More Than $75,000 Raised for Paralyzed Jockey

Edited press release
"Shannon Campbell Day" at Charles Town Races & Slots raised more than $75,000 to aid the jockey who was paralyzed in a racing accident at the West Virginia track.

The chaplaincy program at Charles Town Races & Slots, in conjunction with the Charles Town Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, track management, and West Virginia jockeys, said the money was raised Aug. 13 to help Campbell with her medical expenses.

"We are grateful for this tremendous outpouring of support for Shannon," said local Race Track Chaplaincy of America chaplain Rick Mann. "I know this will mean a lot to Shannon and her family during this very difficult time."

Chaplaincy volunteers, Jockeys' Guild members, and other jockeys collected more than $35,000 from patrons at donation booths set up on the Charles Town apron. The track and its parent company, Penn National Gaming Inc., pledged $20,000. The Charles Town HBPA pledged $10,000, while Penn National Race Course, also owned by PNGI, pledged $5,000. Jockeys at Charles Town and Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort donated mount fees of $4,775.

"We have all been praying for Shannon and her family, and we hope the rest of the racing world will join us in those prayers," local council president Henry Christie said. "It has been a wonderful experience to see so many people and organizations in racing come together to help."

Campbell, a 34-year-old apprentice, was paralyzed from the waist down after her mount clipped heels with a rival moving into the turn of a 4 1/2-furlong race earlier this year. She is hospitalized at Washington Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Campbell and her husband, a local environmental specialist, have an 8-year-old daughter.

For more information on ways to assist Campbell contact Mann at (304) 283-0036. Checks designated to Shannon Campbell on the memo line can be sent to the Chaplain's Fund, P.O. Box 1377, Charles Town, W.Va., 25414. Donations may be tax deductible and will be receipted.