Coupe family friend in need of prayers

[Russ Thompson]

Guys I wanted to offer my prayers to Andy, Karens husband. He has been diagnosed with a serious ailment and I hope all our prayers can help the family.
Andy, Karen and the rest of your family and friends, know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hang in there Andy!

[riptide motorsport]

X2,,,,prayers sent.

[Hankl]

Russ,

Here's the latest from the Site for Andy's surgery.

Surgery Update
Andy's out of surgery, and the procedure went well. The surgeon was able to remove the tumor, however, they have determined it is a very malignant form of cancer, so the prognosis is less than favorable.

As so many folks have mentioned, each person battles these things differently, and we are moving forward with hope. Andy's in ICU recovering now, and I've been blessed to be joined by a number of close family and friends here at the hospital. Thanks to everyone for the warm wishes, and we know there's a small army of awesome people out there praying for all of us, and we are deeply grateful. Warmest regards and many thanks to everyone. Your prayers brought him through, and are sustaining us as we move forward.

Hank

[MikeJones]

Hi, Karen:
My best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery for Andy. My cousin is going through chemo right now, and it is amazing the tools that are available to help. Keep up the positive attitude as much as possible as that is very important too.

Regards, Mike

[Hankl]

From yesterday @ 10:30PM

Progress Report...Recovery Begins....
Andy spent the rest of the day under the watchful eye of nursing staff in the ICU. He is understandably very tired, and is resting comfortably tonight. The road to recovery began today, and we'll be working hard to ward off any lasting effects.

It's been a tough day for sure, and I will never be able to express just how much your kind words and support mean to our family. The outpouring of love, kindess and understanding are simply overwhelming, All of your prayers and words of encouragement are providing strength in our journey ahead. Deepest thanks to everyone!! We're feeling the love!!

Hank

[tfalk]

I was wondering why Karen hadn't replied to an email I sent her, now I know...
Take care Karen and Andy, hope everything goes well!

[289_FIA]

Karen, Myself,Diane,Pete and Cheryl all send our best to you and Andy. Hang in there big fella...we're pulling for you.(and i need some autocross tips!!)

Mike

[KodiakCoupe]

Karen, we're all with you. Prayers and hope sent on Andy's behalf.

[John Dol]

Karen,

I wish you and Andy all the strength for a speedy recovery. Keep the faith, miracles do happen. I was able to enjoy my dad for 24 more years!

John

[Hankl]

Guys,

Here's the URL for Andy's site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andysalvaggio

Yesterdays Update...

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011 9:22 PM, PDT

Day 3: Two Steps Forward; One Step Back....
Today brought more visitors, including dear friends from Andy's beloved Corvettes Unlimited car club, and contact from so many good friends in Desert Corvette Association, Corvettes Super Sports, Vettes R Us, Guldstrand Racing Association, and numerous friends from our Factory Five Racing family.

Andy's been a member of the Corvettes Unlimited family for somewhere in the neighborhood of forty years, and he's literally grown up and lived his entire life withn the Southern California Corvette group, who have all become members of his/our extended family. He's a Chevy Guy through and through, and when I went all "Blue Oval" on him some six years ago, he had to "learn" something other than the gospel of Zora (Yes, it's nothing short of sheer blasphemy to speak the "F"-word in a Bow Tie-lover's garage!), I can't tell you how many wrenches sailed across the garage on a regular basis with a "@#%%^ (expletive deleted) Fords!!!" following them as they bounced off the wall!!! He mastered it though, and while every day working on something with a distributor in front of the intake manifold is one day away from his true love, worked tirelessly to achieve success.

Through our racing adventures in the Factory Five Challenge Series in the last six years, and running around So Cal and half the United States with our FFR roadster friends, we found a whole new group of caring and wonderful people who have grown to be an even greater extension of our family. What a ride, and hearing from everyone has sure brought back lots of good memories. I know he appreciated seeing his wonderful friends today, and every time I see him, I update him with the wonderful, loving posts here. He knows you are thinking of him and sending lots of healing energy his way.

Now three days out from the surgery, the day began with more assessments, especially in terms of pain and progress in motor skills. A good deal of swelling developed from the surgery, which unfortunately manifested itself in an increased level of discomfort. I know one of the most frustrating aspects of all this for Andy is the fact that his speech is just not coming togther as quickly as he'd like. He has had a rough go of it in communcating what he wants to tell someone. With some additional medication for the pain and the primary notion that he continue to rest and build his strength, he spent the greatest part of the day sleeping (with the exception of the time spent with physical therapists, who he doesn't like very much right now, as well as the folks working with him to regain his speech). I know this may be hard to believe, but "Mr. Nice Guy" can be pretty ornery when he wants (no surprise to some of you that have known him for a long time though . The nurses and caregivers have been absolutely wonderful though, and while they push him to work through these things, they are kind and very encouraging in their work...Like so many of you, yare angels on earth for sure.

Our entire family truly appreciates the continued prayers and outpouring of support you have shown for Andy. Many of you have offered to help in any way (very kind), and as I was sitting in the hospital at Andy's side today, I was thinking that something we might all appreciate would be to share in some of Andy's many adventures over the years by posting more photos here on the website. It would be great if anyone having photos of Andy could send them along, and I will post them here. I know he will enjoy them....Thanks again everyone...The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Hank

[Russ Thompson]

To Andy, my dad went thru this so I know how hard it is for a guy that likes to get around, take your time and it will come back, don't rush the healing.

Karen, the people that work in the hospitals do so many wonderus things and are so caring, they are just fantastic, tell them for us we apreciate all they do, they make things so much easier for family and friends. WE should all do so much good for our fellow man!

We are herr for you, take care and get well fast Andy!

[Hankl]

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011 11:51 PM, PDT


Day 4....Rest and Recovery
Thursday brought Following his daily medical checks and assessments, Andy spent the biggest part of the day resting, and just catching up on what continues to be some very much needed sleep. The milestone of the day was having the health techs and nursing staff assist Andy into a chair, in which he spent the better part of the morning. Moving out of the bed is a good thing, especially in terms of keeping his lungs clear; So the chair time was indeed a welcome sign to staff (although the getting there and getting back were not so enjoyable for Andy.).

Vital signs still look good, and if things stay on course overnight, he's scheduled to move to a post-operative care unit as soon as tomorrow. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the progress continues. He's still having dificulty with words though, and mobility on the right side is compromised. Physical therapists are working with him daily though, and the plan is to continue building his strength day by day, and slowly build up the right side strength.

Thanks to everyone who already sent pictures...Great memories for sure....I'll be taking my computer to the hospital tomorrow and sharing every one of them with Andy...Great memories for sure!!

Your continued prayers and good wishes are greatly appreciated, and we enjoy reading the wonderful stories in the Guestbook. What a rare opportunity for all of us to share in the good times, while our family and friends come together to tackle the challenges of the future....Thank you! Love and hugs from all of us!

Hank

[Hankl]

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2011 8:03 AM, PDT

Day 5: Steady Progress
Lots of visitors and some very good progress today. Biggest events included the move out of ICU overnight to a regular room (yea!), and then an even bigger move out of the hospital and into a care facility around dinner time....Lots of activity for our little Andy, and as you may imagine, he was ready for sleep by the time he was settled into his new digs.

His vital signs remain strong, which was the bais for the decision to move him from ICU to a unti where the focus will shift to working on the speech and physical therapy that he needs.

Andy is allowed visitors, and is in Community Care, 4070 Jurupa Avenue, Riverside, CA.....I've recieved lots of pictures (thanks everyone!!, and will work at posting them later today.

Short post for now, as I'm heading back down to see Andy. We both wish everyone here a Happy Memorial Day weekend, and hope you spend some good times with family and friends!

Hank

[rocket]

Hey Andy and Karen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these tough times, but I know you will kick this in the butt!! Know this, your room at the "hotel Anderson" for the 4th weekend is waiting! (Besides, Andy, you can't get out of helping me with a clutch problem on my car!)
See you soon,
Rick

[crossle45f33cf]

Andy and Karen
I'm a coupe owner/builder in Tucson. We haven't met but I look forward to the day when we can. I've followed, with great interest and well wishes, your adventures racing your coupe, especially at the T-hill 25 hour. In the past, I've crewed for a friend from Washington who has run a Datsun 240Z, with a 350 Chevy engine, in that race. It is truly the greatest test of a road racing team. Your results are commendable.

This challenge that you're faced with is much like the 25 Hour. It's a test of everyone involved and one that will require all your resources to emerge victorious. You've already done a lot of the hard work. You found the problem and you acted quickly to eliminate it. Now comes the long hard road to recovery.

You've got lots of people in your corner. Good doctors, health care professionals, therapists. Family and friends that will do anything they can to help you through this trial. Most of us pray for you both and for your other loved ones as well.

Take the time, whatever it takes, to get well. And, use the help of those who offer it to help take some of the burden off so that you can devote yourself to the hard work of recovery without worrying about the little stuff that isn't getting done.

You've been an inspiration to us all. Let us help you in your time of need.

From one cancer survivor to another...

[Hankl]

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2011 9:48 PM, PDT

Day 6.....Rest and Visiting with Good Friends.
Yesterday was a very big day for Andy, and today he spent the entire day sleeping and sleeping....With all of our racing over the years, Andy's been a pretty busy guy, so we're thinking he's just really relishing the opportunity to get some real rest.

It was great to see some of Andy's dearest friends from Corvettes Unlimited today, who made the long trip down from the High Desert and Central Valley to see him. While "The Maestro" was pretty much snoozing most of the day (and checking in with us from time to time), we had a wonderful time visiting and catching up on things. Thanks for visiting with us!!

Progress is slow at this point, and we're still waiting for a lot of the swelling to go down. He still has a long way to go, and while we're happy to have him out of the hospital, we are still guarded with him, and watching things closely.....Vital signs still good, and we're being patient with the expectations, as the reality is this was a very big surgery, and our greatest healer continues to be time (and lots of prayers and good wishes from our wonderful friends and family).

Thanks so everyone that sent pictures already. I've added them to the Photos here on the website, and we are truly enjoying each one of them. So many good memories with all of you!! Good times with very good friends!

Hank

[vnmsss]

To our Coupe friends.......I can't begin to thank you for the kind words, prayers, and continued good wishes for Andy and for our family. Many members of our family and friends know that we race and spend lots of time working on cars and running off to race tracks, but I don't think the vast majority of them truly realized the breadth and extent of this community until we witnessed the overwhelming out-pouring of love and support over the last week. You are truly amazing people, and we are so blessed with your kindess. Love and hugs from all of us.....Karen

[Hankl]

MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 8:12 AM, PDT


Day 7.....More progress
Another restful day, however the physical therapist had Andy working on building some strength on the right side, and practicing sitting in a chair to hold his own weight. The biggest progress of the day was the downscaling of the size of the bandage, as the healing progress is going well. Andy is able to wear a more scaled down version of his turban now.

The outpouring of love and support continues (thanks so much everyone), and we enjoyed more visits with good friends today. Athough much of the time Andy is still resting with his eyes closed, he listens in to the conversation, and enjoys having the company, I shared many of your posts with him, and I know we're all enjoying the many pictures we've been able to post on the site. Thanks again everyone!!!

We begin the long road of after care this week, including radiation treatment which begins tomorrow. Andy will be a busy guy every day, with speech and physical therapy, radiation treatments, and of course, his regualr visits with his medical team who are monitoring his progress and moving forward with aggresse treatment.

Today is Memorial Day, and as many of you know, Andy and I are both veterans of the armed forces (USAF). As I've done for a number of years, I visited the Riverside National Cemetery over the weekend to pay respect to our veterans, and this year I joined fellow Factory Five racer (and Vettes R Us club president), TC McNett to help him and a large number of friends place more than 11,000 flags on the markers of our fallen heroes. It was an amazing experience indeed......TC sent a flag to Andy as well, and it's in his room for him to enjoy.

Please keep the prayers and good wishes coming...They're working,,,,We know everyone of you would be here if you could!

Love and big hugs! Karen

Hank

[Russ Thompson]

Hank, thanks for posting these updates!


Andy, Karen an the whole family, as I worked in my shop today and watched the memorial stuff going on I often thought of you guys and hoped everything was going well. There are no words I can say that will change a thing, I can only offer my prayers and hope for better days. Better days lay ahead for you all! Keep the faith!

[Hankl]

Russ,

It's my pleasure.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011 7:09 AM, PDT


Day 8: A Good Day
It seems like Andy's finally gotten enough rest to begin the long road of speech and physical therapy. He spent the day visiting with friends, and while he still is not able to talk with folks, he appreciates holding hands and acknowledges with head nods and smiles. It's clear he wants to talk, and works to put the sounds together. It's getting much better though, and again, we're all learning the meaning of "patient."

He's eating well, and really enjoyed the fresh strawberries our good friends brought straight from the fields. He'd developed this interesting habit of snapping his fingers if he wants something, or if he wants to acknowledge something said, and we were all laughing about the fact that he wouldn't be getting away with that at home, and think he's just taking advantage of being "The King." ;.)

The facility in which he is staying is a very active and busy place, with lots of activities for guests. They hosted a Memorial Day BBQ in the afternoon, and while Andy couldn't make the trip over there, it was clear that the staff and patients were enjoying a festive day, which carried over into their smiles and conversation when they visited the room to care for Andy.

Thanks for the kind words on our military service, and Andy and I would send those same thoughts out to those of you visiting here who served our country as well. Freedom is anything but "free", and we appreciate all you and your family members that served (and are still serving today).

The photos are also very much appreciated, and I received another batch yesterday, which I'll work on posting in the Photo pages over the next day or so.

Your continued kindness, love, and words of encouragement are helping to sustain us on thie journey, and our family continues to be grateful for your support. You're amazing folks!!!

Hank

[Hankl]

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011 11:57 PM, PDT


Day 9......It's good to be Italian!
Well, today was the day that speech therapy began in earnest, and while Andy was his usual accomodating self, he wasn't completely thrilled with having to start "learning" how to talk all over again. There are many things that can be said about Italians, but they are known to be animated folks that live and love life to the fullest every day.....The other thing we know about Italians is they simplay cannot talk without using their hands..:>) Well, since our Andy is a true Italian of the vintage variety, Andy's demonstrated that talking with his hands is genetically imbedded. Pointing, gesturing, and making hands signs that almost look like he's giving us a blessing (or maybe a curse) is now commonplace, and of course he uses various finger patterns to let us know how happy (or unhappy) he is with something....He also snaps his fingers to let us know that something is easy, or if it can be done in a hurry.

The speech therapist was there for the better part of an hour this afternoon, and she was working with Andy on recognizing simple words, or rote memorization, such as counting and singing simple songs.....He made progress with the sounds he's creating, and she will be back again to work with him more tomorrow. Big day tomorrow in that he will be very happy to see some life-long friends frro his Corvette racing days as well.

Each day has its own challenges, and we approach each sunrise with hope.....Thanks again to everyone for the good wishes, and the prayers....They are very much appreciated.

Karen

Hank

[Hankl]

Journal THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011 7:01 AM, PDT


Day 10: No rest for the weary....
Today was a non-stop day of activity for Andy; The day began with a visit with the speech and physical therapists, and then visits with more of Andy's longest and dearest friends from Corvettes Unlmited. After lunch and a few minutes to rest, Andy had his first trip out of the facility, traveling to his oncologist for consultation and discussion of his treatment plan, and to prepare for upcoming radiation treatments which will better assure the progress of the cancerous cells is halted following the surgery.

So many of you have reached out to share personal stories of your fight with cancer, or the fight you closely watched of loved ones who have experienced this devastating illness. Your insight on treatment options, do's and don'ts, and experienced advice regarding Andy's care going forward is very much appreciated. The folks at Riverside Community Hospital are part of a bigger network of cancer treatment centers and research hospitals, and Andy's treatment plan is following the current best practice in the field. We remain open to all innovative and forward-thinking research and knowledge in this area though, so please feel free to forward any knowledge, experience or information to us and we'll put it in the decision-making hopper.

I want to thank everyone for sending so many great pictures. I uploaded another group of Andy photos last evening, and we've reached the 51 photo limit here on the site. I would encourage each of you to visit the photos, and feel free to add comments, as Andy enjoys hearing from folks, and it helps re-build connections for him. Thanks!

While the photo feature is full here on the site, pleae keep sending pictures, as I've created an online website for us to share more photos, and will post everything you send there, and will post the link here. We are truly enjoying the photos from all the fun and good times Andy shared with all of you (and which he plans to have more of), and appreciate the effort it takes to scan, crop, re-size, and send along to us so we can all share in the memories.

Thanks again everyone. Andy knows he's loved by so many folks, and your positive energy, memories of the good times, and positive thoughts are helping him and all of us through this very difficult time. We love you guys!!!! Karen

Hank

[Russ Thompson]

I think there are few of us now days that are untouched by Cancer, infact it's just too common.
I know we all feel for what you guys are ging through and it's heart warming seeing all the people come out and express there prayers and heartfelt support. I want to offer my thanks to everyone . Lets keep up the prayers and help Andy get through this!

[Hankl]

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2011 6:50 AM, PDT


Room 310: Grand Central Station
Today marks one week since Andy moved to the Community Care facility. It's an active place for sure, that, while the primary focus is upon rest and rehabilitation for residents there, is a place full of life and activity. Andy's room, however, has taken the word activity to a new level though, and even the social services director, who's office is just around the corner from Andy's room, commented that the continuous stream of foot traffic and visitors to Andy's room has been a bit amazing.

Andy's wonderful niece, Gina, who has been an absolute gem through all of this, spent the late morning and early afternoon with Andy. The physical therapists had Andy standing early in the day, and while it's shakey, and supporting his own weight is a challenge, the encouraging feeing of just getting up out of the bed is worth every step, and I know it made Andy feel like he's finally getting somewhere in his rehabilitation. Speech therapy continued today as well, although he was pretty tired from the physical therapy earlier in the day, so the work will carry forward today.

It was a beautiful, sunny day here in Southern California, and Andy made his first trip outside to enjoy the flowers, trees, birds, and just the beauty of the outdoors. He certainly enjoyed it, and I know he'll be looking forward to enjoying the sunshine again today.

Some very good friends from Andy's SCCA racing days made the trip out from the Valley, and were good enough to bring a guestbook with them so visitors can sign-in. Our neighbors from Lake Mathews (Gavilan Springs) also made the trip into town to visit with Andy, which was very kind. Our home is out "in the sticks" as many of you call it, and while we tend to go about our day to day lives in a somewhat independent manner (caring for acreage requires lots of work), country folks also tend to rally around each other in time of need...Great folks for sure....At the rate Andy's having visitors, it won't take long to fill that visitor book up. ;.)

An evening visit from Tracy and grandson Evan was a welcome surprise for Andy. He truly loves our grandbabies.......One of Andy's wonderful visitors (thanks Mike!) brought a Hot Wheels Camaro for Andy, which was sitting on the table next to Andy's bed. Evan, being a car nut (imagine that), spied the car immediately, made a beeline for the Corvette and played with it during his visit. Andy enjoyed watching him play.......with a Chevy!!! :>)

We're enjoying the photos immensely, and will post the newest ones in a few days. Thanks again for your continued prayers and kindness. Your love and support is carrying us through.

There are two ways to live your life; One as though nothing is a miracle; and the other as if everything is a miracle. ~ Albert Einstein

Caring Bridge Photos: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andysalvaggio/photos

Feel free to add comments....Andy is enjoying the memories!

Hank

[289_FIA]

Just posted to Andy's book again.This is really great progress.

[Hankl]

Journal SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011 8:15 AM, PDT


Weekend Report....More Rest and Visits with Friends
With the Corvettes Unlimited annual awards banquet slated for this weekend, we knew Andy would have a chance to see more of his good friends from the club. Thanks to those of you who stopped by and gave Andy your good wishes and shared some of the many good memories from all the fun you had running around the Valley with you cool cars....We hope you have lots of fun at the gathering this afternoon....Please know that, as Andy and our family have worked through this difficult time, you have all demonstrated the meaning of true friendship.

Saturday was a busy day in the morning, and by afternoon, Andy was ready for some rest, so he pretty much slept and visited with staff here and there in between snoozes. He's making some progress with the speech, but again, it's very slow, and keeping his spirits up about it gets difficult at times. I think given the situation, any of us would understand how darn frustrating it would be to want to say lots of things, but only be able to make a few sounds and gestures to express those thoughts....We're pushing through it though, and each day he gains a bit.

Today will be a quiet one for Andy, and we're planning on taking him outside to enjoy the blue skies and some fresh air. Tomorrow will be a big day, with a visit to his neurosurgeon scheduled in the morning, and then back for physical and speech therapy in the afternoon.

Thanks again to everyone for continuing to keep Andy in your thoughts and prayers. He needs them now more than ever, as he continues to push through the plateaus of recovery and keeping hope in the front of his mind.....Hugs and love to everyone!

Hank

[AZCOUPE]

I've been so busy in the garage, that I'm just now reading this post. The best to you both Andy and Karen! Positive thoughts and prayers...

Dave Hall

[Hankl]

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011 6:56 AM, PDT


Next Steps.....
Sunday began with a visit to the physical therapy center located within the Community Care facility. Andy worked on standing, holding his own weight, and some balance activities. With some great help from staff, Andy was able to make small progress in building his strength, particularly on the right side, which is still very compromised following the surgery.

Andy enjoyed a very welcome visit with grandson Evan (3 years old), who has become his garage side-kick, and loves his Papa. Evan brought a couple of Hot Wheels cars and spent a good deal of time showing Andy how to take the wheels off.. ;.).

Today (Monday) will be a busy one. We head off to our follow-up appointment with the neurosurgeon this morning (it's been two weeks since the surgery), and then back to Community Care for physical, speech and occupational therapy in the afternoon. Andy has also been blessed with visits from friends throughout the day, and while he may be snoozing or catching up on rest when each of you arrives, he knows you're there, and the memories you spur just by being there to see him are building the neuron pathways to recovery.

Radiation treatments are slated to begin this week, and once we know the schedule, I'll post at least a brief review of them here, so folks will know when he'll be off site for his therapy visits. We know many of you travel long distances to share time with Andy, and I will make every effort to keep everyone aware of the schedule here.

We read the guestbook comments regularly, and your words of encouragement truly serve to keep our spirits up. Thank you, thank you!

Hank

[Hankl]

Journal TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011 6:45 AM, PDT


The Road Ahead......
Monday began with a visit to physical therapy, and then off to the neurosurgeon for a follow-up visit. Andy's able to lift weights with the left arm, and is getting stronger each day. He continues to work on building his strength and balance to support his weight in standing, and the progress is encouraging. He spent more time awake today than any day prior, and although his day was full of activity, he engaged with folks throughout the day and seemed to enjoy getting outdoors.

The neurosurgoen trip was for the purpose of checking the healing progress of the incision, and the report was very good. During the surgery, which was now two weeks ago, the surgeon was able to remove better than ninety percent of the tumor. The neurosurgeon inserted chemo wafers at the site of the tumor during the procedure as well, and they began working to attack the malignant cells immediately. Andy will begin focused radiation over the next several weeks for the purpose of halting the growth of the remaining cells.

So many of you have contacted me to share your own story, or the stories of friends or relatives, who have faced this very difficult challenge. Cancer reseach and experimental treatment is perhaps the greatest frontier of current medical exploration, and as you can imagine, the learning curve for us has been virtually verticle. A few of you have stepped to serve as guides in our understanding, and we truly appreciate the advice/knowledge of trusted friends. Perhaps the greatest lessons learned to date include the fact that every cancer case is unique, treatment varies widely within the medical community, and that the reality of having the "C"-word enter your life will challenge your strength of conviction and remind you of you love of life on a daily basis. There are good people working behind the scenes to provide hope in even the darkest moments though, and remaining focused on the daily work of recovery and guiding your own treatment plan are of paramount importance each day.

In addition to all of the advancements in cancer treatment, we are also learning about the importance of diet and balancing your body's system, as key elements in mitigating or even preventing cancer. Much is yet to be learned, and again, every case is different. We approach each day with hope, building our knowledge, asking questions, and working in concert with our treatment team to effect positive physical progress each day.

Your prayers and continued words of encouragement are deeply appreciated as we travel the road ahead. We are truly blessed to have a wonderful (and very, very big) family. ....Warmest regards.....Karen

Hank

[Vman7]

Karen, Andy and your family is in my prayers.

[Hankl]

Journal WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 8:00 AM, PDT


Steady Progress and Big Thanks!
Each day Andy is interacting more and more with everyone, and while he still drifts off in between all of the activities, he acknowledges folks when they enter the room, and it's clear he likes getting out of bed and moving about the facility.

Daily physical and speech therapy are proving to be helpful. The folks that perform these services are simply angels, and their kindness and encouraging approach with Andy in tackling these challenges is heartening. Andy is still building strength on the right side (arm and leg), however, he is able to hold a very small amount of weight on the right side while standing, which is a promising sign.

Things will be relatively quiet for the next two days....Daily speech and physical therapy will continue, as will trips outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Next big day will be Friday, when we have a follow-up MRI slated, which is very important, as the results will provide the team with an updated picture of the tumor, through which the size and growth/diminishment will be evaluated.

Thanks again to everyone for your continued kindness through your prayers and good wishes. Very special thanks to Dave Smith, Sally Bean and everyone at Factory Five Racing for sending along the very cool (and very kind) Factory Five Racing hat, which was signed by all of the great folks back there in Wareham, MA. Frank Maslowski delivered the hat on Saturday, and it brought a big smile to Andy. The Factory Five Racing community is like no other, and we are humbled to be even a small part of such a truly amazing group of people. We feel surrounded by love and support, and truly appreciate your kindness. To all of our FFR friends, best wishes for a wonderful Open House this weekend. Looking forward to the announcement of the 818 Design Contest winners!......Warmest regards....Karen

Hank

[Dave Smith]

Continued thanks for the updates. Frank was the genius behind the signed hat and Sally made her way around the office and shop with it to be signed. Words cannot come close to describing the LOVE and genuine care for Andy and Karen and all of us are just so grateful for the updates. We have a nice surprise in store and are jusrt praying that Andy keeps improving a bit every day. My Dad's a deacon in the Catholic Church and he has ALOT more faith than I do. I struggle with my beliefs and yet Ive hit my knees and prayed hard for Andy and Karen.... The best people.

[Russ Thompson]

Dave, your right, it's even harder on the faith sometimes when this kind of thing kits such nice people. Let's just keep the faith anyway we can and keep sending out the prayers.

[riptide motorsport]

Praying......

[Hankl]

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011 9:49 PM, PDT


Talking, a Little....
Andy had another busy day with the physical and occupational therapists.....Later in the afternoon, the speech therapist (a wonderful, kind, and truly skilled woman) checked in with us, and let us know that Andy's therapy session earlier in the day had gone very well....Now, before everyone thinks he's talking up a storm over here, "very well" means that he counted to ten, hummed a familiar tune, and named an object (her watch) without prompting.....This, my friends, is what (in a truly relative way), is interpreted as "very well." We'll take it though, and it's amazing how even small progress can be cause for great celebration.

For those of you living here in So Cal and have stopped by to visit with Andy, you might get a kick out of this...Every day when I arrive, it's like a Sherlock Holmes mystery theatre for me in figuring out who's been there today....Wonderful little momentos show up every day....Hot Wheels cars, beautiful plants, flowers, a whimsical bird sculpture, Car & Driver magazines, Classic Car Traders, and even some sacred sand (we know that's from you Charlie ;.)....While it's really not "funny," I know you guys would get a kick out of watching me "talk" to Andy (in a 30 questions kinda way) to figure out who had stopped by today...The "conversation" usually goes like this, "So Andy, who brought the little white Hot Wheels Indy car? Was it someone from the Corvette Club (head nod, no)...Was it someone from the museum (Eyebrows raise, head nod know)? Was it someone here (Furoughed brow, thinking, uh, no)?....Was it. (fill in the blank)..Uh, uh.......?...Oh well, it's very cool...So, do you want to race this one and the red Camaro on the tray table? Yes?...Uh....Hey, stop putting butter on the axles! (Cheater!)..Ahhh, racers, always looking for an advantage!

While I still haven't figured out just who to thank for all the fun (and loving) stuff that's showed up in the room, I'll just send along a big hug to you guys for making Andy's day...He knows how much you care. ;.)

Tomorrow is a big day, and we continue to move forward with hope that the MRI results bring good news. We fully understand this is one big wish though, and while we know the power of prayer and that a sea of wonderful folks are sending good thoughts our way, we also know that this will continue to be one tough battle.....Your kindness and continued prayers are very much appreciated. Love and hugs....Karen

Hank

[Hankl]

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011 12:13 PM, PDT


Enjoy your weekend!
I know many of you (like us) are awaiting the results of the latest tests, and it looks like we won't have any news on that front until Monday.....Andy will be continuing with his physical and speech therapy today, and we hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable weekend with family and friends.

Thanks again to all of our friends and family, especially the awesome folks at Factory Five Racing, the Riverside Automotive Museum, and all of the fantastic members of our Corvette Club communities who continue to surround us with love and kindness. You are a truly amazing group of individuals!!! Wamest regards and sincere thanks to each of you....Karen

Hank

[Vman7]

Thank you very much for all the updates Still praying.

[Hankl]

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2011 7:13 AM, PDT


A Good Weekend......
Andy had a restful weekend, and enjoyed several trips outdoors to bask in the warm sunshine. Andy found great cause to celebrate (as a few of you have already mentioned), the news headline, "Corvette Wins LeMans!" Around our house, this is BIG news, and Andy was noticeably pleased at the news. We're endurance racers at the very core, and winning LeMans (and beating Ferrari) is considered the Holy Grail for American racing. On Andy's behalf, "Woo! Hoo!" http://www.corvetteracing.com/

Physical and speech therapy continued over the weekend, and it seems he's finally caught up on his sleep enough to enjoy interacting with folks for up to thirty minutes at a time. He still dozes off from time to time, but he wants to interact, and we're all becoming fluent in jiberish.

Andy enjoyed visits from Evan and Kendall twice this weekend, and he was very happy to share some wonderful time with several of you here. Thank you! We all enjoy reading the Guestbook each day, and your daily posts sending along so many memories from the fun you had together, as well as the good wishes for Andy and our family, are simply wonderful.

We'll keep everyone posted on the medical progress, as this week will bring a better idea of the treatment plan as we move into the next few weeks.

Thank you, and we hope you have a great day!!

Hank

[Hankl]

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2011 6:33 AM, PDT


Our Tomorrows Begin Today.....
Still celebrating Corvette's victory at LeMans last over here, which took place as Chevrolet celebrates its 100th anniversay. It was indeed a proud day for the Bow Tie world, and for the bigger landscape of American racing as well. Very cool that our fellow Challenge Series racers John and Andy Teaby, who live in Monterey, have a good friend on the LeMans Corvette team. We're looking forward to hearing their story when they return.....How very cool it would be to attend LeMans.

Andy's long time friend Larry Pearson spent some quality time with Andy today, as did Lytle Theisen, who's daily visits are cause for big smiles from Andy each evening when he arrives. Tex and Maxine...I share your Guestbook entries, along with everyone's posts each day, and they always bring a smile as he recalls the great memories. Thanks for sharing the stories from your days racing Corvettes at Riverside, Ontario, Las Vegas, and all those great tracks/events..It's also great to recall all the fun we had at the Corvettes West events we attended (Big Bear Bash...Woo! Hoo!), as well as all the good times with our Guldstrand Racing Association (GRA), Vettes R Us, Desert Corvette Association (DCA), and Corvettes Unlimited friends (all clubs in which we are still members) .The memories and stories of all the fun are helping Andy re-connect and build his speech skills.

The latest test results from Friday's scan have been reviewed by the treatment team, and we received word yesterday that the tumor area has stabilized, and they are ready to begin radiation treatments. Andy will continue his twice daily physical and speech therapy, and will be making daily trips to the radiation center for the next seven weeks.

With still no movement on the right side, Andy will be transported daily for his 1:30 PM treatment beginning today. The center is located in San Bernardino, which will require a thirty minute trip each way....For those planning a visit over the next weeks/months, it's safe to say that visiting in the morning before noon, or later afternoon (after 3:00) would be the best time.

Thanks again to everyone who has posted in the Guestbook. We have heard from so many loved ones and cherished good friends. It's amazing to know how much love, support and kindness surround you on a daily basis. Thank you! Karen

Hank

[bil1024]

Thanks for the updates