As you know, I mostly use this list as an overly-upbeat message board about events and occasionally my thoughts on something. There have been times, however, when I have used this list to share bad or urgent news. This is one of the costs of having a life rich with good friends.
Last Sunday as most of us were getting ready to watch the Superbowl, Roar Kilaas, had an accident on his motorcycle. Many of you of know Roar; he is a good friend and kindred spirit of mine--an avid motorcyclist, great dancer of many styles (samba, salsa, rueda), drummer, and technologist. Roar is originally from Norway, but has been Berkeley based for many years, and is one of the nicest people
you will meet.
In his crash, Roar damaged his T7 and T8 vertabrae. As a result, he lost feeling below his chest. On Thursday, they operated on him to insert a metal rod in his back to relieve some pressure and clean up the damage. At this point, we don't know the long term prognosis.
What we do know is that, no matter what, Roar has a long recovery ahead of him, and he will need the support of his friends.
I have not been able to see him yet (they wouldn't let me in at ICU), but I am going out there today. He is now allowed to have visitors and would be happy to see his friends. I have been advised that in person visits are welcome, but not phone calls. He is in room 577 at John Muir Hospital. Visiting Hours are listed here:
http://www.johnmuirhealth.com/
Finally, regarding updates. Roar has many many friends. So I will not be able to respond to individual inquiries. And, if you can believe it, Roar is not on Facebook (I kind of like that fact).
Currently Louise Joanes is sending out updates via Roar's email address kroar920@yahoo.com -- so if you like, you can write to that address to be added to the update list.
What I imagine happening is that we will at some point probably set up two things: a Google Group [I have since created this group: Roar Power] for posting messages regarding Roar which people can subscribe to, and a Google Calendar to allow people to see a schedule for when Roar could use your help--if we all share the burden, it will be quite light and very gratifying. Once these are set up, I will send out a notice allowing people to opt-in.
Reminding you to drive safely and take a moment to appreciate your
health and the health of your loved ones
Jim
P.S. To those of you who I have neglected to write these past few weeks (months) I apologize, especially Gaspard in Goma, DRC--my thoughts are also with you my friend.
