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。
问:患关节炎长大是什么感觉?
A: I was born with it and was diagnosed at age 2. I had problems with my jaw and other joints. I took a high dosage of a chemo drug once a week for over 10 years. It made me very tired and gave me headaches. I always felt sick and nauseous. When I was young, my arms were locked at a 45-degree angle, and it took a while to straighten them all the way. My knees were always so swollen. 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?
答:在我成长的过程中，我的家人和其他大家庭会在周末去各地参加比赛。我很喜欢。从我的第一辆卡丁车开始，我就想努力工作，进入纳斯卡。工作很多，但也很有趣。你遇到的每个人都成为你的家人。赛车仍然是男性主导的运动，所以看到这种情况的改变真的很酷。作为一个女孩在赛车场上已经不再奇怪了。
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.
Q: You recently flew with the Thunderbirds. What was that like?
A: That was absolutely amazing. I never thought in a million years I would ever do that. I ran into a Thunderbird crew in Daytona, then we connected again in Vegas, and I got to fly with them, which was another dream come true.
Q: Does arthritis affect you today?
A:不久前我的病情缓解了。现在的疼痛和僵硬程度是我年轻时的10倍。我得照顾好自己。当我需要坐下来休息的时候，我就会这么做。即使当你开车比赛时，在一个位置连续几个小时，那也会非常痛苦。我必须做好充分的准备，快速恢复，并知道我在健身房能做什么和不能做什么。去年，我去看眼科医生，医生告诉我，我的眼睛比80岁的人还干涩。我买了这种药，因为眼睛干涩真的很疼。我想开始输液，就像很多风湿性关节炎患者一样，很快就会开始。
问:跟我们说说你的关节炎筹款活动。
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!
