We'll miss you Sam and Elihu

AMAA Journal, Spring, 2007

Boston Marathon weekend would not be the same without Sam Paris--his perpetual grin, endless jokes, and determination to cross that finish line year after year for 36 consecutive years. Sam has touched the lives of all the AMAA staff and we're certain many AMAA members also have fond memories of sharing time with him in Boston.

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Sadly, Sam will not be able to join us this year. He was stricken with stomach and esophageal cancer in July 2006 and has received several surgeries, as well as chemotherapy. We spoke with the family toward the end of January and he was still planning to go to Boston; however, on February 10th he suffered a stroke. Fortunately, his recovery is going well and he talks about seeing everyone at Boston in 2008 .... and hopefully crossing that finish line again.

Sam would love to hear from his fellow AMAA members. He can be contacted at 315-885-5676 or write to 116 Standish Drive, North Syracuse, NY 13212.

Another fixture at the Boston symposium has been Elihu York and, unfortunately, he also won't be with us this year. We thought his AMAA friends might appreciate reading a recent e-mail we received from him; it contains names and events that many of you may remember.

"I joined AMAA/AMJA in 1970 and ran with the doctors several times from 1978 to 1992. I miss Tom Bassler, a skeptic who promoted drinking beer. His book The Whole Life Diet was informative, irreverent, provocative, and witty. During the 1988 marathon, I was struggling with sore ankles and stopped at Wellesley; Tom Bassler gave me a bottle of beer (how and where he got it from was a mystery). After a few swigs, I got up and finished the marathon in 4:12.

I miss my friend George Sheehan. In 1992, I invited him to conduct medical grand rounds at Hartford Hospital--he spoke to an audience of over 500, with standing room only.

I've always enjoyed the AMAA medical meetings and even presented myself in 1985. We've had the privilege to hear good information prior to publication in peer-reviewed journals and meet noted individuals such as Sir Roger Bannister and Ernst Jokl.

At age 79, I'm now crippled with spinal stenosis and degenerative joint disease which has affected my hands, shoulders, back, knees, and ankles. I hobble slowly using a cane.

Please give my regards to those whom may remember the bearded Brunswick, Mainer and former marathoner. I miss the camaraderie and colleagueship of AMAA."

If you'd like to contact Elihu York, please write to him at ey777@suscom-maine.net.