The NASCAR Foundation Chairperson honored for Speediatrics
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For years Betty Jane France has championed support for children's healthcare at Halifax Health Medical Center. Now a bronze statue stands there in her honor, unveiled Wednesday by the Halifax Health Foundation just outside the hospital tower which also bears her family's name.
"Just as NASCAR inducts members into its Hall of Fame, Betty Jane France is in our Hall of Fame," Halifax Health CEO Jeff Feasel said, steps away from the entrance of France Tower.
France spearheaded the creation of the hospital's Betty Jane France Center for Pediatrics, also known as Speediatrics. The 36-bed, NASCAR-themed unit provides care to more than 2,000 children battling illness each year. Since France started The NASCAR Foundation in 2006, the Foundation has donated more than $1.5 million to Speediatrics.
France was joined at Wednesday's ceremony by her son, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, and daughter, Lesa France Kennedy, CEO of International Speedway Corporation. NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton and NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Rusty Wallace, longtime supporters of Speediatrics, each spoke at the event. Also in attendance were Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, and the statue's sculptor, artist John Lajba.
Private donations made the nearly 9-foot statue of France possible.
"Halifax Health has provided tremendous care for this community since 1928, for which we all should be very grateful," France said. "This facility has had a huge influence on this wonderful place where we live. I am so proud to be honored by this facility, which is such a pillar of our community."
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