Dear Chris and Ashley,

I am writing to thank you for helping our family in our time of need. My seven-year-old son Max has been battling acute lymphocytic leukemia for several years. He’s receiving treatment at CHOP. Max lives with me and his six-year-old brother in Norristown. I am divorced, but am not receiving any child support from their father. I got behind on my bills when I was unemployed for six months. I lost my job because I took too much time off because I had to take Max to treatments and many doctors’ appointments. I couldn’t believe it when I asked for and received a check from Michael’s Way in the amount of $629. This went towards paying my delinquent electric bill. When Max gets a little older, I will explain to him how there are strangers who really do care about helping others. You’ve been a great help during this difficult time.

Thank you so much!

Maxine D’Angelo

Norristown, PA

This past weekend, I was honored to be NASCAR’s guest at Martinsville Raceway during one of the final Sprint Cup Chase races of the season. This has been one of the craziest weekends for Michael’s Way since Pocono Raceway nominated me as a finalist for NASCAR’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award on October 1^st.

The most wonderful part of the weekend was undoubtedly getting the opportunity  to meet so many supportive folks involved with NASCAR, from the fans to current and former drivers like Richard Petty, Clint Bowyer, Danica Patrick and Rusty Wallace. The Chase Points Leader, Jeff Gordon, was nice enough to sign a Harley Davidson for Michael’s Way. Even fan favorite and race winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the time to take a photo with me, which I like to think gave him a little extra inspiration!

I was also interviewed by NASCAR and Sirius Radio, which provided me with the vital opportunity to explain Michael’s Way’s mission of paying the non-medical bills of families with kids fighting cancer. NASCAR’s graciousness was unbelievable, especially because I got the chance to ride in the official pace car, which is every NASCAR fan’s dream.

NASCAR also introduced me and Michael’s Way during driver introductions, allowed me to sit in at press conferences and driver meet and greets, welcomed me to the NASCAR suite to watch the race with everyone in the organization, and even took me down to the Winner’s Circle to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. enjoy his fourth win of the season.

While all of these experiences were unbelievable, the most important aspect of this incredible trip was the sheer amount of exposure Michael’s Way received. It was heartwarming to see just how gracious and caring about our charity everyone involved with NASCAR is. NASCAR has some of the most devoted fans in the world, and with them on our side voting for Michael’s Way, I think we’ve got a great shot to win this $100K award and help a lot more amazing families in need. Thank you, NASCAR!!!

Chris McElwee, Founder of Michael’s Way has been nominated by NASCAR as one of four finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. If Chris and Michael’s Way receive enough votes, we will win $100,000 to help more families with children fighting cancer pay their bills. We need your help to spread the word to earn enough votes to win this incredible award! Please read on to find out more about Michael’s Way and how your votes can change a child’s life!

Press Release:

A Philadelphia Charity Has a Chance to Win $100,000… and YOU Can Help!

Yo Philly: Vote for Michael’s Way, and Help Families with Children Fighting Cancer!

Chris McElwee, founder of Michael’s Way — a Philadelphia-based charity which helps families with children fighting cancer, has been selected as a national finalist for The NASCAR Foundation’s 2014 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award (BJFHAward), which comes with a $100,000 award if it receives the highest number of online votes. Three other charities are in contention for the prize.

Michael’s Way was established in 1996 by McElwee in memory of his late brother, Michael, who lost his battle with leukemia. The mission of Michael’s Way is to improve the lives of children with pediatric cancer and support their parents struggling under the financial strain that often comes with such a devastating diagnosis.

What makes Michael’s Way different? Unlike many other non-profit groups, 100% of all donations go directly to the families of children with cancer. Michael’s Way helps pay the non-medical costs associated with caring for a child with cancer: household bills, rent or mortgage, utility bills, transportation, food, etc.

Since its inception, Michael’s Way has raised and distributed more than $6 million to lessen the financial hardships of hundreds of families in the Philadelphia area whose children are battling cancer. 100% of money raised goes directly to the families, NOT TO OVERHEAD!

Chris McElewee has also been instrumental in forging a partnership between Michael’s Way and Flyers Charities.  His efforts have resulted in the two charities working together to create Building Hope for Kids, which has renovated the homes of children with cancer, ensuring they live in a safe and comfortable environment. In addition, McElwee is the Vice Chairman of the Snider Hockey Foundation Board of Directors. He is the co-founder and co-chair of the Philadelphia Flyers Celebrity Golf Invitational, which has raised more than $4 million to directly support the 3,000 boys and girls who take part in the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation programs.

The award honors the unwavering commitment that The NASCAR Foundation’s Chairwoman, Betty Jane France, has demonstrated through philanthropy and community service. The annual award is presented to a dedicated NASCAR fan that has made a profound impact on the lives of children in his or her local community.

Here’s how you can help make Michael’s Way a winner: Go to http://www.NASCAR.com/award and vote for Chris McElwee. If Michael’s Way wins, it means a $100,000 shot in the arm for a local charity that does so much to ease the financial burden of families with children fighting cancer, so that the families can concentrate on the real battle — saving their child’s life.

Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 4, 2014. The winner will be announced on December 5^th in Las Vegas, NV during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards show, a nationally televised event at Wynn Las Vegas.

Go to http://www.NASCAR.com/award to vote for Michael’s Way. Learn more about Michael’s Way by visiting: https://michaelsway.org. Go Philly!

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Robin Capecci, a Social Worker from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children has told us: Michael’s Way is different from other charities in that we really know them. Your staff comes to the hospital and we have fun events, you get to know all of our children, and you never say NO. And for that, we thank you!

It has been an incredible two weeks at Michael’s Way. Our annual Golf Tournament at Stonewall Links was an emotional and inspiring event. This year, thanks to the generosity of donors, we were able to raise an incredible amount of funds! Every single penny goes to help the families of children with cancer. A big thank you to everyone!