George, I haven't seen you in many years and hadn't heard of your situation until reading the article. It really gives cause to thought about things we all know we should do, but put off. Thank you for speaking up, consider me one who will get checked because of your story. My family and I will pray for your upcoming surgery. I always have admired you as what a real racer is, giving their best, doing what it takes, getting everything from your equipment, racing clean and hard, and always friendly and smiling whenever I have been around you. I wish racing had more like George Wilkins today, and more of your close buddy Blake Hollingsworth as well. Keep up the fight and may God bless you and your family through this battle. Remember, with God all things are possible.

Bryan, thanks for your kind words. I enjoyed racing with you and your brother, Jerry at Paragon. Those days back in '95 were a great time. I think we all had fun back then and enjoyed racing in a very laid back atmosphere. When some one needed a part or some help, we all chipped in so that guy could race too. It reminded me of racing the midget with WWAR and how we all traveled and work on our cars at the motel parking lot. You were also a great guy to race with, both clean and hard as well. I could always trust you and knew that you were not going to do anything to mess up our evening. You were also very fair to me after I bought a motor and spares off of you. I thank you for that, most people would have stopped answering their phone, instead you and I worked out a fair deal between us.

Thanks also for letting me know that you are going to get checked. So far, because of the article, I have heard of 6 people, who are going to get checked and get a colonoscopy. That is great news and I hope we can keep getting the word out.

Take care Bryan,

George Wilkins

George,

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that this article has prompted three people that I know very well to get a colonoscopy scheduled. I myself have been on the five year cycle and I have the next one coming up in February. A great birthday present to me.:O: As you mention, they are a very easy test to get done and with the immediate results you don't have to wait and worry about the outcome.

I have been an advocate for letting people know that colon cancer can strike at any age. If you have any type of family history, it should be a given that you get this done regularly. However, if you haven't had one, don't you think it is time to start!

I will be thinking about you and praying that everything goes well with your upcoming surgery. For so many people out there, your article has been a life saver to so many that you won't ever know. Thanks for sharing your story with Dave and the rest of us.

I think we now know where the moniker "Mud Packer" came from.

Just Kidding

:O::rolling:O::rolling:O::rolling:applaud::applaud ::moon:

Mike, thanks for letting me know about those three people going to get checked. So far it's working, I just hope that the message does not loose momentum. I know it will sooner or later, but hopefully it will continue to move people and get them to understand the urgency.

Thanks for your kind words regarding me sharing the story with Dave. But if it were not for Dave and Doug Auld, editor of Sprint & Midget Magazine, this story would have never gotten to all of those individuals, who need to get the procedure done. I have a great deal of appreciation for both of those guys for taking the time to get this out.

BTW, like I mentioned in an earlier post, the Mayo Clinic told me in my first meeting with them, that they are seeing more and more people in their late 30's to early 40's getting colon cancer. I also know that my Oncologist at IU told me that his youngest patient with colon cancer is 19 years old!

It looks like we are up to around 10 people, which is awesome.

Thanks everyone!
George

This post is being made because I think it is time for just a reminder to some IOWers who thought they really should have a colonoscopy after reading about George, but put it off for various reasons. We all really need to be more aware of this medical procedure.
BTW, I just had my regular 5 year 'scope. My wife had hers a couple months ago, and she even managed to talk my older sister into getting it done (at 71, she had never had this very important procedure before!).

Yes, I know guys like Marv, Jerry, and Danny are thinking "how could she be Steve's older sister if she only 71?

Steve,

How can a young pup like you even think that way? Just remember that no old folks are allowed in Section "A" at da burg.:O:

I also recommend a colonoscopy on a regular basis for anyone over 50. My five year regular scope is coming up shortly. Make sure you don't "forget" to get this done. Your life could depend upon it.

Must be twins. :thumb And she is 5 minutes older.

I'm about due for a colonoscopy myself. Ought to do that while the weather is still cold. Hate taking time off when the weather is nice.

Prevention can be the best medicine.

George,
We have never met but your story is an inspiration to me. I freely admit that I am more than a little bit paranoid about the big C. My dad was one of 7 children and all of them had cancer as did his mother. I also had a scare last year that turned out to be a false alarm after a third CT scan.
I encourage everyone to not put it off, go get checked. Over the past 30 years my colon has been examined with all the known medical instruments and I would rather have a 100 colonoscopies than one using any of the other methods.
Best wishes on your upcoming surgery and I hope our path's cross somewhere down the road. :thumb

Vern Plotts