Darrell Gwynn announced the kick off his Put the Brakes on Paralysis campaign to commemorate the midpoint in his journey fighting paralysis. The significance of this milestone is that twenty-eight years ago, while twenty-eight years old and at the top of the Drag Racing world, the Hall of Famer left his arm, racing career and ability to walk against a stretch of cold, unforgiving British retaining wall when a race car he was piloting collided with it at more than 250 miles-per-hour. In 1990, he had to put the brakes on his racing career and now he endeavors to concentrate his efforts through his chapter, the Darrell Gwynn Chapter of The Buoniconti Fund, to help The Miami Project and The Buoniconti Fund Put the Brakes on Paralysis.
“As a Hall of Fame drag racer Darrell has taken a leadership role in everything he’s ever done. We are proud to have him as part of our team for more than 28 years as he continues to lead the way as head of the Darrell Gwynn Chapter of The Buoniconti Fund. His Put the Brakes on Paralysis campaign will bring significant funds and awareness to the cause,” said Marc Buoniconti, President of The Buoniconti Fund.
Within seconds, Darrell’s entire world changed forever. It was a miracle that he did not die right there. Instead, through good fortune and a ton of blood, sweat and tears, he was able to nurture a still new relationship with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, an organization he had aligned himself with prior to his life-threatening accident. From that moment on, the man and the cause were permanently one.
“I think of this Campaign as my opportunity to reach out to everyone and share my story of determination and perseverance in the face of diversity. This will allow us to engage the general public, my friends in motorsports, and the corporate world to join me at the forefront of this final push for a paralysis cure,” said Darrell.
The Miami Project and its fundraising arm, The Buoniconti Fund, along with their renowned staff of scientists, physicians and clinicians have enabled Darrell to have a family and enjoy an incredibly high level of function and independence. During the past 28 years, and most recently through his work with the Darrell Gwynn Quality of Life Chapter of The Buoniconti Fund, he has witnessed the relentless and unwavering pursuit of research to find a cure for paralysis.
As the scientific progress continues, and to help fuel its momentum, Darrell is enlisting a unique and unparalleled team of friends, associates and the public to join in this final push for victory over paralysis through the campaign. Back when he was a teenage drag racing world champion, the media and his toughest competitors bestowed Darrell with the nickname, “The Kid”, as a testament to his energy and ferocious competitive zeal. Those embers of ambition still burn today and are the fuel he is using to Put the Brakes on Paralysis.
The campaign will consist of many unique fundraising and awareness initiatives. The Chapter will use the annual Hot Rods and Reels Fishing Tournaments at both Daytona and Homestead NASCAR races, charity vehicle auctions through Barrett-Jackson and other venues, cause related marketing initiatives, specialized fundraising campaigns and corporate partnership opportunities to Put the Brakes on Paralysis once and for all.
For more information on the campaign please visit the link above, or email bfchapters@med.miami.edu or call 305-243-3863.