Local drag racer sells car to help baby with rare disease
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MONROE, Wash. - Touched by a story he saw on KOMO News, one local man is hoping he can help a baby continue his fight to survive.
The baby, 7-month-old Casen Buswell, has an extremely rare vascular condition. He's one of 14 people in the world known to have Glomuvenous Malformations Plaque Type - a genetic condition that hardens his blood vessels, skin and muscle.
The only established treatment is in Belgium - and will require frequent trips costing many thousands of dollars.
Ron Cook is a local man who likes to drag race on Sundays at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. He's out there with other tough guys burning rubber and revving their engines. But they've got a soft spot for a little boy they don't know.
Especially Ron.
It's baby Casen Buswell's first time experiencing this kind of thing. But it's Ron Cook's last time riding his 1957 Chevy Bel-Air on this strip.
Ron was touched by Casen's sad story - a happy and bright 7-month-old baby who's also dealing with pain. The rare vascular condition is creeping along his tiny body, and it could lead to heart failure unless treated.
The Buswells have travelled to Belgium to get to the only doctors experienced enough to treat Casen. Whether they move overseas or choose to travel often - it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"My mom died of lung cancer quite a few years ago. It reminded me of her and her last days - just real short and fast breaths," says Ron.
So, for his late mom Ruth - and for Casen - Ron rides his final race before selling off his classic car. Every cent he'll give to the Buswells.
"She lived a pretty long life. He ain't even started to live yet. That's why I want to see him live," says Ron.
Ron is hoping he can get at least $10,000 for his car. But he says he'll take whatever he can get, so he can help baby Casen.
Others are pitching in, too. Since Casen's story first aired, sympathetic donors have helped them raise more than $8,000. People also pitched in at Sunday's event in Monroe.
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If you would like to help, you can make a donation in Casen's name at any Harborstone Credit Union. You can also donate online here »
The baby, 7-month-old Casen Buswell, has an extremely rare vascular condition. He's one of 14 people in the world known to have Glomuvenous Malformations Plaque Type - a genetic condition that hardens his blood vessels, skin and muscle.
The only established treatment is in Belgium - and will require frequent trips costing many thousands of dollars.
Ron Cook is a local man who likes to drag race on Sundays at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. He's out there with other tough guys burning rubber and revving their engines. But they've got a soft spot for a little boy they don't know.
Especially Ron.
It's baby Casen Buswell's first time experiencing this kind of thing. But it's Ron Cook's last time riding his 1957 Chevy Bel-Air on this strip.
 7-month-old Casen Buswell |
Ron was touched by Casen's sad story - a happy and bright 7-month-old baby who's also dealing with pain. The rare vascular condition is creeping along his tiny body, and it could lead to heart failure unless treated.
The Buswells have travelled to Belgium to get to the only doctors experienced enough to treat Casen. Whether they move overseas or choose to travel often - it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"My mom died of lung cancer quite a few years ago. It reminded me of her and her last days - just real short and fast breaths," says Ron.
So, for his late mom Ruth - and for Casen - Ron rides his final race before selling off his classic car. Every cent he'll give to the Buswells.
"She lived a pretty long life. He ain't even started to live yet. That's why I want to see him live," says Ron.
Ron is hoping he can get at least $10,000 for his car. But he says he'll take whatever he can get, so he can help baby Casen.
Others are pitching in, too. Since Casen's story first aired, sympathetic donors have helped them raise more than $8,000. People also pitched in at Sunday's event in Monroe.
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If you would like to help, you can make a donation in Casen's name at any Harborstone Credit Union. You can also donate online here »
Great to se people going the extra mile to help others in need!
As others have said you are a generous man. Bless you and I hope that sweet little Casen gets the help he needs soon. Good hearted people like you will be blessed greatly.
My husband and I know and LOVE Ron, He has a heart of gold. When my husband had a major stroke 6 years ago Ron gave us a brand new sidecar to attach to our Harley so we could keep my Husband in the wind. Love that Guy. What Rion is doing today to give that little guy a life is priceless.
Congratulations Ron. You've done the drag racing community proud. You gave us renewed faith in the human race too. Bless you sir.
Nice gesture Ron. The world needs a whole lot more people like you...God bless you Casen, and your family...
It's not uncommon for me to be speechless at some stories, but for once, it's because of something really cool! :)
what people dont understand is drag racers have this whole world fooled, just because we believe in going fast. Its wonderful to hear the announcement in the morning that a racer needs a starter, or another part & if someone has it the racer that needs it would like to borrow. Normally someone has something for that racer to finish racing.
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the last thing a drag racer wants to do, is to win because someone couldnt make it to the start line. we are a family in every since of the way but blood.
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Now back to the story, I agree with alot of the posts here, if Ron was selling raffles for his car, I would buy several & if I won give the car back to him with the deal he put the little boys name on the side of his car & race for the boy.
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 @Iroczlover I read your comment about 5 hours ago and had to get up and walk away until I calmed down. Who the hell are you to tell this guy what to do with his race car? If you want to do something for this kid, come up with your own idea and do it, and quit pissing on his...(that was calmer than what I was going to say)
Aw, boeman -Â I think you and Iroczlover would be on the same team if you realized that he is thinking of other ways Ron could raise money. More people could contribute smaller amounts(which could seriously add up to more than $10,000) if raffle tickets were sold. That said, why don't you use your energy and eloquence to do a little fund raising? I'd contribute to both you and Iroczlover if you guys wanted to do a little friendly competition!
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I'll be watching to see if I should start digging in the sofa to gather Coins for Casen... Ooh, that's catchy!
I apologize, Ma'am! I love the Iroc-Z too, but you can tell by my Tin Lizzy that I am a bit older! My challenge to "do something" was not so much to you as to boeman - to see if he'd gotten over his cussing at you in the first place.
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Would you email me? tn_lizzie2000 at yahoo.com
 @TN Lizzie @katiemcc @boeman
First off I am not a MAN i am a WOMAN WHO happens to drag race!!!!!!!!!!!!(YES THERE AREÂ A FEW OF US OUT THERE) ! I have been on the receiving end of being helped out at the track more than once & helped out by taking a driver down to the local parts store when a part couldn't be found. for the last 10yrs my car has been sitting with an engine in it, but no power, due to the fact that We have no money.
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I was just saying that if he wanted to make more money he could raffle off his car & if I won I would give the car back to him & ONLY suggest that he puts the boys name on the side of the car & race for the boy NOT that he would have to..
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As for doing my own thing to help the boy, I would but right now I got screwed out of a pay check from my job. My husband & I are trying to live with what we have plus sell a few small things that we can live without.
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I wish to god I could help but food & clothes go on my kids back first.
@boeman @Iroczlover I don't see where he is telling Ron what to do with his car. He is saying how the racers help each other & IF Ron was to raffle the car (instead of selling it outright) he would buy a ticket & give the car back to him. So what if he wanted the stipulation of putting the little boy's name on it IF he won & gave it back. You either misread the comment or seriously over reacted, or both.
In a world where people are naturally self-centered, it is so refreshing and inspiring to read this story!
Thank you, Ron Cook, for restoring my hope in humanity. I cannot help but smile as I think about what you have done for little Casen. You are a wonderfully selfless man and have made a huge impact with you generosity. Thank you!!! May God richly bless you.
I hope he gets $30,000! What a caring, empathetic fellow!
Ron, thank you for such a selfless act of kindness. Your mother raised a fine man and I am sure she is smiling down on you from heaven. Many blessings to you.
Maybe Ron should try doing a raffel for his car. I don't know how far he is into the selling process, but I would buy a ticket and if I won the car, I would give it back to him!
@justmyopinion I would do the same thing. For someone to give up something, that means so much to him, speaks volumes of his character. Wish there were more like him.
Ron - you will be blessed. Wish there were more people like you. Prayers that Ron is able to sell the car fast and prayers for this young baby and his family.
Thank you Ron. You are a good man.
Mr. Cook - you restore my faiith in humanity! :) I hope you get lots of money for that car!
I agree with all the below, especally chuck. This is truly a class act. Bless you Mr. Cook.
Always happy to see heartwarming stories such as this. Kudos Mr. Cook, we need more people like you walking among us.
A great car, a great man - your generosity is very humbling. Thank you so much for brightening the day.
Selfless act.... bravo.
A true class act!