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Kelly "Girl" Sutton and MS — Pedal
to the Metal in Mansfield
Female NCTS Driver With Multiple Sclerosis
in Remission for Six Years
MANSFIELD, Ohio (May 15, 2005) — Kelly "Girl" Sutton grew
up around race cars and decided at an early age that nothing was going
to stand in the way of her dream of racing — including a diagnosis
of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) when she was only 16.
That dream fueled years of competition, which brought her from local dirt
tracks to the top tracks in NASCAR, and now brings a wiser and more experienced
Sutton back to Mansfield for her sophomore season in the NASCAR Craftsman
Truck Series (NCTS).
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 woman in the NCTS. As her confidence 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, including
a 20th place, lead-lap finish at Mansfield last May.
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.
"There are more than 10,000 people living with MS in Ohio, and almost
half of all eligible people living with the disease are not taking one
of the approved therapies. I know people can respond differently, but
my MS has been in remission for more than six years with COPAXONE®,
after two other therapies didn't work for me." she said.
"Racing at this level is a big deal," commented Sutton, "but
getting to race after being told I was going to spend my life in a wheelchair
with MS is extra special."
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
05270305/050053
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