(June 27, 2011) Ricky Springer, founder of Racing for a Cause, a program under the direction of APFED (American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders)announced today a new partnership with Washington based Sage Fruit Company. Sage Fruit Company will be a sponsoring Racing for a Cause in their efforts to create awareness of eosinophil associated diseases for the remainder of 2011.

“Sage Fruit is very excited to team up with the Racing for a Cause campaign this year. We are proud of Ricky and his efforts to use his platform for awareness of eosinophil associated diseases,” said Social Media Director Natasha Johnson. “At Sage Fruit we strive to provide the community opportunities for healthy options not only through our high quality fruit but also with our Kids in Force program. We created the program in 2010 in efforts to educate kids on making healthier eating decisions and participating in more physical activities. We feel Ricky holds similar goals with education and wanting others to have a happy, healthy life. It is our goal this year in teaming up with Ricky and Racing for a Cause to bring more awareness to his campaign and help raise funds for APFED.”

Racing for a Cause was founded in 2009 by then 7 year old Ricky Springer. Ricky, who was born with an Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder called Eosinophilic Colitis, suffered for the first 21 months of his life, seeing 18 different doctors who were unable to diagnose his illness, due to the lack of awareness in the medical community about these diseases. Thanks to the assistance provided by APFED, Ricky's parents were able to locate a physician who was finally able to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Because of Ricky’s battle to obtain a diagnosis and treatment, in 2009 he decided to do something to make a difference for others who are still suffering. As a dirt track go-kart racer, Ricky began using his racing as a platform to educate others and raise money to support APFED. In 2010 the campaign grew larger than ever expected, with Ricky traveling throughout the Eastern US, making appearances with his go-kart to educate others. Other racers around the country, as well as racers from British Columbia and Australia, have joined Ricky and helped to establish the Racing for a Cause Team, all promoting the campaign by running with the Racing for a Cause logo on their cars and educating those in their own communities.

To date the campaign has educated over 3 Million people about eosinophil associated disorders. It is Ricky's goal that "NO ONE should suffer and live in pain like I did".

Sage Fruit Company is considered one of the premier grower-shippers in the world for apples, pears, and cherries. Their mission is to deliver the highest quality fruit and foster long term relationships with their customers, employees, and growers. Sage Fruit is proud to deliver some of the world’s most healthy foods from one of the world’s most fertile growing regions in order to provide “An Exceptional Eating Experience”.

For more information on Racing for a Cause, please visit www.racingforacause.com

For more information on Sage Fruit Company, please visit www.sagefruit.com

For more information on APFED and eosinophil associated disorders, please visit www.apfed.org

American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a 501(c) organization dedicated to patients and their families coping with eosinophilic disorders. APFED strives to expand education, create awareness, and support research while promoting advocacy among its members.
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