[FKM12]

I saw Martha (Ken's wife), Larry and Vicki Pond to get an update on Ken's condition and he is still in ICU but really improving. I understand he is down to one I.V., alert and sitting up some. It is looking like he will have his esophagus reconstructed here in Arizona once he is strong enough for surgery again. Everyone seems to be in good spirits.

Here is a notice that was sent out from ProAutoSports today...

ASA – PROAUTOSPORTS RACER KEN LESLIE STRUCK BY SUDDEN HEALTH PROBLEM
Chandler Arizona, October 5, 2009

All was going well for Ken and Martha Leslie as he raced at the ASA-ProAutoSports road racing event at Firebird International Raceway during the September 26-27 weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday, Ken finished 3rd in strong efforts, driving his Camaro at close to record lap times.

After the Sunday Race, Ken was not feeling good. Martha, facing a 6-8 hour drive home to Hesperia, California, was concerned. She took Ken to the ASA-ProAutoSports Paramedics to check him out. During the check by four very good Paramedics, his condition became much worse and life threatening. After starting IV’s, he was transported to the Maricopa County Medical Center Trauma Unit. As he arrived at the Trauma Center, he had another life threatening moment.

Ken was quickly prepped and taken into emergency surgery. It turns out that Ken had an esophagus reconstruction as a child using part of his small intestine and after 45 years the esophagus had come apart. In the 4 hour surgery, the remainder of his reconstructed esophagus was removed and both the throat end and stomach end closed up until another esophagus could be made for him. There was major infection in and around his key organs.
Ken is currently in the Intensive Care Unit slowly improving each day. We expect him to be there for 2-3 weeks. Once he is strong enough, they are going to transport him by Medvac to another hospital closer to his home for a specialist to reconstruct another esophagus for him. That may take weeks.

Fortunately medical insurance will cover most of his medical costs, but we estimate that it will take several months before he is able to work again. Martha is staying with Vicki and Larry Pond in Phoenix while he is here and she cannot work either. They have a teenage son and personal expenses that need attending to. A few ProAutoSports members have already donated very generously and WE ARE ASKING THAT YOU DIG INTO YOUR POCKETS AND HELP THESE MEMBERS OF OUR RACING FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF NEED.

Donations can be made out to Martha Leslie and mailed to her at ASA Racing, 1900 W. Chandler Blvd, Ste #15-380, Chandler Arizona 85224. They are much needed and much appreciated. In times of trauma and need, we shall come together to help our friends in need. You can also contact Vicki and Larry Pond, 480-861-7235 or Email LPond2@cox.net with any questions.

Get well soon Ken...