“Riley & Friends Awareness” was initiated by Beth and Charlie Langenstein following the birth of their daughter, Riley Nikole, who was born 9 weeks premature and suffered a massive brain aneurysm and mild stroke. The doctors told Beth and Charlie there was a chance Riley may not survive and, if she did, she would probably never use her arms or legs and would likely have extreme mental disorders and possible retardation.

Fortunately Riley defied the odds and today is a vibrant, active, intelligent young girl who suffers only from a mild version of Cerebral Palsy and form of Epilepsy.

Unfortunately there are so many children like Riley, but who are not as lucky and do not receive the good fortune to do as well as she has. That is why Riley’s parents started the “Riley & Friends Awareness”: a non-profit “Awareness” that, through the Langenstein’s race team, KAR Racing, participates in numerous fund raisers and other charitable events throughout the year to benefit local Children’s Hospitals and Camps. By utilizing their connection to “racing”, and the overwhelming power the sport provides to reach out to people, the Langenstein’s strive to spread the word about Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy at the many racing events, shows and open houses in which they participate throughout the year, throughout the Carolinas and all around the US.

Please join Riley, and KAR Racing, in bringing awareness of these disabilities to the public and support the “Riley & Friends Awareness” so other children who suffer from these disabilities: and the many children who, unfortunately, will be born with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy; have a chance to live and flourish in a fun and pain free childhood.

To learn more about the disabilities of Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, contact United Cerebral Palsy at www.ucp.org, or the Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsyfoundation.org