Community Rallying Around Beloved Photographer/Promoter, Michael "Woody" Wood

Michael "Woody" Wood (left) pictured with his daughter and his father

Kalamazoo, MI - Longtime area photographer, US Military Veteran, and partner in the National Compact Touring Series, Michael "Woody" Wood has been battling health issues since mid-January that resulted in an extended hospital stay. Wood's family, friends, and racing community have rallied around him with a GoFundMe campaign to help with his mounting bills and continued care of his daughter.

According to the GoFundMe, Wood was hospitalized and is being treated for conditions like A-fibulation, pancreatitis, gallbladder surgery, and other complications. His stay at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo has been since mid-January.

An update was given during a Facebook live on Tuesday night on the Midwest Compacts Facebook Page. The update, led by Drew Jach and Denise of the National Compact Touring Series and Midwest Compacts, said that Wood will need to gain control of an infection in the pancreas before he can have surgery. The infection is also affecting his blood sugar levels. The complications are likely tied to a recent gallbladder surgery. After visiting Wood in the hospital on Tuesday, Denise said confidently that he'll make a recovery.

"He can fully recover from this," she said. "It's just going to take some time. He's probably going to be in the hospital for a couple of weeks."

In addition to the money raised through the GoFundMe campaign, Wood will also be a beneficiary of the upcoming Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club (MARFC) Bowling Tournament on Saturday, March 7th at Riverbend Bowl, 1001 N. Shiawassee St., Corunna, MI.

While the GoFundMe goal is at $2,600, the Facebook Live says they have a personal goal to raise over $4,000 for Wood.

This is a developing story. We'll continue to provide updates as they become available.