When I received an invitation to attend Bridgestone’s Indy Racing Academy (Driver Development Center) in Toronto Canada I felt electric excitement (and a little disbelief) that I had been invited (along with nine other female journalists) to attend what to me, was  my ultimate dream come true.

After receiving the invitation the first two people I would have loved to share this exciting news with was my father and my grandfather – unfortunately both had passed within the last year.  My dad and grandpa loved cars, were pilots, and both would be really proud (and just as excited as I was) to have heard about my invitation.  My dad would have been especially stoked because he loved to race cars – more specifically drag race.

So in an effort to honor my dad I decided to put on a special piece of jewelry and call my step mom.  I not only wanted to tell her the news about my racing school (dream) invitation but to also inspire her.   “In honor of dad I am going to wear my butterfly (pendant) necklace (he gave me a few Christmas ago) while driving the Indy car,” I told her.  “That way (when I’m driving) it will be like dad is flying around the track with me,” I added.  Of course an emotional female moment ensued -  but it was all good..

The old adage of “Art mimics life” can be used in just about any category when used in contrast or comparison to life.  Whether in professional or personal circles, just about any situation or circumstance can be used as a learning tool of what to do in life and at times what not to do.

In the story of Indy driver Katherine Legge, she has found that in both her personal and professional life her obstacles in both scenarios have allowed her to learn, grow, and at times propel her towards reaching her goals and dreams.  There are many choices we contemplate and make, sometimes they occur on a minute-by-minute basis.  Legge has lived her life believing that time is of the essence both in life and in the seat of a race car - so it’s imperative to always make the right choices since we only live once.

Legge started racing during her childhood in Europe at the age of 15.  While following her dream to race she usually made good decisions.  At time’s she faltered and lost a little faith in her abilities.  For awhile Legge was racing in the U.S. but after a scary accident in 2006 she went back to racing on European tracks (which took her a few steps away from her dream).  A few years later Legge returned to the U.S. and broke through many obstacles and barriers (some of which were personal) to achieve her dream of racing on the Indy circuit.

At Ask Patty, we love our veterans, and I probably don't need to tell anyone that this weekend is the ten-year anniversary of what was certainly the most unforgettable day of my own lifetime: September 11.  In honor of all of those who have served, are currently serving, and those lost, General Motors Foundation and Chevrolet have made an incredible $250,000 donation to the Travis Manion Foundation to help grow participation around the country in the 9/11 Heroes Run.

Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly® dealer Lone Star Chevrolet of Houston, Texas jumped in with both feet and will be hosting their own 5k Heroes Run this weekend, along with many many others across the country.  The 9/11 Heroes Run will bring communities together in more than 25 U.S. cities to honor military, police, firefighters and first responders who have given their lives to protect and save others. Proceeds from the 5K races will go to the families of fallen heroes.

The Manion family formed the foundation in 2007 after Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion was killed by sniper fire while defending against an enemy ambush during a patrol mission in Fallujah, Iraq. In an unusual move, the Iraqis named their operating base Combat Outpost Manion, one of few Iraqi facilities named for an American service member.  Head past the jump for details on Lone Star Chevy's 9-11 Heroes Run event, and how you can get involved no matter where you live.