Motorsport Technology Group's #18 car with Race for Hope/Mutt Strut participants at Lime Rock
(news outlets: contact Wes Duenkel for a high-resolution image)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCUS' DOG LOSES BATTLE WITH CANINE DISEASE
Richmond, Virginia (June 6, 2008)
Steve and Marjorie Marcus regret to announce their beloved, six year old Siberian Husky, Tasha, has died from complications of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.
According to Veterinary Specialist Dr. Megen Daughterty, “In the days preceding Tasha's passing, it was evident that her illness was not improving in the way we had hoped. Her weakness continued to progress and her appetite continued to decrease. Her bone marrow had dwindled back into the poorly regenerative range despite continued immunosuppression. Her breathing was more labored and she was not able to maintain a healthy level of oxygen in her blood. Chest x-rays revealed severe lung disease suspected to be pneumonia, and she was in need of an additional blood transfusion. Her immune system was once again causing her cells to be damaged. Faced with these severe and life threatening complications, we were forced to face the difficult truth that Tasha's prognosis was poor.”
Options were discussed in detail among the specialists and senior clinicians at the Veterinary Emergency Center of Richmond where Tasha was being treated. Dr. Daugherty said, “Throughout the day, we were in contact with Mr. and Mrs. Marcus. Their great love and respect for Tasha was never more apparent than on that day. In the end, we all had to consider Tasha and the odds she faced. Tasha passed peacefully and with dignity in the comfort of her own bed on a quiet and calm Thursday evening, May 22, 2008.
Tasha had been diagnosed with the disease in mid-March of 2008. After extensive research of the disease and seeking the best care for Tasha, the Marcus’ embarked on a campaign to make others aware of this often-fatal disease, and to raise funds to support research for the treatment and potential cure of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia or IMHA. Their research led them to the Meisha’s Hope AIHA/IMHA fund #338, established in 2002 by Joanne and David Dickson after the death of their dog Meisha, a lab/terrier/spaniel mix from the related disease Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, or AIHA. The fund is administered by the Morris Animal Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit organization funding research to protect, treat and cure animals worldwide.
While working daily with Tasha and her veterinarian to overcome the disease affecting their once active and playful family pet, Steve Marcus brought Tasha into his work by designating a new BMW Z4 M Coupe, to debut at Lime Rock Raceway on Memorial Weekend, as the vehicle to raise awareness and funds.
In early May, Marcus announced he would donate the season’s proceeds from his new race car to the Meisha’s Hope Fund #338, and he embarked on a campaign of awareness including special promotions and events. He created the “Race for Hope” which included a 5k race and a Mutt Strut at Lime Rock on Memorial Weekend. He painted the car with the Morris Animal Foundation colors and logos, and designed paw print and bone stickers for race fans to adhere to the car, with a donation to the Fund. His intentions were two-fold; to provide funding to accelerate research on AIHA/IMHA, and increase awareness of the disease.
While Steve and Marjorie Marcus were valiant in their efforts to save Tasha, she passed just two days before the weekend’s events. Now, the long-anticipated weekend took on new meaning as the Marcus’ shared their love and loss with the race fans at Lime Rock Park.
Asked about his intentions for the future, Steve Marcus stated, “My main mission was to save Tasha, now my mission is to help save other dogs, in her memory. We will continue our campaign with special events throughout the 2008 season. Race fans and teams were very supportive at Lime Rock and pledges and donations continue to be received.”
The next race with the MAF sponsor car will be at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, June 13-15, 2008. See the full schedule of events for this car and learn how to donate to the Meisha’s Hope Fund #338 at www.motorsporttechnologygroup.com.
To see what people are saying about the Marcus’s, their dog Tasha, and AIHA/IMHA, visit http://www.vetnet.co.uk/. Click on VetNet Forum.
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For more information contact Steve Marcus at stephen.marcus@att.net, or call 804.338.RACE (7223). For public relations information contact Donna Deno at ddeno1@charter.net.
Motorsport Technology Group provides professional and amateur drivers the experience of a lifetime with meticulously-maintained sports racing cars. The team's mission is to share the passion for motorsports with everyone who has ever wanted to pilot a race car at full speed. In addition to rental programs, Motorsport Technology Group sells professionally-built race cars and street cars at their headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. |
