Monday, June 30, 2008

Brian Windhorst in intensive care

An update from Brian's Care Page at 6:15 p.m. June 28:
OK, we finally have answers from the doctors.

Brian has been diagnosed with a vascular disease that affects a few of his organs. The reason it took the team of doctors so much time to discover this was because Brian's symptoms were so atypical. The disease is very rare, found in only 3 out of every 100,000 people. Brian has a great deal of treatment and healing ahead of him, but doctors are optimistic for a full recovery.

Again, all the thoughts and prayers have been so appreciated. Please continue to post messages on this site. They are so uplifting and we plan on sharing them with Brian.

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Original post on June 26, 2008


Brian Windhorst, Cavaliers beat reporter for the Akron Beacon Journal, is in serious condition with pneumonia on the lungs in the intensive care unit of Akron City Hospital


Windhorst had been feeling out of sorts for some time and finally went to the emergency room over the weekend. Doctors are trying to determine how to treat the infection. A long recovery time is expected.

No visitors or flowers are allowed. Friends can send cards or well wishes to Brian in care of Rich Desrosiers, Sports Department, Akron Beacon Journal,
P. O. Box 640, Akron, OH 434309-0640. Mail will be shared with Brian.


We hear that former BJ sports columnist Terry Pluto did manage to get in to see Brain by showing a “chaplain’s card.”

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Terry Pluto has worked for years as a volunteer Summit County jail chaplain. His use of his chaplain's card to get in to see Brian is typical of Pluto's compassionate nature.

Ken Krause said...

A Facebook site has been created named Pray for Brian. (Registration is required by it is free to join.)

This information is posted on the page:

Brian is still on a ventillator to help him breathe, he is not breathing on his own right now. The doctors are still unsure of what the illness is but it is attacking his lungs. It may be a virus or something more serious but for now they are saying acute lung disease or adult respitory distress syndrome. Please pray for him and for our family, he needs your good thoughts and prayers. If you would like to be a part of his care pages circle, send me your email address (mkwindhorst@yahoo.com). Thank you!!!
PS-For more accurate updates, please visit his care page.

Ken Krause said...

An update from Brian's Care Page at 6:15 p.m. June 28:

OK, we finally have answers from the doctors.

Brian has been diagnosed with a vascular disease that affects a few of his organs. The reason it took the team of doctors so much time to discover this was because Brian's symptoms were so atypical. The disease is very rare, found in only 3 out of every 100,000 people. Brian has a great deal of treatment and healing ahead of him, but doctors are optimistic for a full recovery.

Again, all the thoughts and prayers have been so appreciated. Please continue to post messages on this site. They are so uplifting and we plan on sharing them with Brian.

David said...

Oh, please, Peter & Sandy. What didn't Pluto understand about "no visitors?" There are other people who would like to visit Windhorst, too. What makes Pluto think he's special? Oh, I forgot. He has a "chaplain's card."

The next time I have the urge to visit the Cavaliers locker room, to heck with the rules. I think I'll simply flash them the same press pass that Pluto found at the bottom of a box of Cracker Jacks.

terry said...

From Terry Pluto:

I just finished visiting with Brian's family PM July 3.

He continues to make progress. albeit it slow. Good news is no setbacks, no infections, etc. I am excited to see that he is moving in the right direction.

He has an outstanding family around him. Their strength inspires me.

Having been through a long-term illness with my father and some others in my family, I know it is not wise just to show up and see someone in critical care.

I went last week only because the family emailed and asked me to come pray for Brian. He is like a little brother to me, as we wrote a book together and talk 2-3 times a week.

I was honored they asked.

terry

David said...

Call me a Doubting Thomas, but most would think that Windhorst's family would bring in their own Priest long before bringing in Pluto. Not that I think a real priest is any more of a telephone booth to God than the average person, but still, something just doesn't wash here. I still think Pluto let his best intentions get the best of him, I've seen this kind of thing from him before. A good guy, just a little too pushy these days. I highly doubt the Windhorst family e-mail urging him to come pray was unsolicited.

With that being said, in the (unlikely) event that I'm wrong, then Pluto certainly deserves my apology.

Regardless, whatever Pluto did, I wish Windhorst well.

Anonymous said...

Get Well soon Brian Windhorst

terry said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
terry said...

I went to see Brian this morning, July 8.

By far, this is the best he has been since going into the hospital 2 1/2 weeks ago. He is still in critical care, still hook up to a lot of machines, still has very weak lungs, etc.

But he is now responding with his eyes, nodding his head, squeezing your hand, etc.

That began on Saturday.

He is strong inside, I could see it in his eyes in the 20 minutes that I spent with him. I was with his mom and a few other family members, just as I was the first time that I saw him almost 2 weeks ago. We prayed for him, and it was great to talk to him and see his facial expressions and his so wanting to engage in conversation, even though he can't talk just yet.

The best news has been no major setbacks in the last 2 weeks....progress is slow...and the road is long...it will be months for Brian to come back from the double-pneumonia, vascular problems, etc. But I feel very good about his spirit, his determination and how all of this will work out in the end.

Keep up the prayers!

Feel free to pass this on to anyone who may want a Brian update.

terry pluto