FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STEVE MARCUS DONATES SEASON BMW PROCEEDS TO ANIMAL RESEARCH FUND

Richmond, Virginia (April 20, 2008)

Steve Marcus and his partners will donate 2008 season race proceeds from their new BMW Z4 M Coupe to Meisha’s Hope Fund #338 at Morris Animal Foundation to further fund research into the prevention and treatment of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). IMHA claims the lives of an estimated 50% of dogs afflicted with the little known disease.

Marcus, of Motorsport Technology Group and founder of Marcus Motorsports of Richmond, Virginia, along with his partner Larry Hahn, have announced their intentions following extensive personal research of IMHA after his beloved family companion, Tasha, a six-year old female husky was diagnosed with the disease. IMHA, also known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), is a life-threatening, often fatal disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the body’s own red blood cells.

In mid-March of 2008 Marcus noticed that Tasha seemed lethargic and “not herself” and brought her to veterinarian Randy Mortimer, who immediately detected signs of the disease. Prior to the diagnosis, Marcus and his wife Marjorie were not familiar with the disease or its symptoms, which predominantly include weakness, decreased appetite, labored breathing, pale or yellow tinged gums, and/or dark colored urine or stool. Referred to Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist Megen Daugherty, Tasha has undergone extensive testing and treatment for this devastating disease. Tasha has received multiple blood transfusions which were necessary to replace the red blood cells destroyed by her own immune system. Dr. Daugherty’s efforts are now focused on suppressing the immune system to prevent further cell destruction so that Tasha’s bone marrow can replenish her supply of red blood cells.

The Morris Animal Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit organization funding research to protect, treat and cure animals worldwide—including both companion animals and wildlife. Joanne and David Dickson chose to establish the Meisha’s Hope AIHA/IMHA Fund #338 in 2002, after  their dog Meisha, a  lab/terrier/spaniel mix, lived for nearly 10 years after her AIHA diagnosis, and died in 2001. Joanne Dickson stated, “Steve’s generosity and ability to reach new audiences with information about this disease may help gain substantial funding for research to find a cause and cure for AIHA. We are very excited.” The Dickson’s hope Marcus’s involvement will increase awareness of this little-known disease which may go undiagnosed in many dogs. Meisha’s Hope has contributed more than $150,000 to five studies into AIHA/IMHA. These studies provided early insight into novel drug treatments and blood clotting complications, which often cause death in dogs with IMHA.

Marcus’s intentions are two-fold; to provide funding to accelerate research on AIHA\IMIHA, and increase awareness of the disease. He anticipates a minimum half million dollar contribution.  The fund-raising efforts have been termed “Race for Hope” to represent the need for speed to find a cure and the hope for Tasha and other affected dogs.

The BMW Z4 M Coupe will sport the Morris Animal Foundation colors, with logos and paw prints at events in the KONI Challenge and BMWCCA. This headliner racer, car #18 named Megen, was designed and built by Motorsport Technology Group in Wardensville, West Virginia. It features 3.2L BMW power and will be piloted by the expert team of Billy Johnson of California and Tom Milner from Virginia. The car will debut at Lime Rock Park on May 24th. See the full schedule of events for this car and learn how to donate at www.motorsporttechnologygroup.com.

The Lime Rock debut will include informational brochures about AIHA/IMHA. Caps, t-shirts and stickers featuring the paw print and logos will be available and donations accepted, with proceeds going directly to the Meisha’s Hope AIHA/IMHA Fund #338 at Morris Animal Foundation. The Marcus’s hope to bring Tasha and Anya to the track to lead a “Mutt Strut” scheduled Sunday for race fans and dog lovers alike. Learn more about Meisha and her struggles with AIHA at www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson and donate to Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Fund #338 at Morris Animal Foundation at www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/meisha.

Motorsport Technology Group provides professional and amateur drivers the experience of a lifetime with meticulously-maintained sports racing cars.  The team's mission is to share the passion for motorsports with everyone who has ever wanted to pilot a race car at full speed.  In addition to rental programs, Motorsport Technology Group sells professionally-built race cars and street cars at their headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.
 
For more information contact Donna Deno at ddeno1@charter.net or Steve Marcus at stephen.marcus@att.net, or call 804.338.RACE (7223).

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