BREAKING NEWS: NASCAR Star Ryan Blaney Donates $1 Million to Southern California Children’s Hospital That Treated Him as a Child

Los Angeles, CA — NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney has made a heartfelt return to his childhood roots, donating $1 million to a Southern California children’s hospital that played a critical role in saving his life. The announcement, made during an emotional press event on Wednesday morning, marks one of the most personal and generous acts of philanthropy in the racing world in recent memory.

Blaney, known for his fearless driving and calm composure on the track, shared a different side of himself as he revisited the hospital where he once fought a serious illness as a child.

A Story Few Knew — Until Now

Before the trophies, the roaring engines, and the checkered flags, Ryan Blaney was just a young boy in a hospital bed, fighting to recover from a rare and dangerous respiratory condition that left him hospitalized for several weeks. The treatment, carried out at a leading children’s hospital in Southern California, became a defining moment for the future racing star.

“I don’t talk about it much, but I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for this place,” Blaney said, holding back tears. “I was just a kid from North Carolina who loved cars, but I had to fight to survive first. These doctors and nurses gave me that chance.”

Giving Back with Purpose

Now a household name in the world of motorsports and the reigning NASCAR champion, Blaney has chosen to honor the hospital that once saved his life with a donation that will fund life-saving programs for future patients. The $1 million gift will support:

• Expansion of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

• Advanced respiratory and cardiac equipment

• Mental health support services for children and families

• A new Child Life and Recovery Center focused on long-term rehabilitation

Hospital officials said the donation will allow the facility to significantly increase its capacity and improve the overall quality of care for critically ill children.

“This donation from Ryan Blaney is a game-changer,” said Dr. Vanessa Liu, Chief of Pediatrics. “Not just because of the financial support, but because of the hope and inspiration it brings to every family walking through our doors.”

A Personal Journey Comes Full Circle

Blaney was joined at the event by his parents, who vividly remember the terrifying experience of nearly losing their son.

“There were nights when we weren’t sure if Ryan was going to pull through,” said Dave Blaney, former NASCAR driver and Ryan’s father. “We never forget what the doctors and nurses here did for our family. Today’s donation is a thank-you that’s been building in our hearts for years.”

Blaney took time to walk through the pediatric wing, meet with young patients, and share his own story of resilience. One touching moment saw him sitting with a young girl undergoing treatment for a lung condition, gently telling her, “I was where you are once. And I made it. You will too.”

Racing Toward a Better Future

Off the racetrack, Ryan Blaney has become known for his advocacy work and philanthropic efforts, especially through the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, which supports brain health research and youth development. This hospital donation represents a deeply personal expansion of his mission to help children and families through tough times.

“I’ve been given a platform through racing, and I want to use it for good,” Blaney said. “This place didn’t just heal my body—it gave me the future I’m living today.”

His partner, Gianna Tulio, was also present and praised Blaney’s dedication to making a lasting impact. “Ryan has the biggest heart,” she said. “This donation is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term partnership with the hospital.”

A Legacy of Gratitude

As the 2025 NASCAR season kicks into high gear, Ryan Blaney’s legacy continues to grow—not just as a champion driver, but as a symbol of hope and gratitude.

“This is about more than racing,” Blaney said. “It’s about giving back to the place that gave me my start—not behind the wheel, but in life.”

The hospital plans to name a wing of its pediatric recovery unit after Blaney later this year, a tribute to the boy who once lay in its beds and returned to change lives.