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MS Won't Keep Kelly "Girl"
Sutton
From Behind the Wheel at Daytona
Female NCTS Driver with Multiple
Sclerosis in Remission for Six Years
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2005) — Kelly "Girl" Sutton
grew up around race cars and dirt tracks, and decided at an early age
that nothing was going to stand in the way of her dream — including
a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). She's raced
strong at Daytona, nearly winning in one of her three races with the NASCAR
Goody's Dash Series. Although she missed her first attempt in the NASCAR
Craftsman Truck series (NCTS) by a mere four-hundredths of a
second, her rookie year generated impressive results.
Sutton, the first known person with a diagnosis of RRMS to race in any
NASCAR series, tied the single-season record for NCTS races run by a female
(19), and looks to eclipse the all-time career mark (32) en route to setting
a new career earnings mark by a NCTS female. As her team grew, so did
her list of accomplishments, posting a career-best qualifying run of 14th
at Las Vegas, and nine top-25 finishes in her short career. Sutton currently
holds the record for best starting position for a female NCTS driver at
five tracks, and the record for best finishes at three.
"Daytona is a big deal for most drivers, but getting to race there after
being diagnosed with MS, and then told I was going to spend my life in
a wheelchair, makes it extra special," she said. "We were fast at last
year's test, but lost a bunch of time when the track cooled down during
qualifying. That was a valuable lesson learned, and this time, we'll be
ready."
In addition to battling her fellow NCTS drivers on the track, Sutton shares
her compelling story with others living with MS and explains what has
worked well for her.
"It's disturbing to hear that almost half the people living with MS are
not taking one of the approved therapies. I know people can respond differently,
but my MS has been in remission for six years with COPAXONE®, after two
other therapies didn't work for me," Sutton said.
Staying on Track With MS
Kelly Sutton's rookie year was filled with learning experiences; experiences
which will enable her to cultivate her talents as a driver and race toward
the front in 2005. Sutton raced only a handful of familiar tracks this
past season, as is often the case with a rookie driver, but gained valuable
track time, which will translate into confidence this year. After all,
it's in her blood.
Following the path of her father and grandfather, Sutton began riding
motorcycles when she was just 10 years old. At the age of 12, she graduated
to go-carts. By the time she was 15, Sutton was ready to make her mark
in local racing � until overwhelming fatigue and a tingling sensation
on her right side brought her into the garage for a check-up. After testing
from her neurologist, Sutton, 16, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting
multiple sclerosis.
Although Sutton spent some time in a wheelchair, she was determined to
learn how to manage her disease and pursue her dream of racing. While
individual results may vary, she found herself back in the driver's seat
through a disciplined exercise regimen, a conscientious diet, and a daily
injection of drug therapy.
"When I'm racing, I work with my crew chief to make sure I have the proper
shocks, springs and gears, to give me the edge on the track. It's the
same idea with MS. I work with my neurologist to make sure I have the
proper therapy, diet, and exercise to help me manage my disease."
Making a Difference
Visiting cities on the NCTS schedule allows Sutton to share her personal
story with the MS community, inspire audiences, and be inspired by them.
Her determination and unique story continue to resonate with fans and
offer hope to those touched by MS. Her courage and resolve earned Sutton
the 2004 Gene Autry Courage Award, and the distinguished 2003 Wilma Rudolph
Courage Award, presented by the Women's Sports Foundation.
"Each talk I give or event I attend, I meet someone who touches my heart
and makes me feel connected to all the other people who are fighting the
same battle I am."
Team COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection)
Sutton is not alone in her fight against MS and misconceptions surrounding
the abilities of people with MS. She is part of Team COPAXONE®, a group
of remarkable people, all living with RRMS, who refuse to sit idly by
and allow MS to stand in the way of their goals. Its members are all working
to change society's perception of the abilities of those living with MS.
Turning to Science
The FDA has approved drugs for RRMS, such as COPAXONE® (glatiramer
acetate injection). Current data suggests COPAXONE® is a selective
MHC class II modulator. COPAXONE® is indicated for the reduction of
the frequency of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
“With COPAXONE®, diet, and exercise, I am able to manage my
disease, and I’m able to get out here and drive,” says Sutton.
The most common side effects of COPAXONE® are redness, pain, swelling,
itching, or a lump at the site of injection, flushing, chest pain, weakness,
infection, pain, nausea, joint pain, anxiety, and muscle stiffness. These
reactions are usually mild and seldom require professional treatment.
Patients should tell their doctor about any side effects.
Some patients report a short-term reaction right after injecting COPAXONE®.
This reaction can involve flushing (feeling of warmth and/or redness),
chest tightness or pain with heart palpitations, anxiety, and trouble
breathing. These symptoms generally appear within minutes of an injection,
last about 15 minutes, and go away by themselves without further problems.
After injecting COPAXONE®, patients should call their doctor right
away if they develop hives, skin rash with irritation, dizziness, sweating,
chest pain, trouble breathing, severe pain at the injection site or other
uncomfortable changes in their general health. Patients should not give
themselves any more injections until their doctor tells them to begin
again.
Teva Neuroscience, Inc. markets COPAXONE®. COPAXONE® is a registered
trademark of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Teva Neuroscience, Inc.
is a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
For more information on Kelly Sutton and her racing career, visit her
Web site at www.kellygirlsutton.com,
or for more information on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, visit www.nascar.com/series/truck.
Call 1-800-887-8100 or log onto www.copaxone.com
for more information about COPAXONE®, Team COPAXONE®,
or multiple sclerosis.
See additional important information at
http://www.copaxone.com/pi/index.html or call 1-800-887-8100
for electronic releases. For hard copy releases, please see enclosed full
prescribing information.
Contact:
Jennifer Westphal
Fleishman-Hillard
(816) 512-2241
westphaj@fleishman.com
Keith Daw
Fleishman-Hillard
(816) 512-2285
dawk@fleishman.com
042713111/050003
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