PHOENIX, AZ (Nov. 28, 2011) – Before the engines roared at the Phoenix International Raceway, NASCAR driver, Geoff Bodine, visited children at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“As Geoff’s primary sponsor, all of us at Luke & Associates (Luke) are thankful he shares the same values as us and wants to make an impact on the local community. When Luke Racing comes to town to participate in a race, we don’t want to just show up and race. Whether visiting children of all ages in a hospital or thanking Veterans for their service, it makes a difference, and we value that,” President and CEO of Luke, Jim Barfield, said.

During Bodine’s visit, one teenager, in particular, impacted him and the Luke Racing Team. Tia Zitar was admitted to the hospital with a concussion and fractured skull after falling off the hood of a car while car surfing. This thrill seeking activity involves riding on the exterior of a moving vehicle and is most popular amongst teenagers. According to the CDC, injuries have been reported in 31 states, with 39 percent of them from the Midwest and 35 percent from the South. Parents of Tia were grateful for Bodine’s mentoring words and visit to their daughter.

 “We can learn a lot from Tia’s story. She was fortunate to live from her accident.  Car surfing is dangerous, and it is claiming lives of America’s youth. Together, we need to encourage them to refrain from this activity,” Bodine said.

About Luke & Associates, Inc.:

Headquartered on the Space Coast of Florida, Luke formed in 2004 and has grown exponentially to become one of the largest providers of health care for the U.S. military. Luke employs more than 1,300 medical and support personnel around the globe at clinics, hospitals and medical centers for both government and commercial entities. Luke is the primary sponsor of Geoff Bodine.

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