Liam Lassak is 11 years old, has the heart of a lion and a “never give up” attitude. Liam was born 5 weeks early with a left hypoplastic heart requiring a heart transplant at 4 weeks old. By the age of 2, Liam was diagnosed with PTLD (post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder) a type of lymphoma cancer. He required a tonsillectomy and endured months of chemotherapy. Due to these treatments, it damaged his left lung and is now diagnosed with left lung disease. He went into remission.
At the age of 4, Liam came out of remission with a second diagnosis of PTLD. More chemotherapy was used and again he went into remission. At 7 years old, Liam became sick, this time diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma a fast-growing B-Cell lymphoma. This treatment took us to Houston, Texas for a stem cell treatment program, which unfortunately did not work. Liam was again treated with chemotherapy and lost is beautiful red hair. In 2019, Liam was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Pulmonary Hypertension Urticarical Vascullitits (a rash caused by leaky blood vessels). A specific treatment plan was created just for Liam on the consultation of 3 pediatric experts across the country. Liam is now is remission and living his dream of racing cars.
Liam is in his second-year racing Jr. Sprint race cars on the dirt track. He is excited to be a race car driver, as he cannot play sports like most kids due to his ongoing health issues. His Rookie season saw him finish 3rd in overall points. This year he currently sits in 5th in overall points.
Liam fell in love with NASCAR and had the honor of meeting a few NASCAR drivers a couple of years ago at Texas Motor Speedway, including his favorite driver Martin Truex, Jr. He met and became buddies with Gander Truck Series Driver Harrison Burton, who now drives in the Cup Series for the Wood Brothers. Liam is a huge fan of Harrison’s and hopes to one day race against him. Liam is convinced he will excel in the NASCAR circuit. He has great role models to watch over and guide him.
During these multiple health issues, Liam ‘s faith in God has grown stronger daily. He has remained strong and believes anything is possible. Liam believes there is only one way to go, with Jesus as his wingman. Liam’s motto is “We praise him when we win, and we praise him when we lose.” Liam shares his beliefs and his faith through his racing and his actions.
Liam’s team colors are lime green, white, and black. Lime green represents lymphoma. Liam supports those affected by childhood cancer by building a successful race team to inspire kids to pursue their dreams of racing, not only in the local race scene, but nationally.