Skipper Smith headed for surgery

[Christine Brewster]

Skipper surgery update

Skipper was in surgery yesterday for 7 1/2 hours. The surgeons were pleased the cancer was intact with no visible spreading.

He is at ORMC in Orlando, intensive care for atleast the next 3 days before moving to a regular room. Vicki called very early this morning to check on him, speaking directly with his nurse. The nurse said he had a good night rested comfortably. He demanded the tube be removed this morning, and he is talking! This is a relief since there was a high probability that he would not be able to speak if vocal nerves were cut in the removal of the tumor.

Vicki said to quote " Skipper is freakin amazing!" He made it through a very delicate and intricate procedure as only as boat racer could do. She has received many calls, but the rule is no cell phones on in the hospital and please know she is not ignoring any who have taken the time to call. She thanks everyone for the well wishes and will be telling Skipper of all the love from all over the country.

More tomorrow or if I hear from her sooner.

[Jack Stotts]

Great news about a great man. I talked with Matt on Thursday and Bob Smith on Thur evening. I've attempted to keep track of "Uncle Dick" without bothering those that are so busy taking care of him. Sounds as if he is as tough as always. What a guy! Jack

[Christine Brewster]

Skipper is doing well!

Update from Miss Vicki, Skipper is eating (clear liquids) well, and is alert, responsive and as well as can be expected. His only complaint is that his throat is a little sore. He should be in intensive care for a few more days, they are monitoring him close due to the procedure moved his pacemaker. So they are monitoring that closely. He will be moved out of intensive care to a regular room and be in for another week or so.

Skipper and Vicki are thanking all for the calls, they just love this boat racing community that is one big family.

[racerchic3z]

so glad to hear that skipper is going well! thanks so much for the update!

Stacy

[YankeeRacing]

Way to go Skipper. We need you in the pits to take care of Vicki!
Love to all,
Connie and the Payn family

[Jack Stotts]

I just now spoke with Matt in Florida concerning Skipper (Uncle Dick) Smith. Matt tells me that he may come home tomorrow (Wed). What great news! The man is amazing! They had said that he would probably be in ICU for three days and then a regular room. Instead, he's going home. He's 93 years young and out performing all of us. My hat is off to this great man. Hopefully he'll continue to heal at this rate. Jack

[Jack Stotts]

Just spoke with Dick Smith (Skipper, Uncle Dick)and he is feeling good. They all went out last night and a party tonight. I sure hope I do that well at 93. Anyway, I wanted all to know he is doing well. Jack

[M721son]

Way to go Skipper

We have been keeping you in our prayers hoping for a speedy recovery. Look forward to seeing you in the spring. I should have another boat done for you to look at and advise on how to improve. Your words a praise meant allot to me at Jesup. You are the family that keeps us coming back every year for more boat racing.
The Oberlins
PS Jack thanks for the updates

[bill hoctor]

Skipper

Jane and I.. Tom and Darlene Nuccio and Bill Walker, just returned from Vicki and "SKIPPER" Smiths christmas party in Orlando.......WOW......30 ish people and to top the evening off..... Skipper on the piano and accompied by Lt. Colonel Bob, his nephew, on the xylophone...WOW 93 years young and out of a major opperation... thank you Vicki for the invite. Merry Chritmas to all our boat racers...AND Military personal....Bill

[mike ross]

That Skipper rolls just like his formula E rig. Scuffed a piston. Replaced it with a new one and back out for the next heat. Glad your doing good Skipper. Don't get her hot again as we hate replacing parts on such a good running rig. Your pit crew leader!!! Mikey

[Check-book]

Hey Skipper

THREE CHEERS from Augustine Racing. You are amazing.

[csh2z]

Way to go Skipper, glad to hear you're doing well. Looking forward to seeing you and Vicki at Ocoee. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

[kampkurz]

Shipper....way to go!

Skipper, look forward to seeing you at Top'O next year! Wish I could have heard you on piano! KampKurz

[14-H]

Skipper: Glad you are doing well. Looking forward to another duet of Frankie at Dayton this year. Eddie.

[ryan_4z]

Way to go Skipper, glad you're feeling better you tough son-of-a-b!tch!