Thu, 15 Dec 2005, 12:55 PM Haddock Baby Succumbs to Breathing Complications

Courtesy of Joanne Dawson

LYNNWOOD, Wash. -- On November 21, 2005, Terry Haddock and his fiancee, Bambee Olson became parents to a beautiful baby girl, McKailee Mercedes. But the baby's time on earth was a very short 12 hours and on November 22, McKailee passed away due to complications from lung failure.

The young couple experienced every parents worst fear, when the baby did not begin breathing on her own at birth and had to be put on a respirator. After thoroughly assessing the newborn's condition, a medical team transported her to Children's Hospital in Seattle, Wash. for special neonatal care. But the baby was not able to oxygenate her blood and did not survive the doctor's efforts.

"They released Bambee from the hospital just seven hours after the delivery, so that we could get to Children's Hospital to be with McKailee," explained Haddock. "At least we got to see her and hold her. She was so fragile and so beautiful. We were both so scared and praying with all our hearts that she would be okay, but it was just not meant to be. I know they say it will get better slowly, but right now it feels like someone kicked me in the gut."

Haddock, the driver and owner of the Wheel Vintiques Funny Car, a Hackettstown, N.J. native, has relocated to the Seattle area and now resides in Olson's hometown of Lynnwood, Wash. and will soon be marrying into her well-known Division 6 racing family. Olson's dad, Ed Hauter, runs a Super Comp car and has a division win in Top Comp. Her uncle, Bernie Plourd, has raced everything from Super Stock to Top Alcohol Dragster, and her cousin, Brad Plourd is the very talented Division Six Super Stock Champ and a Jeg's Allstars Champion. In the short time that Haddock has lived in Wash., he has quickly earned the support and respect of many local racers and fans, and is fast becoming a hometown favorite.

Olson, a full-time student, plans to continue her education at Bastyr University, working toward earning a degree in nutrition.

Arrangements for a private memorial service are pending. Cards and condolences can be sent to Olson/Haddock, c/o Terry Haddock Racing,

18305 17th Place W, Lynnwood, WA 98037. Donations can be sent in McKailee Haddock's name to Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, P.O. Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98105, http://www.seattlechildrens.org/ .