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ANA DELFOSSE Struggling to stay on track Female Formula One mechanic, longtime Ashland resident faces health, financial issues; fundraisers planned Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Apr. 16, 2015 at 6:17 PM Updated Apr 17, 2015 at 11:23 AM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Apr. 16, 2015 at 6:17 PM Updated Apr 17, 2015 at 11:23 AM » Social News Two area restaurants will hold benefits for 83-year old Ana Delfosse who, after a career as a gas station owner, mechanic and race car driver, has contracted scleroderma, putting her in a precarious health situation compounded by significant medical bills.  A native of Patagonia in Argentina, Delfosse as a teen became an apprentice mechanic for famed race car driver Juan Fangio. She married a German racer, Curt Delfosse, was his mechanic and was a standout, herself, in several South American races. The couple ran the 76 gas station at the south Ashland interchange for many years. She carried on the business when her husband — a five-time Formula One world champion — died in 1998. She sold it in 2011. Her business and investments took a big hit in the 2008 meltdown, she said, then symptoms of the disease, an autoimmune disorder, came in the last several years. Delfosse has Social Security and Medicare, but it doesn’t cover the alternative treatments she’s used all her life, and many treatments in conventional medicine, she notes. The disease is the extreme kind that affects heart, lungs, digestion and is fatal 80 percent of the time, she says. She also faces cataract surgery. She lives in the family home on Neil Creek Road and says that could be lost in her present financial challenges.  Green Springs Inn is throwing a benefit event from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, with live music, desserts, wine and an auction of local art by Harriet Rex Smith and others. The inn is at  11470 Highway 66, 17.5 miles east of Ashland in the Greensprings area.   “She’s a dear friend and neighbor and a big person in the community for a long time,” says Green Springs Inn owner and city Councilor Pam Marsh. “In her understated and quiet way, she has really taken care of a lot of people in our community and extended them credit. When the gas station went away, she didn’t have the support system a person needs.” Green Springs is also offering a one-night cabin package for $199, including $30 credit on food and $20 donation for Delfosse. It may be reserved at [email protected]. Calling Delfosse “an extraordinary woman,” Melissa Jensen of Louie’s Restaurant and Bar, pledged 100 percent of profits from diners who mention Delfosse from May 18 to 24. “It's wonderful that the community is rallying together to celebrate and support such an amazing woman who has given so much to others for so many years,” said her friend and neighbor Vicki Davis. Donation checks can be made out to the Ana Delfosse Support Fund and sent to People's Bank of Commerce, 1500 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland OR 97520. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Apr. 16, 2015 at 6:17 PM Updated Apr 17, 2015 at 11:23 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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