Good & Bad News

Great photo of Gene in better days. That's Bones Balough, famed driver of the Mazmanian Willys, in the background. I just spoke to Gene. He was touched by the autographed Reunion shirt we sent him and even more touched by all those who made contributions to get him to the upcoming GASSER Nationals.

He's received word from his doctor that he has a staph infection which will require him to be on an IV at home for 6 weeks. In addition, the talk is that another back surgery is in the works. While it's good news that they're doing something for him, the bad news is that he won't be able to make the Nationals.

The 'Get Gene to the Nats' fund's goal was $800. We reached that in just a few days. Gene's medical bills are killers and the overwhelming consensus was, "If Gene can't make it, send my donation to him." Gene-Fund Contributors included:

Gene & Margie Altizer, Fred Bear (on behalf of S&S Racing Team), Richie Coury, Dave Hales, Dawn Mazi, Ken McIntyre, ‘Big Vic’ Mazmania, Dave Miller, ‘Ohio George’ Montgomery, Don Moyer, Jack Olcott, Pete Clark, Rocky Pirrone, LaVaun Pittman, Andy Supple, Dave Swiatek, Ron Updike, Vic Young, Jack Warren, and Bob Wenzelburger.

Gene was awed by the heart-warming support he has received. He's sad he can't make it to the Nats but wants everyone to know that he'll be there in spirit and, "God willing," is looking forward to being able to attend the 2012 GASSER Reunion at Beaver Springs.

Ernest

'GET GENE TO THE NATS'

As some of you know, Club Rep and longtime supporter of all-things 'GASSER', has suffered some medical setbacks that have impacted him not only physically but financial. We're raising money to fuel his rig and get him to and from the 2011 GASSER NATIONALS in La Rue, Ohio. It's a long ways from North Carolina...and a bit expensive when you're towing a '41 Willys coupe.

His friends have grown the fuel fund rapidly. If you would like to contribute (anything), mail it to the club's address. No checks will be cashed until after the Nats--just in case his health keeps him from making the haul. Even so, I expect he'll be riding shotgun and someone else will be driving.

FYI: He called me this morning, from the hospital. He went back in on Sunday with a 104.5 temp. He has some kind of infection, they just don't what--and won't treat it until they do know.

His voice was weak, when he said, "It killed me not to be at the Reunion." My immediate thought was...Let's get Gene to the Nats.

Ernest

Wish we coulda Been There

I can't wait to hear from Ernest how the 2011 Gasser Reunion© went. Glad your friends kept you up to date.

Jr's Other Kid...

GENE GOES MISSING

Sadly, Gene's health issues will prevent him from attending the 10th Annual GASSER Reunion. Recently hospitalized, Gene is doing 'OK' but not good. He hates it that he and his '41 Willys coupe won't be at Beaver Springs Dragway to greet all of his friends. We tried every way to get him there, even without his coupe, but we'd be risking his life if he went.

However, that won't stop us from tormenting him (LOL) by calling him from the track. Stop by the club display and I'll give you his phone number. Call him and say, "Gene, you should be here!" It will brighten his day to know you are thinking of him.

See you there, Ernest