What I learned from Mario

As Drag Racing fans across the country sat in front of their TV's at home gazing at the sight of astronomical speeds and mind numbing elapsed times during the 28th annual Auto Plus Nationals broadcast on espn2 this past weekend; I was reminded of just how precious life is, and how we should enjoy even the littlest moments. That moment came from an unlikely source.

(Photo Courtesy of NJ.com)

A young boy named Mario Carpino who in December 2007 was diagnosed with 4 inoperable brain tumors. He resolved to not let his condition get the best of him and made sure those with similar conditions as his would receive the help needed. That got the attention of the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation as well as the National Hot Rod Association. The young boy from Swedesboro NJ  was then honored by the National Hot Rod Association and Don Schumacher Racing with his likeness aboard the Alex's Lemonade Stand Dodge Charger Funny Car driven by Johnny Gray.

(Photo Courtesy of NJ.com

The 9-year old boy from New Jersey was a guest of DSR for the entire weekend and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of his experience. From packing the parachutes on Johnny's car to watching the crews work on the machines, Mario enjoyed the entire experience from beginning to end. Johnny Gray spoke about how it affects everyone: 

"Childhood cancer, you know, affects us all,” he said in a distinct New Mexico drawl. “You might not have one of your kids come down with it, but if you look around you’re going to have a friend or family member that it affects. It just breaks your heart. If we can raise any money whatsoever that goes to research or helps a family spend more time with their kids as the hospital, we’ll do it.”

Everyone in the team certainly grew to like the boy who had such a smile from ear to ear. Johnny Gray and his team made it to the finals but lost to Mike Neff as he smoked the tires at the start. For everyone involved, it was a weekend everyone won't soon forget

Just sitting at home watching TV coverage throughout the weekend, it  struck me, being 41 years old the happiness and outright joy this young boy had and the courage he displayed to everyone he came in contact with.  You could not helped but to be moved by that. It also taught me something I never thought that i at age 41 would still be learning to this very day.

Courage is displayed in many forms, and what Mario Carpino displayed this past weekend shown tremendously while battling brain cancer. In the face of such a fierce battle ahead, Mario never let it be known that he had such a disease. His joy at the track and over the internet and TV broadcast was heartwarming.