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Local youths touch heart of NASCAR champion

by Shelly Baugh staff writer

Last October Billy Duncan, Collins, took his family to Grandview for an autograph session with NASCAR champion Ward Burton. While getting an autograph from the 2002 Daytona 500 winner may be an opportunity of a lifetime in itself, for six-year-old Dusty Duncan the opportunity could very well enrich his life. Dusty, along with his four-year-old sister, Angie, suffers from a cleft palate. While the condition doesn't threaten his life, it affects his personal appearance, which in turn threatens his self-esteem.

Burton was touched by the young boy in a way that surprised even Dusty's parents. After the autograph session, Burton sent a security officer after the parents, desperate to know what was wrong with their son. The security officer tracked down the Duncans and brought them back to Burton. After explaining the condition of their two young children to Burton, he asked how he could help.

"Because of the business I'm in, I'm sometimes able to make a difference in people's lives," said Burton. "These kids were so full of life, I was touched."

When the media caught wind of the story an outpour of support ensued on Dusty's behalf. The Shriner's Hospital for Children contacted Burton and told him they would handle the surgery for both children and do whatever they could to assist in treatment. Many of Burton's fans inquired as to how they could help the Duncans with medical expenses. Since the Shriner's Hospital was handling the surgery, an address was posted on the internet for contributions. In addition to Burton's large donation, many small contributions were made to the Duncan fund.

"I was lucky enough to be able to help," said Burton. "And I know the Shriners feel privileged to help too."

The Duncans flew to Galveston, Texas, where Dusty and Angie were evaluated and returned home. After two months without word from the Shriner's Hospital, Sonja Duncan, the children's mother, called the Galveston hospital for an update. Sonja was told that the Shriner's would not be able to assist with the children's procedures because the family had doctors locally who could provide the service and the children were covered by Medicade. Billy Duncan did not take the news sitting down. He contacted the administrator of the Shriner's Hospital in Galveston and demanded that all of the donations made in Dusty and Angie's name be returned to the contributors.

"The administrator asked "what donations," said Duncan. "After I talked to him awhile, he said he would get something done and they would do the kids' surgeries."

As of Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Duncan's were still awaiting a phone call from the hospital.

"They said the would call Friday to give me more information," said Sonja. "I'm still waiting."

The Duncan's have stayed in contact with Burton's office and have been assured that something will be done to help their children receive the treatment they need.

Burton, a South Boston, Va., native, and his wife Tabitha, reside in Halifax, Va., with their three children. Even at 5'6, Burton is a mighty man who is said to let nothing get in his way. After having the most competitive car in the 2001 Daytona 500 just to be eliminated by a multi-car wreck, Burton emerged as the champion of the 2002 Daytona 500 event.

An active outdoorsman, Burton founded the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation in 1997, an on-going effort which helps build protection and awareness for the natural habitat of animals on sites near his South Boston, Va. home. He is also the three-time defending champion of the Remington Firearms/NCMS Celebrity Sporting Clays competition, held each fall prior to the NASCAR race weekend in Rockingham, N.C.

Critics and fans alike describe Burton as going after what he desires with a vengeance. If what is said about this "small man with a big heart" is true, there is no doubt the Duncans race is already won.

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