Lung cancer puts NASCAR's Benny Parsons in hospital

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Lung cancer puts NASCAR's Benny Parsons in hospital

Posted Jan 8th 2007 10:00AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: Lung Cancer, Daily news, Celebrity news

NASCAR is in the news -- because of the cancer battles of two of its favorites.

On Sunday, longtime NASCAR driver Bobby Hamilton died after a battle with head and neck cancer. His cancer was diagnosed in February 2006. He was 49.

It has also been reported that former NASCAR champion Benny Parsons has been in intensive care for two weeks at Carolinas Medical Center due to complications arising from lung cancer.

Parsons, 65 and a non-smoker since 1978, was diagnosed with cancer in his left lung in July 2006. Following treatment, he announced in October he had beaten the disease. But he was unable to attend a November ceremony in New York to accept the Myers Brothers Award for contributions to his sport. And on December 26, he entered the hospital.

"Parsons' family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fans and the NASCAR community, and they encourage everyone to keep Benny in their thoughts and prayers," according to a statement issued on Parsons' behalf.

Parsons, a NASCAR television commentator with a weekly show on the radio network, was selected one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998 -- 10 years after his retirement -- in honor of his 21 wins in 526 starts.

Tags: benny, bobby, cancer, care, Carolinas, Center, champion, commentator, complications, disease, drivers, greatest, hamilton, intensive, lung, Medical, NASCAR, parsons, radio, show, television

Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BENNY. HANG IN THERE MY FRIEND
TERRY R.

Posted at 8:53PM on Jan 8th 2007 by T ERRY RUSSELL

2. my prayers are with u and i wish u all the best.... and i would love to say thank u for so many memories of great races .

Posted at 9:56PM on Jan 8th 2007 by louann mowbray

3. my prayers are with u and i wish u all the best.... and i would love to say thank u for so many memories of great races . louann

Posted at 11:20PM on Jan 8th 2007 by louann mowbray

4. ANNOUCING WON'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU BENNY,HANG IN THERE AND FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT.
YOUR FAN
LINDA

Posted at 9:31PM on Jan 9th 2007 by LINDA

5. The MArtin family wishes you well Benny and give you our thoughts in again beating this terrible plague

Posted at 9:20AM on Jan 10th 2007 by Bud Martin

6. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Parsons and his family. May the Lord touch and heal you.
I'd love to hear you say again "This track has the best food."

Posted at 7:35AM on Jan 10th 2007 by The Lovell Family

7. We both want to wish you well. Hang in there. We will be praying for you. It is tough,but we hope you beat this. We miss you on "SPEED CHANNEL".

Much support for you and your family. Avid fans of "NASCAR"

Jim and Peggy, OHIO

Posted at 10:09AM on Jan 10th 2007 by Jim and Peg

8. Benny,I remember the good old days when you hung out with the infield fans and did a "race food" show, and I miss your colorful race comentary. Racing won't be the same without you so you have to get better for your family and all your fans !

Posted at 6:12PM on Jan 10th 2007 by Marge Marziani

9. My prayers are with you, Mr. Parsons and your family. I pray that you will be healed and continue on to entertain the many race fans that have enjoyed you and your commentary. I pray that God will give your family strength and love to make it through this very difficult time. God bless all of you.

Posted at 6:41PM on Jan 10th 2007 by Julia

10. God speed Benny... See you back at the track.

Posted at 6:41PM on Jan 10th 2007 by w.bell

11. Benny,

My prayers & thoughts are with you Benny. I always loved to watch you race & I love your commentary now. You're one of the good guys!! Keep fighting...........don't give up!! May God Bless

Dave Fuller

Posted at 8:56AM on Jan 11th 2007 by Dave Fuller

12. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Benny and his family and love ones. May

God watch over you, and be with you.

Posted at 9:21PM on Jan 10th 2007 by The Rowes

13. Dear Benny, I didn't realize how many years you have entertained us not only on the track but as one of the best commentators in the business! I wish you where on both networks instead of only half the eason! My whole family enjoys your wit and knowledge!It was so hard losing Dale. When I look back on the many season openers I attended at Daytona I realize you where just as much a part for many many years. Cancer is a silent snake and the harsh treatments can be overwelming to the body. Don't let the passing of other drivers depress you. God takes each of us when he needs us. I pray you win the most dificult race of your life ...I pray you will return to T.V. to host this year and many years to come. I pray for your family also that God gives you each the courage and determination to encourage you as their are strength in numbers as God tells us.. You've come this far and you can win this race of illness with a miracle! Our prayers are with you. May God speed. Sincerely Sandy and family

Posted at 8:07AM on Jan 12th 2007 by Sandy

14. my prayers are with you and your family.b.p.keep on with the faith

Posted at 8:43PM on Jan 15th 2007 by david n st augustine florida

15. BP missing your voice for the season of racing. hope you get well and soon. our prayers go with you and your entire family during this ordeal. GOD SPEED!!!!

Posted at 11:21PM on Jan 15th 2007 by Debra Rothrock

16. Benny you are in out thoughts each and every day. You are a strong person. I've never met you but I have watch you race. My family and I are praying for you. We will be looking for you at the track and on TV.
Richard Comfort Kosciusko, Ms.

Posted at 11:21PM on Jan 15th 2007 by Richard Comfort

17. We can't imagine going to Volusia Mall without you.
We have been there every year with you!!! Get well
soon!!!! The Grier's

Posted at 11:00AM on Jan 16th 2007 by Art & Nelda Grier

18. You will be missed on Sundays! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Posted at 2:01PM on Jan 16th 2007 by Debbie

19. TO THE PARSONS FAMILY MAY GOD BE WITH YOU DURING THIS
DIFFICULT TIME .YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.BENNY WILL BE MISSED WE HAVE A VOID THAT CAN'TBE FILLED.

GOD BLESS

Posted at 12:53PM on Jan 17th 2007 by LAURA POOLE

20. god speed benny, we loved all you did for our sport.your with god now.seeyou in heaven drc.

Posted at 3:27PM on Jan 16th 2007 by darell cole

Next 20 Comments



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