Brooks Levy dreams of racing in the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. It’s clear the seventh grade student at Indian Creek Middle School and resident of Trafalgar, Ind., has high aspirations for his future.
At 5 years old, Brooks finished second in his very first go-kart race. Since then he has raced in six different classes of karts, driven on every racing surface possible and competed in more than 147 feature events, winning 33. His drive and competitive spirit have seen him through more than the finish line.
A highlight of Brooks’ young career has been racing with John Andretti in the annual Kroger Race for Riley at New Castle Motorsports Park. He finished third in 2005 and second in 2006. He was sidelined in 2007 due to unexpected health obstacles.
For two years Brooks raised money for Riley Hospital for Children, not anticipating he would become a patient.
In June 2007 physicians at Riley Hospital diagnosed Brooks with Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disorder of the intestines. According to his parents, Anthony and Linda, Brooks began experiencing symptoms in April.
“His weight dropped from 84 lbs. to 67 lbs. by June. His white blood cell count was up while his red cell count had dropped. We didn’t have any answers, but we feared the worst,” said Anthony. “We were transferred to Riley Hospital. They had a diagnosis in four days.”
Dr. Joel Lim, gastroenterology specialist at Riley Hospital, placed Brooks on a six-month steroid treatment program. Brooks immediately gained weight and three months later began feeling normal. He went into remission that winter and was in a go-kart by December.
“Riley nailed the disease so fast,” said Anthony. “That is why Brooks responded so well to the treatments. His recovery from anemia, weight loss, energy loss and bone density loss took only a few months.”
While Crohn’s disease has no cure, it is manageable with treatment. Patients can be in remission for months, even years, between relapses. Brooks relapsed before the 2008 Kroger Race for Riley. He still earned a fifth place finish. It was one of only three weekends he was well enough to race that season.
“Being sick has changed Brooks’ perspective,” added Anthony. “He was mature before the disease, but it has taken him to another level.”
Brooks is a healthy 13-year-old according to recent blood work. He has been finished with treatment since November, but still visits Riley Hospital every 90 days for check-ups.
Brooks’ focus is now on gaining stamina. He currently trains with the Indian Creek High School varsity football team and Coach Mike Gillen, who allowed Jeff Gordon to cross-train with his program some 20 years ago. Engaging in plyometrics, strength and speed training will help prepare Brooks’ body to race this summer.