CONCORD, N.C. -- Jimmie Johnson will continue to honor frontline workers for Wednesday’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE will pay tribute to registered nurse Cassandra Ginopolis, who works at the Neuro Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
“I can’t express how much it means to me to be recognized as a #RealHero by a true NASCAR legend, Jimmie Johnson,” Ginopolis said. “However, the spotlight needs to be shared, because I couldn’t have made it through these uncertain times without my fellow nurses, respiratory therapists, doctors, and support staff at Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield, Michigan, who have been working tirelessly on the front lines for over two months now. On behalf of all our ICU staff, we thank you for your support and appreciation.”
Johnson will have her name above his door on the Ally machine for Ginopolis, who recently got married. She also just graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy’s Accelerated Second Degree Option Bachelor of Nursing program and was transitioning into her new role as an RN when the coronavirus pandemic hit the country.
Her unit became a COVID-19 ICU, which turned the hospital into a quiet place normally bustling with visitors and patients alike. Due to restrictions, visitors are limited and areas designated for eating lunch and playing games are empty.
“We have so much gratitude for frontline healthcare workers for their dedication to protecting patients and fighting this virus,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer for Ally. “It’s great that professional athletes and NASCAR are shining a light on Cassandra for the heroic work she — and all the nurses in Michigan — are doing these past few months.”
Ginopolis said she is grateful how the staff at Henry Ford Hospital has provided comfort and a family feel during these uncertain times as everyone adjusts to this new normal.
“The support I continue to receive from my coworkers, preceptors, managers and administration has made all the difference in transitioning into my new nursing role,” she said. “As a cohesive multidisciplinary team, we are able to provide quality compassionate care to our patients battling this virus.”
Wednesday’s race will start at 8 p.m. ET and will be on FOX Sports 1, PRN Radio and SiriusXM.