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Old 02-05-2017, 07:27 AM
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Benny Benny is offline
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Unhappy Sam McKee

http://www.harnessracingupdate.com/2...-mend-surgery/

McKee on the mend after surgery
by Dave Briggs
Sunday, February 05, 2017

Hall of Fame race caller Sam McKee, 54, is recovering from surgery in a New Jersey hospital after suffering a major stroke on Thursday (Feb. 2).

McKee’s sister, Sally, reported on Facebook Saturday evening that, “Sam’s CT scan this morning was clear — no new bleeding. They x-rayed his lungs, and he’s got some fluid that they’re trying to aspirate so they can test the bacteria. He has a fever that’s under control (this could be from the bacteria or just be a normal post-op reaction). And he’s mildly sedated, getting additional pain meds when he seems uncomfortable (and antibiotics, of course).

“He’s moving quite a lot (all but his right arm — his new nickname might be Lefty!) and looking around. And he’s trying like the devil to get out of bed! The BEST news is that he’s swallowing. They’ll take the tube out as soon as they can — given the lung bacteria, they wouldn’t want to have to reinsert it.

“So I’d say all those prayers and good wishes are working! THANK YOU (and keep it up!)”

McKee, the director of television and a long-time race caller at the Meadowlands Racetrack, is expected to have a long road to recovery.

“There will be a challenging road ahead for his emotional and physical recovery,” said a Meadowlands press release issued Friday. “Sam will most likely require months of physical rehabilitation.

“The McKee Family would like to invite everyone to continue sharing their thoughts and prayers with Sam. A GoFund Me account has been established to help his family during the long road to recovery. The medical fund can be accessed via GoFundMe (click here for link).”

As of 10 p.m. Saturday, the GoFundMe account had already exceeded its goal of $100,000 and had over 400 donations totaling more than $106,000.

Meadowlands CEO and GM Jason Settlemoir visited McKee in hospital Saturday afternoon.

“Sam has had a major surgery and he is early in his recovery,” Settlemoir reported by text after the visit. “Sam is responding to stimulation. Nothing is unusual at this time for what he has been through. Please continue to pray for Sam and his family as his long road to recovery has begun.”

McKee has worked at the Meadowlands since 1998 and was inducted into the Communicators Hall of Fame in 2012.

“His knowledge, devotion and love for harness racing is simply unmatched,” said the Meadowlands press release. “Anytime he walks into a room, his energy and excitement is infectious. Sam is a tireless worker and gives all of himself to promote his beloved sport. There is no fan, horsemen, or even bettor that has not felt goose bumps while listening to one of Sam’s signature ‘charging hard’ calls as the horses come storming down the Meadowlands stretch.

“While Sam has touched and influenced countless people in the industry, his character and reputation stand above all else. He is the most kind, genuine person you could meet and is tremendously generous to all that know him.

While the family continues to appreciate the outpouring of support from so many people, they ask that their privacy be respected during these challenging times. More updates will be provided as necessary.”
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Last edited by Kasept : 02-05-2017 at 07:38 AM.
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Old 02-05-2017, 07:42 AM
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Thanks to Benny for the update.. Everyone from all sides of racing loves Sam McKee.
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Old 02-05-2017, 12:01 PM
mclem0822 mclem0822 is offline
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Best wishes for a speedy recovery, really enjoy Sam's work.
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Old 02-15-2017, 11:35 AM
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I looked around some yesterday visa twitter, facebook, google and did not find anything recent. will keep looking...
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Old 02-15-2017, 12:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by casp0555 View Post
I looked around some yesterday visa twitter, facebook, google and did not find anything recent. will keep looking...
Is doing fair. His sister updates people from her Facebook page.
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A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right. ~ Thomas Paine
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Old 03-08-2017, 01:05 PM
Alabama Stakes Alabama Stakes is offline
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Passed away today. RIP
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Old 03-08-2017, 03:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alabama Stakes View Post
Passed away today. RIP
Sad news indeed... Rest in Peace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10kDcC0DvMc
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Old 03-08-2017, 05:15 PM
ScottJ ScottJ is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alabama Stakes View Post
Passed away today. RIP
I learned the news today on the Mike Francesa radio program in New York. Sam was the lifeblood of the sport. There are no words for his three children or his wife.
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Old 03-08-2017, 05:33 PM
saratogadew saratogadew is offline
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Damn. Spoke to him for a few minutes in January when I was there. Great guy. So enthusiastic. Damn
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Old 03-08-2017, 08:02 PM
mclem0822 mclem0822 is offline
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So sad condolences tto his family and friends. RIP
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Old 03-08-2017, 08:57 PM
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Sam was same age as me. I think there are a few of us born in 1962 out here. I was really bummed out today. His wife and kids must be so sad
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Old 03-08-2017, 11:12 PM
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Sad news,RIP Mr. McKee.
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Old 03-14-2017, 05:03 PM
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RIP Sam -- a helluva guy

http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com...e-passes-away/
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Old 03-21-2017, 10:28 PM
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Very sad. listened to his calls for many years at the big M.
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Old 03-22-2017, 08:47 AM
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I was reading through this thread and got to the part that he passed away. Such a shame, he was still young. Condolences to his family and friends.
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