NASCAR season finale on Nov. 15.
Fans were able to buy a spot on the hood of Natalie’s No. 54 DGR-Crosley Toyota Tundra. Donations are still welcome, and those who donate will still receive swag that’s exclusive to the fundraiser. The hood will be auctioned off after the race, along with Natalie’s race-worn Fyshe Fire Suit, Arai helmet, racing boots, gloves and a special jacket. All proceeds from the fundraiser will help raise awareness and funds for the Arthritis Foundation’s mission, fueling research for a cure as well as resources and support for those of all ages who struggle with the disease, including life-changing juvenile arthritis camps nationwide.
在即将到来的大型比赛之前，我们最近采访了娜塔莉。
Q: What was it like growing up with arthritis?
答:我生下来就有，两岁时被诊断出患有此病。我的下巴和其他关节有问题。我每周服用一次大剂量的化疗药物，持续了10多年。它使我非常疲劳，还使我头痛。我总是感到恶心。我小的时候，我的手臂是45度角，我花了一段时间才伸直它们。我的膝盖总是肿得很厉害。At about 12 years old, I went into remission and got off the med.
Q: Were you unable to do certain things?
A: My pediatrician told me he couldn’t believe all I could do as a child. I was doing all these sports, whether it was dance, hockey, soccer, and I was just getting into go-kart racing at age 9. He told me, “I don’t know how you’re doing these things. It should be physically impossible.”
Q: Did you have any past involvement with the Arthritis Foundation?
A: I really wish I did, but I didn’t. I don’t think my parents knew about the Arthritis Foundation and the benefits they provide, and we were always so busy. Arthritis Foundation camps for kids with JA are so cool. Being involved in those camps would have helped me so much. Through this current fundraiser, we want to help more kids be part of that.
问:赛车最刺激的是什么?
A: Growing up, my family and extended family would travel all over on the weekends to racing events. I loved it. From my first go-kart, I wanted to work really hard to get into NASCAR. It’s been a lot of work but so much fun. Everyone you meet becomes family. Racing is still a male-dominated sport, so it’s really cool to see how that’s changing. It’s no longer weird to be a girl in the racing arena.
Q: Isn’t racing dangerous?
A: With all the NASCAR rules they have and the gear I wear, I feel that racing is really safer than driving on the highway.
Q: What do you say to other girls, including those with a chronic disease like arthritis, to encourage them?
A:无论你是谁，无论你想做什么，都要因为你想做并热爱它而去做。无论你想做什么，你绝对可以做到。获得一个强大的支持系统。你需要别人的支持。当你跌倒了，你可以在别人的支持下爬起来。告诉其他女孩她们无所不能真是太鼓舞人心了。
问:你在你的行业里得到尊重了吗?
A: Yes, and I’ve earned it. The easiest way to earn respect in racing is to race your race, race clean and do well. Win races the right way. Be the best you can be and be nice. Be yourself, male or female, and respect others.
问:你最近加入了雷鸟队。那是什么感觉?
A:真是太棒了。我从没想过我会这么做。我在代托纳遇到了雷鸟的机组人员，然后我们在维加斯再次联系，我和他们一起飞行，这是另一个梦想成真。
问:关节炎现在对你有影响吗?
A: I came out of remission not long ago. The pain and stiffness now are 10 times worse than when I was younger. I have to take care of myself. When I need to sit down or take a break, I do. Even when you’re racing in your car, for hours at a time in one position, that can be really painful. I have to be really prepared, recover fast and know what I can and can’t do in the gym. This past year, I went to the eye doctor and was told my eyes are drier than someone who’s 80 years old. I’ve gotten a med for that because having dry eyes is really painful. I want to start infusions, like a lot of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and will start that soon.
Q: Tell us about your arthritis fundraiser.
A: We want to help more kids go to camp and advance arthritis research. I’m so thankful the Arthritis Foundation gives people with arthritis the resources, local programs and support they need, so they can chase their dreams, like becoming a NASCAR driver, and live a full life. I was very nervous about sharing my story for a long time. But I’m so happy I’m finally sharing it to help and be an inspiration to others. Though I’ve learned to work through the condition’s hardships, it pains me to know what these kids go through every day. We need the public’s help, and together we can change lives!
