Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Sterling Marlin recently underwent his third of four surgeries or stages of Deep Brain Stimulation for the treatement of Parkinson's disease. Marlin was diagnosied with the disease in 2012.
“On behalf of my father and family, I would like to thank each and every one you that have been supportive of my father throughout the years. It truly means the world to all of us,” Marlin’s daughter Sutherlin House said. "Parkinson’s is a roller coaster, physically and emotionally, for both the individual and family. After considerable thought, research and consultations with numerous doctors and specialists, my dad decided to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. We ask that you send prayers for a successful final surgery and recovery.”
Marlin is undergoing the treatment at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., near his hometown of Columbia, Tenn. Deep Brain Stimulation decreases the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by delivering electrical pulses to brain cells it is the most common form of treatment for the disease.
Since retiring from NASCAR competition, Marlin has raced late models in Nashville. According to a press release from his family, he will resume racing a Pro Late Model at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway after being cleared by doctors.
Marlin raced in NASCAR's top series between 1976 and 1979, contesting 748 races and winning 10, including consecutive Daytona 500s in 1994 and 1995. He looked to be en route to a Cup Series title in 2002 when an injury abbreviated his season after 29 races while he was the championship points leader.
