Speediatrics unit unveiled in Homestead hospital

Like most children her age, 3-year-old Hannah Hughes of Homestead, Fla., equates hospitals with pain and anxiety. The sterile and blinding white atmosphere of an exam room doesn't provide much comfort for Hughes, who has battled chronic asthma since she was six months old.

A gurgling nebulizer and dozens of adults pacing around in matching coats reminds her that something unpleasant is in her future.

"I get a shot in the bootie," said Hughes as she turned to her mother, April Hughes, 34, and cracked a smile.

The smile is heartwarming for NASCAR's royal family who on Friday unveiled a second Speediatrics at Homestead Hospital in Miami. Speediatrics is a special children's emergency unit decorated with checkered flags, cartoon characters and brightly colored racecars.

A Betty Jane France Children's Emergency Room supported by the NASCAR Foundation, Homestead-Miami Speedway and other community donations; the eight-bed unit is adorned in NASCAR decor and will see at least 13,000 patients a year.

The upbeat, jovial concept -- founded by France, wife of the late NASCAR patriarch Bill France in 1999, is geared to help ease the hospital experience for children. She wanted the healing process for children to be an environment that is "fun, surprising and optimistic."

Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. was the first hospital to receive the racing-themed pediatric center.

"It has been so gratifying to see Speediatrics evolve here in Miami," Betty France said. "It has made a real difference in this community improving the lives of children."

Chairman and CEO of NASCAR, Brian France, said the initiative really brings the NASCAR family together. Several drivers and legendary figures always make a point to get involved; namely Richard Petty who befriended Hannah Hughes during Friday's unveiling.

"Did you see that, she blew me a kiss," laughed Petty as he patted the head of Hughes after the unveiling ceremony and ribbon cutting.

Past NASCAR champs Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip were also in attendance and shaking hands with folks around the hospital signing autographs.

"A sick kid is the hardest thing to see," Waltrip said. "So providing an atmosphere that lifts them up is important to their recovery."