bigbadbrother
05-25-2016, 12:35 PM
Bobby Bennett
http://a.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/other/Images/2014/07/15/WithTheBoysGallery/071514-play-with-the-boys-gallery-9.vadapt.480.high.66.jpg
Four-time Top Fuel champion Shirley Muldowney was diagnosed with lung cancer Tuesday.
Muldowney will undergo surgery at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in downtown Charlotte, N.C., early Wednesday morning to remove her right lung, where a Stage II tumor has grown. Thoracic and cardiac surgeon Dr. Harold Howe will lead the team performing the five-hour-long procedure.
"I'm a fighter, always have been, and I'm going to fight this as best I can with everything I got," Muldowney, 75, said. "Dr. Howe is the No. 1 guy in the business, and he's as ready as I am to get this thing out of me.
"I'm ready for the pain to stop. It's been getting worse the last few weeks as they did biopsies and the pre-op stress tests to make sure I was strong enough to have the surgery. Everything is good, so we're getting it done."
Muldowney asks in lieu of flowers or cards, friends and fans to donate to her charity, Shirley's Kids, at ShirleysKids.org. Muldowney started the charity this year and already has helped four children in need with large cash donations at races in Gainesville, Fla.; Charlotte; Houston; and Atlanta. Because of corporate support, Shirley's Kids passes through 100 percent of all donations to the children it helps.
"The most joy I've had in years has come this season working with our little team at Shirley's Kids," Muldowney said. "Stan and Sheila Mae Holt have covered all our costs so all the money we raise goes to the kids, and Rob Geiger, Nicci Gustavus, and Frank Bellini have worked tirelessly to make this thing a success.
"If people can find it in their hearts to make a donation, that would brighten my spirits immensely because I know where all the money in this charity goes: Right to the kids that need it. And believe me, we have changed some people's lives for the better.
"Thank you in advance for all the love and prayers. It all helps. My sister (Linda Roque) and niece (Betty Peek) along with Stan and Sheila are here with me, so I'm in great hands."
Muldowney was scheduled to make appearances at the NHRA events in Englishtown, N.J., and in Bristol, Tenn.; those appearances are canceled. Depending on Muldowney's health moving forward, other appearance dates will be announced on ShirleysKids.org.
"The fans have always been what's kept me going, and I'm sure people will be concerned about me now," said Muldowney. "Well don't be; I'll be fine. There are still a lot of things left I want to do."
http://a.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/other/Images/2014/07/15/WithTheBoysGallery/071514-play-with-the-boys-gallery-9.vadapt.480.high.66.jpg
Four-time Top Fuel champion Shirley Muldowney was diagnosed with lung cancer Tuesday.
Muldowney will undergo surgery at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in downtown Charlotte, N.C., early Wednesday morning to remove her right lung, where a Stage II tumor has grown. Thoracic and cardiac surgeon Dr. Harold Howe will lead the team performing the five-hour-long procedure.
"I'm a fighter, always have been, and I'm going to fight this as best I can with everything I got," Muldowney, 75, said. "Dr. Howe is the No. 1 guy in the business, and he's as ready as I am to get this thing out of me.
"I'm ready for the pain to stop. It's been getting worse the last few weeks as they did biopsies and the pre-op stress tests to make sure I was strong enough to have the surgery. Everything is good, so we're getting it done."
Muldowney asks in lieu of flowers or cards, friends and fans to donate to her charity, Shirley's Kids, at ShirleysKids.org. Muldowney started the charity this year and already has helped four children in need with large cash donations at races in Gainesville, Fla.; Charlotte; Houston; and Atlanta. Because of corporate support, Shirley's Kids passes through 100 percent of all donations to the children it helps.
"The most joy I've had in years has come this season working with our little team at Shirley's Kids," Muldowney said. "Stan and Sheila Mae Holt have covered all our costs so all the money we raise goes to the kids, and Rob Geiger, Nicci Gustavus, and Frank Bellini have worked tirelessly to make this thing a success.
"If people can find it in their hearts to make a donation, that would brighten my spirits immensely because I know where all the money in this charity goes: Right to the kids that need it. And believe me, we have changed some people's lives for the better.
"Thank you in advance for all the love and prayers. It all helps. My sister (Linda Roque) and niece (Betty Peek) along with Stan and Sheila are here with me, so I'm in great hands."
Muldowney was scheduled to make appearances at the NHRA events in Englishtown, N.J., and in Bristol, Tenn.; those appearances are canceled. Depending on Muldowney's health moving forward, other appearance dates will be announced on ShirleysKids.org.
"The fans have always been what's kept me going, and I'm sure people will be concerned about me now," said Muldowney. "Well don't be; I'll be fine. There are still a lot of things left I want to do."