In the world of drag racing, there is one name that stands out – Jungle Pam Hardy. Born in 1954 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Pam quickly made a name for herself in the 1970s as a backup girl for the legendary drag racer, “Jungle” Jim Liberman. But she was more than just a backup girl – she was an integral part of the show.
At just 18 years old, Pam’s life took an exciting turn when she met Jungle Jim. He invited her to join him on the drag racing circuit, and without hesitation, she agreed. From that moment on, she became known as “Jungle Pam,” a nickname that would forever be associated with her connection to Jungle Jim.
As the backup girl, Pam had an important role to play. She guided the race car back after a burnout, ensuring it was lined up correctly. But she brought so much more than technical support – she brought excitement and style.
Dressed in eye-catching outfits that were the epitome of 1970s fashion, Pam charmed the fans with her tight tops and short shorts. Her presence added an extra element of thrill and allure to the races, especially for the young fans.
One iconic photo captures the essence of Jungle Pam and her impact on the drag racing scene. In the picture, taken at a drag strip in the early 1970s, Pam can be seen striding confidently on the race track. She’s wearing her signature striped tank top, short denim shorts, and flat shoes. In the background, the sign mentions “Ragway Park” and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), further cementing the connection to the world of drag racing.
Jungle Pam and Jungle Jim were not just skilled racers; they were entertainers. Their dynamic presence on the track drew in crowds and left a lasting impression. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1977 when Jungle Jim passed away in a car accident. Following his untimely death, Pam stepped away from the racing world. However, she remains a beloved figure among fans of drag racing, forever remembered for her contributions to the sport.
Although Jungle Pam’s time in drag racing was relatively short, her impact can still be felt today. She is an icon, symbolizing the fun and vibrant spirit of drag racing in the 1970s. People admire her for the excitement she brought to the races and her unique sense of style.
Jungle Pam Hardy’s life and career are more than just a footnote in the history of drag racing. She is a legendary figure, forever etched in the hearts of fans. As we look back on that era, we remember not only the need for speed but also the emphasis on showmanship and style that Jungle Pam embodied.
‘Families don’t have to match’ – Black couple share their journey to adopting three white children
Sadie and Jarvis Sampson tried everything for years to get pregnant, and eventually they accepted that they would only ever be aunt and uncle. Then, one day, they received a text that completely turned their world upside down.
Since getting married in January 2018, the pair has been trying to get pregnant, so when that didn’t work out naturally, they tried everything else.
The Houston mother told Love What Matters, “Ovulation tests, prenatal vitamins, cycle tracking apps, fertility monitors.”
“We didn’t even try our luck at following the unsolicited counsel of strangers, friends, and family. We tried, prayed, and waited for fourteen months. Month after Month. pregnancy test negative following negative test. It appeared like we would require help getting pregnant. We even went so far as to discuss it with medical professionals.
The couple seemed to get little assistance from the doctors. Sadie was advised by everyone that she would get pregnant if she reduced weight. Since she had no other options, she underwent gastric surgery and shed 28 pounds.’
“She informed me that since she was unable to give me the fertility medication, she would refer me to a fertility specialist if I wasn’t pregnant within six months,” Sadie recalled. I was ecstatic to hear that. We finally received a response other than “no”! We were ecstatic to hear “not right now.”
Unfortunately, though, the couple felt as though they had begun over after Sadie lost the weight and they were unable to conceive.
Connecting the Dots – Adoption Puzzle Fundraising EventAs everyone is aware, we received a call regarding our little two weeks ago.
Published on Friday, August 30, 2019 by Sadie Sampson
Sadie said, “I had always felt like I was meant to be a mother.” “I was still not pregnant even though my surgeon had spent a long time to warn me about how fertile I would be following surgery. Thus, we gave up. We came to the realization that our only destiny was to be our nieces’ aunts and uncles and our goddaughters’ godparents.
The couple had just come to the painful conclusion that they would not be able to conceive when Sadie’s friend texted her to ask if they would be willing to foster a child that a couple she knew was thinking about for themselves.
At first, the couple was apprehensive since they had been instructed by a caseworker to look after the child while the mother sought therapy. The couple was concerned that they would grow overly devoted to the child. But soon after, the narrative was altered.
The caseworker stated, “The birth mother decided she would prefer you guys adopt the child instead.”
“Holy crap!!” was the first thing Sadie uttered out loud when she learned she was expecting a child.
“Overnight, we went from not having any kids to possibly fostering one to, ‘You guys are parents!’” Still in shock, I listened to the caseworker as she spoke. After hanging up, I dialed my spouse! “Baby!” They desire that we adopt the child! They want us to have kids,” I cried out. Hold on! Really? He exclaimed, “I assumed they just wanted us to foster him.” “Nope!” “They want us to be his parents,” I remarked.
Over the weekend, the couple not only processed the surprising news but also braced themselves in case the mother had second thoughts.
On Monday, the mother not only expressed her desire for them to adopt the child, but also stated that she was prepared to sign the adoption papers independently.
At 33 weeks, their son had been born—seven weeks ahead of schedule. His weight was 4 lbs. 5 oz. Sadie writes, “He fit in one of my husband’s hands.”
Sadie said, “He was so small, swaddled in a white blanket with stripes of pink and blue.” He was early, therefore he couldn’t eat on his own, thus an NG tube was coming out of his nose. But my goodness, was he adorable!
The couple was urged to create a registry after they announced their announcement on social media. In just three days, 55 of the 72 goods they had advertised had been purchased.
Following the adoption of Ezra Lee, which was completed in October 2020, the couple had the cutest family portraits shot, sporting t-shirts that said, “Families don’t have to match.”
Through embryo donation, Sadie and Jarvis became parents to twin twins, Destinee and Journey, in 2021. The black couple, adhering to their family credo, “Families don’t have to match,” gave birth to three white children: two girls and one boy.
There is just one reaction for anyone who judges this lovely family: love is the strongest foundation there is.
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