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Aspiring young vocalist to bring heartfelt National Anthem to Gold Cup

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Photo by Steve La Mothe[/caption]

CHICO, CA (9-11-10) - When Lainey Moon was born twelve years ago she was faced with a series of serious illnesses long before she could even speak. Now, after overcoming such adversity, the local youngster is setting her sights on a singing career. After making her debut at Placerville Speedway last month, Moon has been presented the honor to sing the National Anthem for the 57th Annual Gold Cup Race of Champions tonight at Silver Dollar Speedway, an event that takes place on the anniversary of the fateful 9/11 attacks.

Many youngsters have aspirations of one day becoming a successful performer and behind many of those dreams is a story of trial and triumph that details their journey to success. At only 12 years of age, Moon already has a story of survival behind her. Last month, the resident of Rescue, California brought chills to the spectators at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds with her fabulous rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that garnered her a lengthy standing ovation in the moments therafter. Her charming personality, combined with her incredible talent at such a young age, one would never imagine the trials and tribulations this young lady and her family went through just a few years ago.

"She is a true urvivor with a strong will and spirit," said Julie Moon, Lainey's Mother. "She absolutely marches to the beat of her own drum and lives with her feet about 2 feet off the ground. When she was a baby her cry was so faint she could barely be heard, she sounded like a kitten. Now look at her."

Shortly after Lainey was born, Julie and her husband Jeff learned the heartbreaking news of Lainey's ailing health. When she was just three months old, she went in for the first of three major surgeries to have a hole patched in her heart. Lainey returned later to have an artificial heart valve installed and finally received a pacemaker to resolve the series of problems. According to Julie, Lainey will undergo at least one additional open heart surgery in the future. Lainey's condition was so serious at one time, she is a former Make A Wish Foundation recipient and is appreciative of everything that so many people of done for her.

A seventh grader and Pleasant Grove Middle School in Rescue, California, Lainey has been singing her whole life. He parents began noticing that she was taking it very seriously when she was about 8 years old. She entered a 4th grade talent show and, according to Julie, she "brought the house down." She later auditioned for the most talented kid contest at the California State Fair.

"When she was finished, my husband and I looked at each other with the same shocked expression. Lainey wasn't kidding, she can sing," said Julie. "We joke around about the fact she runs on batteries due to her pacemaker. She is our own Energizer Bunny."

Lainey has now been taking professional singing lessons for the last couple of years. She has sang at a number of area fundraisers, little league games, contests, church performances and more. Saturday night, Lainey will ad the nationally recognized Gold Cup Race of Champions to the top of her list of notable performances, an event where she will be heard by an estimated 12,000 spectators that attend the $50,000 to win event.

"We are very excited that Lainey has been invited to sing at this race," added Julie. "She's an inspiration that's for sure and Jeff and I really want to thank Alan and Diane Handy for inviting her to do this. We are very grateful and it's something she will always remember no matter where she goes one day."

The gates will open to the 57th Annual Gold Cup Race of Champions on Saturday night at 5 p.m. A limited number of tickets are still available for this grand finale that pays $50,000 to the winner. Tickets can be purchased at the track beginning at 9.am. All seating is general admission and tickets are $50 each.

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