I have been lapse in posting those retirees who are on the "Scik List" lately as I have been very busy with the annual dues coming in, so here goes.  Our thanks to Lou Hollander and Gene Robinson for keeping up to date on these notices and for forwarding them to us.

Lou received this information from Lauren Given.  Emails can be sent to laurengiven@yahoo.com

An update on Paul Given

As some of you already know, Paul was diagnosed with throat cancer a few weeks ago.  He had his first chemo treatment right before Christmas.  His second induction chemo will be next week.  3 weeks after that he will undergo daily radiation treatments for 6 weeks.  This cancer has the markers for HPV as the cause.  The doctors are finding an alarming increase in this type of cancer in men in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.  It lies dormant in males for years.  The virus can be transmitted to females.  The good news is that there is a vaccination that can be given to kids to prevent this. 

We know it will be a rough few months for Paul requiring all my patience, strength, love, and stamina.  You will, I am sure, understand if we seem to drop out of touch every so often.  We are both blessed and fortunate to have wonderful friends and family that we may have to lean on during this latest challenge.

Thanks for all your good wishes and prayers,
Lauren & Paul

Retired Transit Police Officer James 'Jimmy' Baker, who worked much of his career in District 3, was recently released from the hospital after suffering a debilitating stroke about a month ago.

He is currently under going rehabilitation at The Fishken Rehabilitation Center,  located at 314 Dew Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee. He can receive telephone calls at  the center at (432) 634-1528. During rehab he is some times permitted to go home on passes. His home # is (706) 673 -9893 and his cell # (706)280-8597. His wife, Deana can be contacted at the home telephone number. Jimmy would appreciate a call from his friends and former co-workers. No further information is available at this time.

Information sent by Retired TPO's Bobby Miller and Bill Caraway to Gene Robinson

Christine Morgillo, wife of Transit Bureau, PBA Trustee Mike Morgillo, underwent treatment for throat cancer a little over a year ago.  After the treatments, Chris was told she was cancer free.  I was informed by Mike that the cancer has returned and Chris will be going into Sloan Kettering Hospital for throat surgery.  Mike requests that you keep Chris in your prayers.  Well wishes can be sent to Mike at mmorgillo@nycpba.org

Our prayers and best wishes are extended to those above.

We received the following news from Lou Hollander:

Ret Sgt Tommy (T.T.) McDonald is home recuperating after having his 2nd hip replacement.  I spoke with TT today and he stated this operation went smoother than the last hip operation.  He is feeling really good and would love to hear from the guys/gals.  His phone # is 1-718-863-8709 & email address ttmd636@yahoo.com

I am informed by Bobby Caruso Bobobklyn@aol.com  that Ret PO John Billela had heart attack and had to have double bypass last Friday.  I am told he is doing well and should be released from the hospital shortly.  You can send get well wishes to John. His email is jvb3405@aol.com or send a card to his home at 12244 Glenmore Dr. Coral Springs FL 33071

Our prayers and get well wishes are extended to our fellow officers above.  May they have a fast return to good health.

The following information was sent us by Richie's daughter,Denise:

Hi Tony, 
I am writing this to you for my father, (Ret. P.O.) Richard Napoli. He had to have emergency gall bladder removal surgery on October 31st.
He is still in Ocean Medical Center in Brick, NJ, and having a tough time recovering from the surgery and they are trying to find the source of infection.  He will contact you when he is able to.  
Denise 

Our best wishes and prayers go out to Richie for a speedy recovery back to good health. You can send get well wishes to Richie at richnap2716@aol.com

We received the following update from Danny's wife, Rosemarie:

Hi Tony,
 
I wanted to let you know that Danny is still fighting lung cancer. He goes just for chemo now as he's completed the chemo/radiation treatments.
 
Even though he has a great sense of humor and a positive attitude, we look to you all for some prayers. Your good thoughts and prayers are appreciated..
 
Thank you, Rosemarie O'Neil ( Danny's Wife)
 
Danny's cell 917-669-6447
E-Mail Danny3189@AOL.COM

Please keep Danny and all our fellow members we worked with in your prayers in the hopes that they may recover from their illnesses and return to good health.

Since my surgery, I have had repeated requests for phone calls, internet communication, etc. While I appreciate all the concern, prayers and caring, to respond individually would be too large a task that I just don't feel up to at this point and time. That is why I have asked my dear friend, Louie Hollander, whom I have been in contact with, to send this message out.

First, let me say that I am feeling stronger every day, although I still tire quickly. I went to the doctors today and considering the extent of the surgery, he was pleased with my progress. That's the good news. The bad news is that I have to stay on the feeding tube for two more weeks. I was hoping to be disconnected today. I guess I have to take it as it comes. Since returning from my last stint in the hospital, I have not been able to take fluids by mouth. The doctor wanted the stomach to get used to dealing with solids again, particularly in its new role as a stomach and esophagus.  Thank God today I was cleared to basically eat what I can tolerate and take fluids by mouth. Man did that taste good! I want to thank you all for your prayers and concerns,. For those who sent cards, flowers, etc., that was not expected nor necessary, but I thank you. I know I will be up and about in short order particularly when I get this damn feeding tube out. Until then, I don't think I will be on the computer much, so if you write, please do not be upset or concerned if you do not hear back from me for a while. In addition, I will not be taking calls because they are so many that If I start taking them, I won't have time to do what I have to do to recover. In closing, it is nice to know that when something happens to one of us, our TPD family is always there to rally and support. I am blessed to have worked with and served you. Thank you all and God bless you.

We're very happy to hear the good news on your progress, Bill, and we send our continued prayers and best wishes to you for a rapid recovery. - Tony

Lou Hollander sent the following updates:

Mike (Mousey) Di Sanza  This was received from Mikes wife Ann. Mike’s email address is mndcfc@acopforchrist.com

Mike is recovering well...he is managing his diabetes very well with diet, exercise and meds.  His heart is getting stronger day by day as well.  The big problem right now is stomach upset due to the meds, we think.  So the Dr. is adjusting that.

He has encouraged me to go to Ireland and see Mom since she is not doing very well and how long she will last is questionable.  So I have made plans to go on this coming Wed. 10/6 along with my brother Sean.  We will meet in Chicago and fly to Dublin together

Please keep us in prayer during this difficult time.  I pray also that Mike will do okay without me.  It will be good practice for him to make his own choices with food, but remembering his testing and meds is questionable...lol:)  He'll be fine I'm sure.  Maybe he'll appreciate me more when I get back...lol.

God Bless you all and thanks for all the emails, cards and prayers on our behalf.

Love
Ann

Jerry Cox was released from the hospital today I am told he will be on crutches and an IV drip for the next 6 weeks

Freddy Mack has been moved to Life Care Center, on Trouble Creek & Rowan Roads in New Port Richey FL,  a rehab center (old age home) and will be there for about 2 weeks.  You can call him at 727-569-1440 or his cell 727-247-2526

Our best wishes to all for a full recovery and we are sure Freddy can tell some of those young kids at the Center a few war stories from his old Transit days.

September 27, 2011   LATEST ON BILL MC KECHNIE - FREDDY MACK -
                                                    and  JERRY COX                       

We received this information from Lou Hollander:

Bill McKechnie has had a setback and is back in the hospital.  I don’t have any information and I will relay it as soon as I know something.  Please keep Bill and all our sick members in your prayers.

Freddy Mack will be going into the hospital on 7/27 for surgery.  He will be having a complete knee replacement.  He should be in the hospital till 9/30 and then he will be in rehab for 2 weeks.  (It’s really an old person’s home)  I will update you with a phone number after the surgery.

Jerry Cox  JerryCox1952@gmail.com  is in NY Hospital of Queens on Main St , in Flushing.  I Am on 6 N room 617 bed 2. I will not know what going on with my foot until my foot doctor looks at it and sees what’s has to be done. People can reach me thru facebook.

Our thanks to Lou Hollander for sending this information as requested from Bill:

Dear Louie,

First, thanks for keeping our TPD  family informed about my surgery and my progress in the hospital. I need one more favor. I am fortunate to have had so many people praying for me that I am sure the surgeons felt the presence of God guiding their skilled hands throughout a difficult and complex four hour surgery. Would you please use your resources to send out a thank you to all who have sent me an email wishing me well, etc.

There were so many that, if I tried to respond to each personally, I would not be able to work on getting the rest I need for my recovery. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. It's so nice to know that when things get tough you have made so many friends that you can turn to.

Thank you all.

You can email well wishes to Bill at cablaws1255@bellsouth.net  He is not up to any phone calls as of now and I will notify you when he is.

Our prayers and get well wishes go out to Bill for a speedy recovery.

Ret. Sgt. Ed Kaercher was having dinner last Thursday with his wife, Eileen, when he suddenly broke out in an extreme sweat and just didn't feel right.  Ed is an EMT with the North Bellmore FD so he knew what the symptons were - the start of a heart attack. After calling an ambulance, Ed was taken to the one place you would want to get to in that predicament - his place of employment - St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center.

While at St. Francis, Ed wound up having two stents inserted on Friday and two more were done today.  We saw Ed in his room and he looked and sounded great.  He is anticipating his discharge on Tuesday so he can go home and start working on his new replacement computer after his old one went belly up in Tropical Storm Irene. Our best wishes and prayers go out to Ed for a speedy recovery and getting back to work.

Well wishes can be sent to Ed at sgt4187@hotmail.com or ekaerche@optonline.net

We received the following news from Lou Hollander:

Due to a problem Bill McKechnie has had since 1976, he will be going into the hospital on Wednesday, September 14th, to have his esophagus removed.  He is expected to be hospitalized for about 8 days.  I will let you know when Bill will be able to receive phone calls. Meanwhile, keep Bill in your prayers.

Lou received this information from Mike’s wife, Ann.  If you would like to send well wishes to Mike, his email address is mndcfc@acopforchrist.com

Last Wednesday, Mike was feeling awful as he was driving by his doctor's office and decided to go in. Big thing for him since he hates to go to the doctor! They sent him by ambulance to the ER. He definitely had a heart attack and mild congestive heart failure.  They ran tests, did a heart catheterization and had 2 stents inserted, one of which was extremely difficult. His heart is only functioning at 30% and his veins are awful. Two of the 3 by-passes they did 3 years ago closed up. 

That night, he had another attack and went into major congestive heart failure; we almost lost him. He had another catheterization and 2 more stents.  He has been bringing up a lot of mucous so they are testing that and in addition, they are doing a CT scan today, hoping to rule out cancer.

Hopefully, they will send him home today or tomorrow.  Please keep him and me in your prayers as my mom is in very serious condition in Ireland and we were supposed to leave this Thursday to go there.

Thanks,
Ann

Our best wishes and prayers go out to Ed, Bill and Mike for a full recovery from their illnesses.