[DJlives]

Ashton Thompson and the IWIN Foundation Partner for the 2025 Season

Whether on the diamond, the court, or the racetrack Ashton Thompson has been driven by one overriding goal – to win. Her racing career began at the age of six at Mini Indy Speedway on the grounds of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. She certainly held her own in the quarter midget ranks and felt like she had found a place in the sport. Then the recession hit hard, and racing was a luxury her family just couldn’t afford. She channeled her energy in softball and basketball at Salem High School, but she never really got the speed game out of her system.
In essence, she understood at an early age that life can throw one a curveball, but giving up was not an acceptable option. Yet, she also realized to get to where she wanted to go in her life required help from others. Self-reliance can only carry you so far.
There are so many reasons why Ashton’s budding partnership with Sara Hauck and the IWIN Foundation makes so much sense. Hauck, the Executive Director of IWIN was a young woman making her way in the corporate world when she got unexpected and unwelcome news – she had breast cancer. No matter how prevalent this condition is, and how much awareness of breast cancer has grown, it can leave one feeling alone and scared. Basic human compassion, and the availability of support is critical to wellness. Heeding timely advice, Hauck discovered a place that made a difference in her life.
The IWIN Foundation, a 501© (3) nonprofit has been in existence since 2000, and has served more than 9,000 male and female breast cancer patients in Indiana. The IWIN Foundation helps people with one-time $400 grants. The eligibility requirements are simple, “You have to be a Hoosier, and you have to be in treatment for breast cancer, although you can be getting treatment outside the state. Our goal is to relieve emotional, physical and financial burdens of those in care.”
Hauck feels the process is as important as the grant award. “The key question is what does the patient want? With this being a prominently female population some have rarely heard that. We take a lot of pride in being a compassionate non-profit. It is evident in how we speak to our recipients.” Gifts cards are offered for things like gas and groceries, or services like housekeeping or getting a message. One other aspect of the program is an important facet of the total support offered. “We split the $400 in three installments.” Hauck says, “It means we talk to recipients three times and that alone can be important to them.” If a patient is metastatic or diagnosed twice, we can serve them again as long as there has been a five year interval.”
Which brings us back to Ashton Thompson. Her previous experience working with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition caught Hauck’s eye, and she instantly realized the potential benefits of a partnership. “This is an opportunity for us to reach a new audience,” Sara says, “I am also impressed that she is a woman making it in a male dominated sport. Not only that, but Indiana is the racing capital of the world, so this partnership fits our mission and allows us to reach Hoosiers in a community they already love, racing.”
Thompson is excited about how the future holds with the Huntley’s Hoosier Wing Sprint Car series. The season for the popular 305 cars offers 27 dates and 8 different racetracks. “This partnership is founded on the idea of helping people,” she says, “and spreading awareness about breast cancer and the resources that are out there. I’ve known many people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and I believe the resources IWIN provide can really make an impact on someone who is fighting cancer. Even little things can go a long way.”
Not only will Thompson’s distinctly wrapped car amplify her message but all year long a portion of the proceeds of merchandise sales will be donated to IWIN. More information about IWIN can be found at http://www.iwinfoundation.org. You can follow Ashton Thompson’s progress at https://www.ashtonthompsonracing.org.