StemCyte Inc. Joins RLL as Associate Sponsor of the #16 IndyCar Program
StemCyte, Inc. and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) will work to support awareness of umbilical cord blood banking and its educational initiative ‘Stars for Stem Cells’. Cord blood stem cells are potential cures for over 80 illnesses, including cancers, blood disorders, immune and genetic diseases, and continue be a key element in regenerative medicine research.
"We are very excited about our relationship with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing," said Calvin Cole, StemCyte President for Commercial Operations, North America. “We believe StemCyte’s brand aligns with the pioneering image of Indy Car and the championship spirit of Bobby Rahal. Supporting driver James Jakes and getting the word out on options for expecting parents, to secure their baby’s cord blood for future life-saving treatments, is very important."
“We are always looking towards innovation in our ongoing efforts within the world of motorsports," said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan. “Working with StemCyte to promote awareness of cord blood banking and the incredible medical research that can advance future healthcare, keeps all of us on the leading edge."
“As drivers we take lots of risk doing what we love," said RLL Indy car driver James Jakes. “New parents love nothing more than their children, and StemCyte helps them better manage that risk by banking their babies cord blood to protect against life-threatening illnesses today and in the future."
StemCyte continues to educate expectant parents about the value of banking their child’s umbilical cord blood stem cells and development of new therapies to cure deadly and debilitating illnesses. They have been adding championship caliber voices like RLL and decorated US Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller to promote awareness of this option to expecting families.
In February 2013, the team announced the addition of James Jakes, 25, to the full season IndyCar Series season that will be sponsored by Acorn Stairlifts. Jakes currently sits 22nd in the points standing through four events in 2013 including St. Petersburg, Barber Motorsports Park, Long Beach and Sao Paulo, Brazil.