God's Speed Jason Mitchener

In January of 2009, NASCAR Race Mom had the pleasure of interviewing and reporting on her twitter buddy, Jason Mitchener. {Jason Mitchener - Obstacles Don't Get In His Way!}

Mitchener, a Phoenix, Arizona resident was born with a rare neuromuscular disease that confined him to an electric wheelchair and required him to use a ventilator to breathe. Nevertheless, while his body may have been confined, but his spirit soared free. He was a very upbeat and positive individual.

I was saddened to learn that Jason passed away on the 16th of December 2009 at 39 years of age.

He is survived by Julie Simmons (mother, Arizona) Greg Loucks (brother, Arkansas) David Loucks (brother, Arizona) Angie Loucks (sister-in-law, Arizona) John Erhardt (uncle, North Carolina) Lil Erhardt (aunt, North Carolina) Jack Mitchener (uncle, Indiana) Dave Erhardt (uncle, Washington) Marge Erhardt (aunt, Washington) Larry Erhardt (cousin, Washington) Lacy Kelly (cousin, Washington) Aubrie Byrne (cousin, Washington)and 24,378 twitter followers.

Jason was interested in NASCAR Racing and religiously voted for Moses Smith for the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West Most Popular Driver award. Since Jason’s van had received its needed repairs, we had planned on him attending Moses’ race in Phoenix in 2010. You can visit Jason’s memorial site by clicking here .

His service will be held this coming Tuesday, Dec. 22nd at 2:00 PM at Sunnyslope Mennonite Church, 9835 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020 - (602) 997-7171

I’m just passing through
Another traveler on the road
And I hear your gentle voice
As it beckons me home.
Should I want to settle here
Like I know I’m bound to do,
Keep reminding me, Lord
That I’m just passing through.

- From the song, "Just Passing Through"
by Jason Mitchener and Kitty Hart

Rest in peace sweet friend - We will miss you Jason.

Jason Mitchener - Obstacles Don't Get In His Way!

I met a very motivating friend on twitter, Jason Mitchener. Mitchener, a Phoenix, Arizona resident was born with a rare neuromuscular disease that now confines him to an electric wheelchair and requires him to use a ventilator to breathe. Nevertheless, while his body may be confined, but his spirit soars free. He is very upbeat and positive individual. (You can follow him on twitter.)

What brought us together is the fact that my son’s race shop is also in Phoenix and Jason shares a love of NASCAR with me. So we started tweeting. Due to several setbacks, including a van in need of intensive repairs, Jason has not been able to attend his church and has had to decline engagements to appear as a motivational speaker. It seems to be such a felony that not only does Jason’s disability render his mobility limited; his lack of a Wheelchair Van restricts him even further!

Consequently, Jason has not been able to attend a NASCAR race in several years either. However, I learned that Dale Sr. is Jason’s favorite driver. I teased that his favorite driver should be my son, Moses Smith, but Jason remained steadfast on "The Intimidator."

Recently Diane Sullivan, from a local Phoenix ministry called “Wheels from Above,” nominated Jason for the NASCAR Angels show in hopes of having his Wheelchair Van fixed. For those of you who do not know, the NASCAR Angels hit the road with a simple mission: to help people and to fix broken cars. With the help of the pros in neighborhood garages and products of NASCAR performance partners, NASCAR Angels help make dreams come true for those in need.

Wouldn’t it be spectacular, if Jason could get his van fixed before NASCAR rumbles into Phoenix for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 on 04/18/2009? I am sure my son would be honored to host Jason if he were able attend my son’s Camping World Series West race to contested in Phoenix two day earlier.

If you visit Jason’s website, you will find that he has traveled a rough road to reach his current state of grace. He has turned his attention to writing and preaching. His song lyrics and devotional writing inspire and encourage Christians to draw closer to God. Jason challenges his audiences to not let the things they cannot do get in the way of the things they can do. I hope the NASCAR Angels will recognize the genuine necessity of Jason’s nomination and help him become mobile again!

Rusty Wallace and Shannon Wiseman if you happen to read this blog please let me know if I and/or my son can do anything to help make Jason’s dream a reality!