April 17, 2006
Rick's Father's Home Coming

MENIFEE, CA – We hope everyone had a happy holiday. It was especially happy for us because this was the first holiday since the first of October that Bob Swanson (Rick’s Father) was able to attend. Some of you know what Bob has been through and for those of you who don’t this is the trials that he has been through.

In 1990 Rick’s Father was diagnosed with cancer. Two brain tumors and a lung tumor. He was only given a few months to live. Bob was determined to prove the doctors wrong. In 1991 he went through three brain surgeries and had half of his lung removed. He won the battle and survived cancer to this day.

In August of 2005 Rick’s Mother (Charlene) was diagnosed with a mass in her kidney. She went under surgery and had her one kidney removed. Again the family was blessed. Her tumor was not cancerous. This also had a big affect on Rick’s Father. He was stressed over the situation and did not keep up on his seizure medication while Charlene was hospitalized. This sent him into repetitive seizures. They became out of control. The only way the doctors could control this and keep him alive was to put him into a medicated coma. He was put under in early October of 2005. For six months he was under strict hospital supervision and rehabilitation.

We all know he is on a long road to recovery. The doctors expect it could take as long as twelve more months of recovery time. It was a great feeling to have Dad back at our house to celebrate Easter Day with us. Rick was proud to stand tall next to his Father as his Father was always proud him and his love for racing.

We are grateful for everyone’s concern for Rick’s family and we appreciate all of your prayers.

Sincerely,

Rick, Jill and Eric Swanson