The 2019 MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s most powerful two-seater ever, and it’s available now. Motortrend calls it “Driving Fun Distilled.” US News ranks it #1 in Sports Cars based on 29 pieces of research and data elements from various sources. There’s never been a better time to buy a legend. We’ll tell you why.

MX-5’s New Engine Delivers More Power

New for 2019, Miata has a better breathing 2.0 liter inline-four SKYACTIV engine with internal revisions that give it 700 more rpm than previous models.

That power comes from enlarging the throttle body, intake and exhaust valves and connecting parts. Mazda also made the pistons and connecting rods lighter and stiffened the crankshaft. The result is 26 more horses and three more lb-ft of torque.

All that extra power doesn’t cost owners in terms of gas mileage. The manual 2019 MX-5 Miata gets an impressive 26/34 mpg on the city/highway while the automatic gets 26/35.

Also New For 2019 MX-5 Miata

This year’s MX-5 Miata comes standard with a telescoping steering wheel, helpful for taller drivers who need to make adjustments. It also includes a rear backup camera to eliminate blind spots and make driving safer.

2019 MX-5 Soft Top or RF?

It’s an agonizing decision. We don’t envy customers trying to make it. Which should you choose, the striking new Dark Cherry or classic Black soft top or the clean, sleek lines of the RF’s Roof in place?

In East Texas, the weather changes in an instant. One minute you’re soaking up the Tyler sun, in your Miata and the next you might need to take shelter from a sudden shower. The 2019 MX-5 Miata RF roof opens and closes in just 13 seconds. The soft top goes from wide open sky to watertight with a single step you can complete with one hand.

What are the pros and cons of each? Really, it’s mostly pros. The RF roof gives a little more insulation against road noise, but you have to be completely stopped to open and close it. As far as looks go, it’s a matter of personal preference. This iconic roadster will turn heads which ever option you choose.

2019 MX-5 Miata in Tyler Texas

Check out available models on our website or get in touch with our team and they’ll find what you’re looking for. Or check out this 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring in Snowflake White Pearl Mica.

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Okay, we’re going to be upfront with you. The title is a trick question. Choosing between a Mazda hatchback or Mazda sedan is a matter of personal preference. There are pros and cons to each.

There are more sedans on the road, but hatchbacks are becoming increasingly popular. Let’s look at each individually so you can decide which one is right for you.

Mazda3 Sedan

From the front, the Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Hatchback look the same. Step to the side and you’ll see the sedan is about five inches longer and much more tapered in the back. The exhaust pipes are tucked away for clean lines and a classic look.

As far as passenger seating goes, the space is the same for both the sedan and hatchback. Here are some of the reasons people say they choose the sedan:

• It costs less, with MSRP on a 2018 Mazda3 4-door starting at $18,095 while the 5-door hatchback starts at $19,345.
• Not everyone needs the extra cargo space. Many customers tell us the Mazda3 trunk gives them plenty of room.
• The more aerodynamic vehicle gets extremely high fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg.
• Some buyers say they like being able to lock valuables out of site in the trunk, which isn’t possible if you’re stowing large cargo in a hatchback.

Mazda3 Sport Hatchback

While the Mazda3 Sedan is sophisticated and refined, the Mazda3 Hatchback has a sporty European look. The dual exhaust and chrome finishes are showy. While seating in both options is the same, the Hatchback has significantly more (60 percent more in fact) cargo space. Not only can you stow more, but the opening is also much wider, which a lot of our customers love. Here are some of the things they say:

• The large opening makes it easy to get cargo in and out.
• The back seats fold down, giving even more room for hauling.
• They just like the overall styling better.
• They need more hauling capacity than the sedan provides but they don’t want to have to struggle to find parking.

People who travel with their pets or haul sports equipment say the extra carrying capacity is indispensable to their lifestyle. It’s easy to switch from transporting a back seat full of passengers to driving home with that prize antique they found at Canton. The higher roofline means more window space for better visibility. That extra capacity costs a little in terms of fuel efficiency, but at 35 highway miles per gallon, most owners feel it’s still extremely good.

Compare Mazda3 Hatchback and Mazda3 Sedan Side by Side

The best way to make the decision is to test drive both. Did you know you can set up your test drive online? Click here to schedule your test drive and we’ll be in touch.

Tags: Mazda3, Mazda3 hatchback, Mazda3 sedan
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At Velocity Mazda in Tyler, Texas, our goal is to connect people with the car that’s right for them. There are so many factors that go into making that choice. Buying a car is a big financial decision. It impacts your family’s long-term comfort and safety and reflects your personal style. Meet the team that can help you find just the right fit.

Jose Garcia — Finance Manager

Jose grew up in the car business and started working at Tyler dealerships from a young age. He’s been working at Mazda since the dealership opened. Like everyone at the dealership, Jose is Mazda certified, and he also received Ethos Group training. He promotes a customer-focused approach to the sale, financing and servicing of every vehicle that passes through the dealership. Here are some of the things customers say about Jose:

“Special thanks to Jose for the ‘no hassle’ buying experience!” – Monica Ballinger

“Great experience start to finish. Really appreciate all the hard work Jose put into making a deal for me and I’m loving my new car!” – Alyssa Phillips

“Jose was extremely helpful in getting me the financing I needed and also getting me a warranty that fit my needs. They didn’t sell me stuff that wouldn’t benefit me like I’ve experienced in other dealers…” – Justin Pike

“Finance Mgr. Jose Garcia found me the very best lowest rate and was so nice to speak with. He handled the closing paperwork in a very expeditious and timely manner in under fifteen minutes.” – Michael Franks

John Kummerfield — Product Specialist

John has been working at Velocity Mazda for more than seven months, and he describes it as a cool place to work. John served as infantry in the United States Marine Corps before coming to East Texas. The California native moved to Tyler to attend college.

When you ask him what he likes about working at Velocity Mazda, he says he enjoys working for Camden and he’s into racing. He’s consistently impressed with Mazda vehicles. He recently bought a 1999 MX-5 because Miata is so fun to drive and its handling is amazing.

Dana Phillips — Product Specialist

Dana came to Velocity Mazda from another dealership because she saw new challenges and an opportunity for professional growth. She had no idea Mazda vehicles were so solid and luxurious. “They’re beautiful cars, now I want one,” she laughed. She has her eye on a black CX-5 for its technology, dependability and safety, all of which are especially important to this mother of two children ages 5 and 7.

To Dana, it’s important to help people into their next vehicle with no pressure, just support. Like everyone else at the dealership, she describes the environment as calm, easygoing and positive for customers and employees alike.

Brian Davis — Product Specialist

Brian just started working at Velocity Mazda, but he’s already a fan of the vehicles. He says prior to starting his job he didn’t realize how well made and technologically advanced Mazdas are. He says from the beginning the dealership emphasized customer service in training. He looks forward to developing one-on-one relationships with each person who walks through the door.

Victor Ortiz — Product Specialist

This cheerful Tyler native worked in immigration law, but the work was monotonous and he was stuck behind a desk all day. Victor wanted a position where he could interact more with people and says he always wanted to work in the car business. He too believes in what he sells, confidently stating that “Mazda has the best product on the market.”

Behind the Scenes — Owner Camden Jones

Owner Camden Jones is always at work behind the scenes. If you talk to anyone who has bought a car at the dealership, they almost always mention Camden’s involvement in reviews like the following:

“Mr. Jones, the dealership owner has created a close-knit, family-like culture of which you truly become a member with the V on the back of your car…” – Michael Dixon

“Camden went above and beyond, to sort out every issue we had to ensure we were able to get the perfect car. When an advertisement says a dealer is honest and reputable, this is one you can believe. He obviously sets an example for every employee at Velocity…” – Darlene Wagner

“…The color my wife was interested in wasn’t in stock; however, owner Camden Jones secured what she wanted and it was ready 24 hours later! Mr. Jones stayed personally in touch with me throughout the entire buying process and was ‘hands on’ to ensure my questions were answered timely and thoroughly, even going so far as to give me his personal cell # – what dealership owner does that?” – Michael Franks

If you’re looking for a car but you think dealing with a dealership is a headache, you haven’t experienced Velocity Mazda. Shop our online inventory or get in touch with one of our staff members today.

Tags: About us, New Mazdas Tyler Tx, Used Cars Tyler Tx, Velocity Mazda
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The exterior of our building is unconventional and our cars are 100 percent unique, but that’s not really what makes Velocity Mazda the best car dealership in East Texas. The staff makes all the difference. We’re a relatively new East Texas car dealership. We opened almost five years ago and broke ground on our new facility in January of 2016. Many of our staff has been with us from the very beginning, but we’ve added strong team members along the way. We’d like to introduce you to the people who make our Mazda vehicle service department great.

Jerry Land, Mazda Vehicle Service Manager

Every time you walk in the side door at Velocity Mazda you’ll see Jerry. He’s been with us from before the doors opened. He worked with Velocity Mazda owner Camden Jones at another car dealership years ago. Jerry was ready to retire, and when Camden said he was opening Velocity Mazda, Jerry said he’d help out “for a couple of months.” He liked it and stuck around.

Jerry says he enjoys working at Velocity Mazda because of the people. “Everyone’s friendly, everyone gets along,” he says. “And I’ve worked with the two guys in the back for years.” He says he’ll eventually retire again, but since he loves what he does, he’s not sure when that will be.

Craig Huddleston, Fixed Operations Director

I asked Craig what a Fixed Operations Director does and he replied, “Anything they ask me. Parts, service, sweeping the lot, I’m a jack of all trades.” He’s willing to do it all, but Craig is over the Service Department. He and Jerry are both Master Certified with Mazda Training, and have been for close to five years.

He and Jerry have been friends for a long time. He came to Velocity Mazda because he was looking for a new challenge. “One of the things I like most about Velocity Mazda is how the service department has gone back to the way it was when I grew up. We’re going back to the grassroots. We have updated technology, but our service department has a family feel.”

“We’re a single-point family-owned dealership,” Craig continued. “When you call with a question, you get the same person every time and we get you an answer. Our customers never feel like they get handed off.” He and Jerry man the service desk every day of the week, so customers always see a familiar face.

David Hale — Elite Master Technician

As Velocity Mazda’s blog writer, I try not to interrupt the staff when they’re working. When I caught up with David he was inside a Mazda installing Apple Play. I slid in the passenger seat and he kept working while we talked.

David has been with Mazda for 23 years and working on cars for 39 years. When I asked what he likes about his job he says he just enjoys working on the product. in June District Service Manager Jason Dockery presented David with one of Mazda’s top service awards. David says when he gets free time, which isn’t very often, he likes to hunt and fish.

Colton Curry — Mazda Certified Technician

This Tyler native was working on a battery test, on a mission to discover why this Mazda wasn’t holding a charge. Colton also received a Mazda service award in June.

He likes that every day is a different scenario, a learning experience. “Like with this car,” he said, “When I find out what’s a draw on the battery, it won’t be the same as the last car I worked on with battery problems.” He says it’s satisfying to spend his days solving problems.

When I asked him what he did in his free time he admitted he doesn’t have much, he works a lot. “But I’m a foodie,” he said, and his eyes lit up. In Tyler he recommends Villa Montez and Chuys.

Joseph Hawkins — Detailer

Joseph was hard at work washing a Mazda, but he didn’t look like he minded a bit. He had music in his ears and a twinkle in his eye while he worked. He says he’s been with Mazda for four years, but he’s been detailing for 32 years overall. He says he likes working at the dealership because he gets along with everybody. Whenever he gets a chance he goes fishing at Lake Tyler. He cooks the catfish he catches himself, breading and frying them.

Not Just Mazda Service

Our Mazda Certified employees work on any type of vehicle. Here are just a few of the services we perform for all makes and models:

• oil change
• brake repair
• tire rotation
• transmission service
• engine tune-up

We also provide Mazda vehicle service and warranty coverage with genuine Mazda auto parts. No matter what you need for your vehicle, we can help. Schedule your Mazda vehicle service online today.

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Do you take labels at face value, or do you approach them with suspicion? Some advertising claims don’t really mean anything. Fast food places say they have all natural choices when really they’re full of things that aren’t good for you. Retailers promise the lowest price, but often you can find a better one somewhere else. And what’s up with grass-fed beef? Isn’t that what cows prefer to eat?

Mazda Certified Pre-Owned isn’t like that. It’s a designation that actually means something. When you buy a used car in East Texas, our pre-owned warranty program and inspection process lets you buy with confidence.

What We Take in Trade

We’ll take any car as a trade-in, but we don’t offer everything for resale on our lot. Frankly, not every car is good enough to be a Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. To start, vehicles must be less than six years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles.

Before we offer a car on our lot it goes through a rigorous 160-point inspection by one of our factory-trained technicians. Here are just a few of the many things we check:

• Air conditioning and heating performance
• Interior seating function — Does everything perform properly in all positions?
• Exterior — Is the windshield unblemished and is the exterior free of large dings or improper repairs?
• Brake performance on hard stops
• Shifting quality and shift points of transmission
• Engine function

We also run an Autocheck vehicle history report we pass on to the buyer.

Biggest Benefit of Buying Mazda Certified Pre-Owned

The whole program is great, but perhaps the most important benefit is the warranty. Where else can you buy a used car in East Texas and get seven year/100,000 mile powertrain protection?

We also give buyers a full year or 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and get this…that warranty starts when the original warranty expires. So if the car you buy still has some of its original bumper-to-bumper warranty left, you get an extra year once that ends.

You’ll probably never want to give up your Mazda, but if you do decide to sell during the warranty period it’s transferrable. That could make your vehicle worth more in the eyes of prospective buyers. It doesn’t cost a dime to transfer the warranty. It’s automatic.

So Much More

The warranty is huge, but you’ll also receive these benefits:

• Zero deductible on repairs. If you need work under warranty, you pay nothing.
• Free 24-hour roadside assistance. If your battery dies, you lock yourself out, you have a flat or any other emergency it doesn’t matter where you are. We’ll come help. For seven years.
• Free 3 months of SiriusXM. Because driving is even more fun with music.

When you buy a used car in East Texas, start with us. We’ll help you find the car you’re looking for and make sure you feel good about your purchase. We don’t just sell Mazda, click to check out our available used Ford, Ram, Nissan and more.

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When you get the new car itch, you probably don’t drive straight to an East Texas car lot. A whopping 86 percent of car shoppers do online research before they go to the dealership.

Some consumers choose to complete the entire transaction from their living room without ever setting foot on a car lot. It sounds convenient but buying a car online could create some problems.

How East Texas Car Buyers Search

Most the time we find people start their search on their cell phones. A GeoMarketing article says first, 32 percent of car shoppers visit an aggregate site like Carvana or Auto Trader. Those sites show cars for sale from dealerships and private sellers all over the nation. Another 24 percent already have an idea what they want, so they go straight to a local dealership’s website.

We’re fascinated with the stats, so here are a few more:

• At the beginning of the process, 6 out of 10 buyers are thinking about multiple types of vehicles.
• 71 percent of online shoppers spend their time comparing car prices.
• 68 percent do an online comparison of actual models for sale.
• Most people (63 percent) look up what their trade is worth online.
• More than half of shoppers prefer walking into the dealership over online first contact.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Car Online

Buying a car is a huge commitment. For most people, the payment is a significant percentage of their monthly income. The more you know, the better. The main benefit of online shopping is the ability to do extensive research.

Compare car financing options. Read dealership reviews to see if people found sales staff helpful or pushy. Do a side-by-side comparison of different trim packages to evaluate what’s really important to you.

Online shopping is great, but online buying is not. Buying a car online has these cons:

• Buying out of state can complicate the registration and titling process.
• When you buy local, you can go back to the dealership you purchased from for service and maintenance.
• Completing the whole purchase process online from sites sounds convenient, but there’s no replacement for a test drive.
• If you buy online, what happens with your trade? Carvana says they’ll give you an online estimate, but what you actually get depends on final inspection after you drop it off at one of their “vending machines.” There are only 15 across the nation, and none of them are in East Texas.

Cars for Sale in East Texas

If you’re one of the six out of 10 buyers considering more than one type of car, a test drive makes all the difference. We’ll let you test drive each of them with no pressure to buy any of them. In reality, you can spend days looking at cars online, but there’s no other way to get a feel for them. All cars look shiny and luxurious in ads. You want the car that when you drive, it connects with your soul.

We encourage online research, but we also have knowledgeable salespeople on hand. Not all online information comes from a trustworthy source. It’s always a good idea to verify what you’ve read with someone who has credentials and proven expertise.

If you haven’t visited our site lately, why not start there? Check out our online inventory to start your online research. Or just come on in and check out our cars. See you soon.

Sources: V12Data article on how consumers shop for cars

Tags: buy a car in East Texas, buy a car online, East Texas car dealerships, online car shopping
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Mazda’s MX-5 Miata is the best selling roadster of all time and the most raced car on the planet. Year after year it breaks records for tearing up the track. Racing is part of the Mazda DNA. Miatas get lighter, faster and even more nimble with each passing year. The 2019 Miata comes with more power and a higher redline than ever before.

Your Miata already has a lot in common with the Global MX-5 Cup Car, but sometimes East Texans want to add enhancements or refinement. Before you modify your Miata or any car, here’s what you need to do.

Specify Your Miata Modification Goal

If you just start changing things, you’re going to waste time and money, and you probably won’t be pleased with the end result. Why are you modifying your car in the first place? What do you hope to gain? Be more specific than just improving performance. Spell out your aesthetic goals as well as the ones related to performance.

Be Realistic

If you use your car as a daily driver, the biggest tires and turbo available might not be the best idea. High-performance tires have stiffer sidewalls, so you’ll have a less comfortable ride on rough roads. If you add a cold air intake or exhaust system for increased airflow you’ll see a horsepower gain, but your neighbors might complain it’s too loud.

Set Your MX-5 Modification Budget

A turbocharger is expensive on its own, and it takes a trained mechanic to install one properly. However, it can’t be your only upgrade, because adding that much extra power will change the way your MX-5 drives. You’ll also need new wheels, tires and other handling components. Coilovers might be the daddy of suspension upgrades, but cheap sets will be a disappointment. If you can’t afford good ones, stick with a good spring/shock combo.

Before you start to modify your Miata, research what you’ll need and get firm pricing so you can see it through to the end.

Check out our comparison of the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GT86.

Talk to Experts

At Velocity Mazda, our service technicians work on all makes and models, and they specialize in all things Mazda. When you start researching MX-5 modification, they can point you in the right direction. With their years of experience, vast Mazda knowledge and extensive training they’ll help ensure your car is as safe and efficient as possible. Schedule your service online today.

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The Mazda CX-9 — 2019 Updates

Mazda’s crossover SUV has always been known for its smooth ride and extreme refinement. With each model year Mazda has made it even better as technology and fuel efficiency capabilities have improved.

Frankly, Mazda’s engineers could have stopped refining a few years ago and people would still rave about the flagship crossover SUV for its comfort, features and performance. But they didn’t. This year they made the CX-9 even better with the following:

• Factory-equipped Apple Car Play and Android Auto Infotainment in Touring trim and above
• 360-degree View Monitor
• Ventilated front seats
• A brand new seven-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster

The Sport still offers 18-inch alloy wheels standard, a seven-inch infotainment screen, LED headlights and taillights, three-zone climate control, Bluetooth, keyless entry, blind spot monitoring and so much more. The Sport Package adds heated front seats and door mirrors, automatic headlights, Lane-Keep Assist, radar cruise-control, automatic emergency braking and several other features.

When you buy a 2019 CX-9 Touring you get all that plus a power liftgate with adjustable height, rain-sensing wipers and every surface you regularly touch is wrapped in buttery-soft leather. The Touring model also has Mazda Advanced Keyless entry, two USB ports in the back, High Beam Control and Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection.

2019 CX-9 MSRP Pricing

The 2019 CX-9 is available in trim levels Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. Here’s starting MSRP for each:

• 2019 Mazda CX-9 Sport — $32,280
• 2019 Mazda CX-9 Touring — $35,330
• 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring — $40,840
• 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature — $45,365

When You Can Buy 2019 CX-9 in East Texas

The new CX-9 will arrive in East Texas sometime this month. Keep an eye on our Facebook page or check our available inventory to know when you can see one on our lot.

2019 Mazda CX-9 at Velocity Mazda in Tyler

Every Mazda CX-9 model we sell here at Velocity Mazda in Tyler has the award-winning SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbocharged engine. That means when you hit the gas, you get up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Premium paint colors include Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray Metallic and Snowflake White Pearl Mica. Get in touch to find out more.

Article exclusively for Velocity Mazda from Content by Missy

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I’ve been writing blog posts here, but I’ve never actually introduced myself. I’m Missy Ticer, content writer for Velocity Mazda. Normally I write about Mazda technology, car news and other vehicle-related topics that might interest East Texans.

Today I want to talk about something different. I’m introducing myself because I want to tell you about three amazing women I know and share their advice on how to fight childhood cancer.

Heather Rucker and Gold Network of East Texas

Heather Rucker, Gold Network founder knows what parents go through when their child has cancer from personal experience. Her son Sawyer was diagnosed with infantile leukemia when he was seven months old. Sawyer is a healthy four-year-old now, but the journey to get there was long. They provide regular updates through Facebook and you can follow them here. Heather is passionate about helping other parents going through the same.

Gold Network of East Texas helps parents in these four ways:

• Supporting local families in treatment with things like VISA gift cards they can use for gas and expenses, tote bags to carry things back and forth to the hospital, rolls of quarters for laundry and vending machines, new parent bags etc.
• Working toward a cure by donating to childhood cancer research organization Alex’s Lemonade Stand
• Uniting families for support at local Connect Meetings and events like the Tyler Gold Run
• Working to raise community awareness of childhood cancer-related issues

Inspiring In the Face of Inconceivable Loss

Before I was a writer I taught school for Brownsboro ISD. Shelby Skiles started teaching there the same year I did. She’s one of those cheerful, energetic young women with a passion for children. Every morning I met students as they got off the bus and saw Shelby as she came in for the day.

Shelby bounces when she walks, like she’s too excited to take regular steps. It made me smile just to see her coming up the sidewalk, and she often had a story to tell about her two-year-old daughter Sophie.

In May she had to take a day off because Sophie had breathing problems, and at first everyone thought maybe it was asthma. On May 18 Sophie and her husband Jonathan rushed to the ER because Sophie couldn’t breathe. The hospital sent them to Children’s in Dallas, and they discovered the tiny girl had a softball-sized tumor in her chest.

What happened next is every parent’s nightmare. Sophie originally seemed to be responding to treatment, but she relapsed in December. She died January 4.

Shelby’s goal has always been to offer transparency in the face of suffering. She’s open about the raw pain, the treatment horror that never stops slamming into you with one shock after the next. She’s willing to talk about mouth sores and vomit, spinal taps and chemo complications. She doesn’t try to hide the emptiness left in her life.

She’ll tell you her arms ache to hold her little girl again and some days she can’t stop crying. Tiny crocs, macaroni and cheese and holidays bring fresh heartbreak. She encourages others not to take loved ones for granted, and to realize the world is bigger than your box.

She says the Gold Network provided support when they were in the hospital with gift cards, support visits, a new parent bag and so much more. When they arrived at the hospital, she had been on a field trip all day. She had no idea what was ahead and didn’t have anything she needed.

Shelby refuses to let Sophie’s struggle be for nothing. Right now she’s is helping other families by putting together binders to help organize medical information. She also gathers emergency items for parent bags. She says some of the inspiration for what she does comes from what Gold Network did to support her family when Sophie was in the hospital.

You can read more about Sophie on the Sophie the Brave blog. Find out what Shelby is doing to remember her daughter and fight childhood cancer on her Facebook page.

When Cancer Treatment Lasts More Than 3 Years

Jonah Daily was diagnosed with leukemia ALL Type B at the very beginning of 2016. He was in the hospital for most of that year and is still receiving treatment. For a long time, his tiny body had a difficult time maintaining his immune system. Even when he was home he couldn’t attend kindergarten because of his reduced resistance to infection. His teacher visited him two days a week to provide classroom instruction.

Jonah is recovering. In first grade, he was able to start school. Right now he goes once a month to Children’s in Dallas to get chemo. The rest of the time he has chemo at home every day.

When I asked his mother Amy how the Gold Network supported them throughout, she had a hard time speaking through the tears. She said Heather Rucker brought her food and sent care packages to the hospital. Gold Network regularly helped them with little details and big challenges.

The biggest thing, she said, is that Gold Network kept them from feeling alone. She was thankful she could stay at the hospital with Jonah every day, but it was incredibly isolating. The organization didn’t just connect her to parents who had been through it, survivors visited Jonah.

One young man who had had a similar diagnosis visited Jonah in the hospital. He was a high school football player, and when Amy saw the healthy athlete talking to her son she said, “At that moment it was like I saw this bright light. I knew he was going to get through this. One day he was going to be doing things like playing football and having fun.”

East Texans Can Fight Childhood Cancer Now

I followed Shelby’s family when Sophie was so very sick, and my heart was breaking. I was in Jonah’s kindergarten classroom when he was too sick to come to school.

However, part of me knows I will never be able to comprehend what these moms went through. I want to do something for families dealing with childhood cancer, and it’s hard to know how to help. When I asked Shelby and Amy for some suggestions, here are a few of the ideas they offered.

• Sign up for the Tyler Gold Run annual 5K on September 22.
• Text an encouraging message to a parent you know has a sick child.
• When you ask parents how you can help, often they draw a blank. Offer to do daily, mundane tasks. Mow the yard or drop off dinner. If they have other children, take them for a burger or a movie to let them feel like life is normal for a little while.
• Put together a new parent bag with items like tissues, travel sized toiletries, pens, makeup remover, Tylenol etc. Or donate to Gold Network knowing that’s what a portion of donations go toward.
• Donate blood. It’s not just for trauma victims, cancer and chronic disease patients need regular transfusions just to keep them alive.
• Send a Be Brave Binder to Dallas Children’s parents so they can organize medical information as it comes in. Here’s a link.

Velocity Mazda and Gold Network of East Texas

Camden and Amanda Jones of Velocity Mazda believe no family should have to fight cancer. This is a cause that matters to us deeply. We invite you to stand with us this September 22 at the Tyler Gold Run 5k so maybe one day this disease no longer claims the lives of our most precious resources, our children.

Article from Content by Missy for Velocity Mazda

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School is back in session, and for some of you, dropping them off at Robert E. Lee, Longview High School, John Tyler or any of the other area schools is already getting old. If your child has been working to get his or her license, you might be exploring your options.

Every year Kelley Blue Book releases a list of the best cars for students. Every year at least one Mazda is near the top of that list. We’ll tell you why Mazda consistently stands out as one of the top picks for students and which ones experts say are the best.

Why Mazda is a Great Car for Students

Your first car is always memorable. Your teen already most likely has some opinions about what they hope their first car looks and sounds like. They don’t think in terms of safety and reliability, they want something that handles like a race car and impresses their friends. You can give them everything they’re looking for because all Mazdas come with the following:

• Reliability — Experts call Mazda one of the most dependable cars on the market.
• Safety — Key safety features like a forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard on almost all 2018 and newer models.
• Affordability — If you’ve priced cars at all, you know Mazda’s value is simply unbeatable.
• Fuel economy — Whether you’re paying for the gas or your child deducts that cost from his or her paycheck, miles per gallon matter. Mazda’s extreme fuel economy will keep driving affordable.

As you probably already know, technology is important to teens. Mazda is technology rich with features like an optional heads-up display, touchscreen display, Bose audio system and rear cross traffic alert.

Best Mazda Models for Students

This year, Kelley Blue Book said the 2018 Mazda3 isn’t just a top car for students, it’s “sitting atop our list of the 10 coolest cars under $20,000.” The trusted auto resource says both hatchback and sedan are as fun to drive as they are to look at. “If you believe life is too short to drive an ugly car you’ll like the 2018 Mazda3,” their expert reviewer said.

The Mazda3 is affordable with an MSRP range between $18,970 and $26,370. Plus, it’s also an Insurance Institute for Highway (IIHS) Safety Top Safety Pick. It’s designed to keep your child safe and your insurance rates down.

Experts frequently name Mazda CX-3 as one of the top ten cars for students. The subcompact has engaging driving dynamics, an attractive interior and the same safety and technology features available in the Mazda3.

Are you curious what’s actually available for your teen? Check out this Mazda3 Touring in Deep Crystal Blue Mica. Or, if your student loves Mazda’s Soul Red Metallic, this Mazda3 has it all. And this CX-3 Touring is priced to move, so if that’s what you’re looking for, act fast.

Article from Content by Missy for Velocity Mazda

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