Fundraiser Scheduled for Injured Jockey

Michael Straight paralyzed at Arlington in August

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 | Updated 9:55 AM CDT

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ELMONT, NY - JUNE 04: Big Brown waits to get a bath outside his barn at Belmont Park Race Track on June 4, 2008 in Elmont, New York (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

He's got a long road ahead of him, but a jockey injured in August at Arlington Park race track is said to be in good spirits.

Michael Straight, 23, was injured when his mount clipped the heels of another horse and stumbled. A steel rod was inserted into his spine, but he remains paralyzed and hospitalized at the Illinois Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where he recently began rehabilitation therapy.

Family, friends and supporters will gather this Sunday to raise money to help cover Straight's rehabilitation and family expenses related to his care giving.

Open to the public, Sunday evening's benefit will be held at Philly G's restaurant in Vernon Hills. The $50/person event will include a sports auction and raffle prizes, including a Kentucky Derby Package.

Philly G's
Highway 45 & Route 21
Vernon Hills
RSVP: slapshotracing@comcast.net

Tax deductible contributions can be made to the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund:
C/O Michael Straight
547 Webford Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60616

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