There are some industries and endeavors which simply surpass seemingly all others when it comes to being extremely tight knit and closely held…and the Southwest Michigan racing community is certainly one of them. Ever since word emerged a couple of weeks ago about a young man suffering some serious health issues, the outpouring has been amazing. But, it's going to take a tremendous amount of support and courage to keep the rally going for little Timmy Dibble.
Timmy is son of Hartford Motor Speedway owners & operators Tim & Leah Dibble, who have characterized Timmy as "tougher than nails," as they proclaim that while, "We have a long fight ahead of us…we will WIN!" In fact, every entry that Timmy's mom, Leah, posts on her Facebook account is filled with special hash-tags such as #WinnersNeverQuitAndQuittersNeverWin, and #TeamTimmyStrong.
In mid-October Timmy's journey got considerably tougher when medical testing confirmed the worst fears that the little boy has leukemia. The short-term is the toughest and it is critical that he remain as healthy as possible right now, therefore the Dibbles were told he must remain at Bronson Children's Hospital in Kalamazoo for at least the first 30 days after his diagnosis, and they have a three year journey ahead.
The day after they learned of Timmy's fate, Leah said he was doing pretty good, despite having to undergo a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin levels.
Just like his parents, Timmy is a huge sprint car fan, and the racing industry stepped up instantly sending super hero cards and other encouraging words to help lift the little boy's spirits. He especially likes race car photos and scary Halloween items which he has gotten from family, friends, racing teams, his classmates in school, the medical community and many others who have learned of his situation.
Timmy's parents continue to revel in the fact that he is one tough little kid with a seemingly indomitable spirit. Over the weekend, Leah said his "appetite and his personality are in full swing, and the doctor is pleased with his counts and progress." On Halloween, Timmy and other children suffering leukemia were visited in a reverse Trick or Treating Party where family, friends and others came to the hospital with treats to deliver directly to their bedsides.
It is still very early in the fight, but the Dibbles are doing everything in their power to keep spirits high. They are highly appreciative of the racing community and everyone who has joined the fight and in boosting Timmy's spirits. They would love to have a steady stream of encouraging notes for their young race car fan and invite you to send things to this address (until at least November 15th):
Timmy Dibble c/o Bronson Children's Hospital
601 John Street Room 306
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Members of the racing community have been auctioning off doors, body panels and other things to help raise money for the family to help cover living costs while Leah is off work and taking care of him. If you'd like to join those offering financial resources, please consider joining the GoFundMe campaign set up by friends in Coloma. You can take part in that campaign by clicking the link below, or by searching GoFundMe for Team Timmy by Ryan Price:
