JIM WILLOWS IMPROVING
As many readers of this list know, NFB of California President Jim
Willows last Sunday suffered a sudden ruptured aneurism in an abdominal
vein, for which he was rushed to hospital one week ago.
Aneurisms of this type can be fatal 80 percent of the time if not
treated immediately. Luckily Jim recieved emergency surgery and
pulled through despite the loss of more than two liters of blood.
As of this writing, Jim's vital signs are stable and improving. Though he
is still on a ventilator, doctors are beginning to wean him off the
machine with encouraging results.
The aneurism, located in his lower abdomen, appears to have been
successfully repaired. However, the effects of surgery and traansfusion
of more than eight pints of blood will take some days more to overcome.
But his post-operative fever is now down and he is comfortable. For the
present, however, he is still listed in critical condition and in intensive
care.
Though he is unable to speak because of the ventilator tubes, he is lucid
and has enjoyed the company of close family members.
His wife Mary requests that people not send flowers or packages to
Pleasanton's Valley Care Hospital. Rather, she says that Jim would
be heartened to recieve personal notes or cassettes mailed to his
home address, 3934 Kern Court, Pleasanton, California, 94588-4428.
She will take the cards and casettes to the hospital and play them next
week.
Additionally, after he returns home, Jim would be happy to read
everyone's e-mail get-well wishes. His e-mail address is
jwillows@netcom.com.
Until his release home, Mr. Willows, a regular reader of this
internet mailing list, will be unable to reply to the discussions
here, as he has done for years.
During Jim's hospitalization, people with business with the NFB of
California should contact First Vice-President Donovan Cooper at
(818) 845-4609. NFB of California Treasurer Nick Medina may also be
reached at (510) 674-9393 for additional assistance.
Watch this space for periodic postings on Jim Willows' recovery.
Everybody's thoughts and prayers seem to be working.
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