Memorial Service for Richard Thursday May 1

Dear all:

Richard's NY Memorial Service will be held at Middle Church www.middlechurch.org THURSDAY MAY 1 at 6:30 pm. The church is located on 2nd Ave between 6th and 7th Streets.

Richard will be cremated and burial plans are being made by his family.

Thank you for the continued support everyone is offering to Richard's family at this time.

Richard Passes Away

Dear Family and Friends of Richard:

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Richard. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family/friends through this most difficult tragedy and incalculable loss.

Information about memorial services and contact information for Richard's family will be posted shortly.

Latest News - April 28, 2008 3:30pm (CDT)

The news today, is better. It has been told to Richard's family that imminent death is no longer the major concern. But that there will be a long recovery process. We have been told that he has survived the pneumonia, that his kidneys are stressed (but okay) and that he may experience periodic seizures. We have been told that these seizures are common and are not of major concern. Richard is in the process of being brought out of the sedative, and this too, will take some time (possibly up to a week). Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, I believe that they have been listened to.

Sunday Update

Richard's condition continues to be critical but stable.  See the below post for more information.  On Saturday, Richard was diagnosed with pneumonia and a collapsed lung.  His lung has been re-inflated and stabilized.  The hopeful news is that the doctors are going to perform more diagnostic exams in the coming days to see if Richard is responsive.  Responsive can mean some minor physical/neurological response to the tests at a minimum all the way through complete consciousness where Richard can talk and interact with his family and friends.  Obviously, we are all hoping for the best.

pic of Richard and Rick

Richard Hospitalized April 23, 2008

Dear Family and Friends of Richard:

This blog is set up to inform everyone about the heart attack Richard suffered on April 23, 2008, his current health situation and his future progress.  From what is known today, Richard's attack was severe and he is now hospitalized at Mount Sinai in New York.  Richard is not currently conscious and his team of doctors is tracking his progress, both to the damage his heart may have suffered as well as to any possible brain trauma due to the deprivation of oxygen during the heart attack and through the time the paramedics stabilized his condition.

In the coming days, the doctors are going to wean Richard off of several medications in order to determine any neurological damage and to see if he is able to regain consciousness on his own.  As well, the doctors will continue to track the status of his heart.

Richard's parents and numerous friends have been by his side since his hospitalization.  Your prayers and thoughts for Richard are greatly appreciated as he is in critical condition.  However, we all know Richard to be a fighter and we look forward to his continued strength as he perseveres through this tough health crisis. 

You are welcome to post comments to this blog and we will definitely share them with Richard as soon as we can.  As well, please feel free to check back as we will post updates regularly.