Today I received an email from Al's wife, Eileen, with devastating news...please see below:
My heart is breaking as I write to tell you that Al died Tuesday after a swift, massive, lethal infection hit him Sunday afternoon. ICU drs did everything they could--full life support and then some (giving sometimes more than maximum doses). They could not get ahead of the infection.
If you could please handle the process of full notification of the Wegener's online community, I would be so grateful. Our hands are so full with the arrangements which follow a death.
I also was wondering if you or someone else in the community would write a short piece to be read at his memorial service. It was clear to me that Al was helpful to many people. Some words from you would be so appropriate at the service.
I hope that your own situation will have a positive outcome and I wish you all the best in your dispute. I know Al would have continued to do whatever he could to help you. Working on what he sent to you was the last thing he did on Saturday.
With thanks to you and the whole W's community for embracing Al as he fought his battle with Wegener's,
Eileen Swanson (Mrs Al)
I had written Al for his wisdom and knowledge as I am working through denial for disability in our Virginia Retirement System. His words were comforting and rang true -- now more than ever. WG is always knocking at the door. I trust he has found the panacea we all hope to achieve as our life ends. He was such an inspiration. Our WG community has lost a dear friend. Does anyone live near Al? Would someone like to honor him with words from our WG community at his funeral as Eileen as requested? I'm not sure what to do next ...just so incredibly grateful for Al's friendship.
KB
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