Go Red Wings

Hi Everyone,

Earl has been home from the hospital for 3 weeks now and is really getting bored. He is able to go out, almost daily, but is incredibly tired afterward. He is quite an amazing guy...saying the surgery wasn't really that bad. We are having a few problems with the incision, but nothing major. He still has four more weeks without crutches and boy will he be happy to get them back. I must say his balance is getting better and better as he hops from room to room.

Earl is constantly reminding me about the travel plans he has after he is up and at em...wants to go to Calgary, Detroit and maybe even Vancouver and we might go on a cruise depending on how he is feeling. I don't think we can manage all 4 places though so we will have to take a look at making decision in the new year.

Earl goes for his next CT Scan on December 21st, and the Dr. wants us to wait until after the holidays before he gives us the results. We are hoping and counting on good results though. Please keep him in your prayers as we wait yet again for an update on his cancer.

We are struggling right now with the knowledge that one of our good friends, Ramona is in palliative care (for 2 weeks now). We pray for her daily and ask that would join us. She is an amazing, beautiful young woman and we just can't fathom life without her. Earl sometimes deals with why he is doing so well, while others are not.

We are planning to stay home and watch our Red Wings beat the Calgary Flames tonight....they really need and win and so does Earl.....So watch out all you Calgary fans...you might be crying in your beer tonight.

Debbie

Earl is recovering at home and I might add celebrating the DRW's win last night as they stomped on Columbus....9 to 1.

Debbie

Go Red Wings Osgood get's a SHUT OUT

Good Morning,

Earl is recovering quickly, so much so that he will most likely be coming home tomorrow. The Dr. said he was surgically ready to go home on Monday...but physically Earl (...and I ) thought he needed a few more days. Yesterday he was able to stand and transfer to the chair by himself and at physio he was able to hop up 3 stairs, which is important for getting home. I am a bit concerned that Earl will gain confidence to quickly and by doing so will neglect to remember he just had his chest cracked open. We will have to watch him closely so the bones have time to heal and knit together strongly. Earl will still not be able to use his crutches for another 7 weeks.

I am looking for friends and family to come over and visit Earl, so that I can get out, so call or drop us an email if you have time to spare. hopkins5@mts.net

The Detroit Red Wings had a great victory last night with a 3-0 win against Boston...so here's hoping it fuels them up for a win tomorrow and a chance to get back on the victory train.

Take care...and keep praying!
Debbie

Surgery Went GREAT

Hi,

Surgery on Thursday went very well and they were able to remove all three tumors. Two in the upper left lobe and one in the middle right lobe. The Dr. had a good look and feel around and seems to be confident that he found everything that needed to go. That night he watched his Red Wings play....at 9pm can you imagine watching hockey after such major surgery!

Earl is recovering and what a fighter he is. They removed the epidural yesterday and may remove his pain pump today. He was up in the chair 2x yesterday and was able to be taken for a walk and sat up for supper. He still has his sense of humor and had the staff laughing last night.

He enjoys his visitors, and we are hoping to get a phone hooked up today.

Keep on praying and your prayers are being answered in this truly amazing young man's life.

Debbie

The Next Chapter................!

Hi Everyone,

Most of you know that the latest test revealed that Earl has more cancer in his lungs. He will be having surgery on Thursday, Oct 29 at 10:30 am at Health Science Center. The surgery is called a sternotomy and will involve the opening of his sternum to provide access to both lungs. It is a big surgery and the recovery is long, especially because of Earl's need for crutches. He will be off them for about 2 months.

We are also feeling very sad today because another one of our cancer friends has passed on. Billy Jo a lovely 38 year old mother of 2 boys and wife of Steve, lost her battle last Friday. Earl just does not know how to handle it when one of the people we have been supporting and praying for dies.

On a happier note, we just returned from yet another trip to Detroit...I think Earl has earned his Wings...his Red Wings that is. We arrived on Wednesday and attended the morning skate on Thursday, the game with our friend Billy Ritchie on Thursday night, and into the locker room after the game. Then the days that followed took on the same theme....HOCKEY. We also attended a game on Saturday night, after which we said good bye to the team. We did manage a tour of Detroit and a trip to The Ford Museum and church on Sunday. We also had dinner with my cousin's in Windsor. On Monday we headed home, but before we got on the plane we stopped in for a visit at Mt Sinai Hosp in Toronto. Earl was so happy to finally get to go there and not be nervous about surgery. We had a great visit with lots of our friends there and even met a new patient that Earl has already encouraged.

Please keep us in your prayers.....for it is your friendship, support and prayer, that keeps us going.

Debbie

Hi There Everyone,
Earl has been harassing me about getting his blog updated, so here it is. As you may remember Earl had a CT Scan done this past May and the results showed 2 tumors in his left lung. We waited somewhat patiently over the summer for the next Ct Scan and follow-up oncology appt. The results show that the 2 tumors have grown, one of which has doubled in size and a new tumor in his right lung. Earl has been referred to the thoracic surgeon ( Dr Unruh) and so we ask that you join us in praying that we get an appt soon and that he will agree to do the surgery.

I will update again soon, but really wanted to get all you prayer warriors out there to work.

Debbie

Terry Fox Run 2009

Well Followers, it is time for the annual Terry Fox Run and as Terry and his Marathon of Hope have a special place in our heart we are proudly supporting The Terry Fox Foundation in its ongoing work to fund innovative and progressive cancer research programs. The Terry Fox Marathon of Hope is on September 13, 2009 and again my family and friends have joined Earl in his mission to continue what Terry Fox started. We will be running with Earl at Assiniboine Park on September 13 and are looking for pledges and participants to help in this mission.

Earl was diagnosed with the SAME cancer (osteogenic sarcoma) as Terry Fox and after a number of surgeries, he lost his leg last year. He continues to battle the cancer and is not out of the woods yet. But he has succeeded this far and is determined to continue to fight. Terry Fox’s dream is his motivation.

Earl speaks to Schools and communities around Winnipeg, it's surrounding area and just this past week in Calgary about his fight and is an inspiration to everyone who meets him. He has been labelled the Rain Man of hockey by those in the know of hockey and is good friends with Darren Dreger TSN hockey analyst and the coach of the Detroit Red Wings - Mike Babcock - with whom he communicates on a regular basis in regards to his amazing knowledge of hockey stats. He has recently added Kid Rock’s brother’s phone number to his cell phone. And while at the Red Wing’s Stanley Cup finals in Detroit he met some amazing people who paved his way to Calgary last week to attend the Team Canada Hockey Dinner. Our local and national media centres have done a number of stories about Earl. He is truly an amazing kid! Here is the link of the latest interview he did with shaw tv.

http://start.shaw.ca/start/enCA/videos/featuredvideos.htm?fvPgID={468EA86C-67B1-45BA-8D4A-99CC2F12410E}&fvTitle=Terry%20Fox%20Run%202009&href3D171C4BD6BC=mms%3A%2F%2Fprdmediax1.shaw.ca%2FStart%2FShawTV%2FWinnipeg%2FFRI_AUG14%2FW9374.wmv

“People ask me what it’s like to be like Terry Fox. I tell them I wouldn’t call myself HIM, but when I run I do it because I need to find a cure, and when I’m tired I can’t give up because there’s kids dying out there.”

- Earl Cook

CHECK OUT HIS PICTURES

This year – our family is running for another special person. My cousin ( I fondly considered her my niece) Christine was diagnosed with cancer in January. She fought a vicious fight for 7 months, but we had to say good-bye on July 22. Christine was 35 years old and left behind her husband and a three-year-old daughter. We will run in her memory.

If you want to join our team and run with us on September 13, please click here and register. Team name is Earl Cook Friends and Family – Winnipeg MB

http://www.terryfox.org/cgi/page.cgi/Works/find_an_event_site.html?prov=MB&evt=35831

If you want to pledge our run – please donate online by clicking here.

http://www.terryfox.org/cgi/page.cgi/Works/participants.html/LAPDA2

I share the following message with you, as I believe it reflects the core philosophy of this organization and one of the many reasons I choose to support it:

The Terry Fox Foundation firmly believes in its obligation to be fully transparent in all matters relating to fiscal reporting. With only 3 cents of every dollar raised going towards administration, and ten cents going towards fundraising costs, the Foundation is an industry leader in fundraising accountability.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of Earl's goal.

Terry Fox started with a dream of raising one dollar per Canadian for cancer research....and Earl, and the care he has received is an example we can look to for the success of Terry's Dream.

Debbie

Team Canada Camp Here I come!!!!

Earl and Darby are about to set out on another trip of a lifetime, as Earl refers to his little hockey trips. They are leaving tomorrow for Calgary and the Team Canada Hockey Camp. I am not sure if I posted the story of the guys we met on our first trip to Detroit. We were on our way down to the dressing room after the game and part of group consisted of a group of Canadians from Calgary. While we were in the dressing room and Earl and Darby were flitting about in the back with the players...one of these guys came over to me and with great curosity asked me, "who are you and why are your boys so in with the players?" I told him Earls story and they were all happy to see how welcoming the Red Wings were. they were quite impressed with Mike Babcock and the Wings Organization for taking such an interest and going to the lengths that they were to give Earl a real time Hockey Experience. Soon I heard a request" Darby's mom...can you take some pictures of us?" cause here they are in the dressing room of the Stanley Cup Champs and no one has a camera. so I took a bunch of pictures, halled them out to the bench to take some more....and when we returned home I emailed the pictures to them. They were thrilled, because now they had proof and therefore bragging rights...with their friends and colleagues. I received a big thank you and a request to keep them up to date on Earl's health.

I recently emailed them an update telling them how Earl was doing and that he was hoping to come out to Calgary for the Team Canada camp. I received a reply with an invitation to join them in their suite at the Red/White game at the end of the camp. I told them I had to work out a few details and I would let them know if we were able to make the trip or not. The next email I recv'd said that they would like to help us make the trip...... As it turns out my new kitchen cabinets were the detail I was trying to work out and they are being delivered this Thursday...so I was not going to be able to take Earl. Darby is though and when I let this fellow know he replied that he/his company would love to fly Earl and Darby out to Calgary, put them up in a downtown hotel and meet them at the game on Thursday. They are ecstatic.....!!!!! The company's name is Plains Midstream Canada and they are ready to show these boys a memorable time. They will be picked up at the airport in a limo (Earl is so excited as he has never been in a limo beofre) We have spoken to Babs and he will get them into the practices on Wednesday and Thursday, and Plains Midstream has somehow obtained tickets for the boys to attend the Team Canada Dinner on Wednesday night. OOOOOOH I wish I could go too....but it's Darby's turn. They should have fun.

Believe in the Goal 2009

Hi Everyone,

Earl had a great time at the Believe in the Goal/ Super Summer Showdown hockey game. A big thank-you to Darren Helm and Donna Sutherland (Todd Davidson's aunt) for helping Earl and friends to meet some of the players.

On Wednesday Earl and I went to Larders Golf Club where the Golf Tournament portion of the fundraiser was held. We arrived before tee-off and as we wandered around Earl met a number of NHL & AHL players. Darren Helm, Jonathon Toews, Cam Barker, Nigel Daus, Jordan Tootoo, Alexandre Bolduc, Cory Schneide, Rejean Beachemin, and Ace Burpy!

The next evening we went to the Hockey Game at the MTS center, with friends Chris, Rob, and Earl and Ramona Reimer. It was so much fun and Earl's friends were excited as they were able to cash in on Earl's NHL and media connections, with a visit to the broadcast booth during the first intermission and a visit to the dressing room during the 2nd intermission. A good time was had by all and we have a few pictures to help us remember. I have to say it was very exciting to be in the dressing room with so many players from so many teams. If you didn't get a chance to see the game....mark it on your calendar for next year, as it truly was a great game and for a very worthy cause. Check out Todd's story by googling Believe in the Goal/ Todd Davidson.

Earl is also excited because he has been on the phone with Mike Babcock talking about the goalies for Team Canada.

Take care and I will have another update right away about the upcoming Terry Fox Run taking place on September 13 at Assiniboine Park.

Debbie

July Update 2009

Hi Everyone.

Another month has passed and I thought it time to give you an update. Earl is feeling more energetic these days and is excited about a number of things going on. Firstly he is getting revved up for the upcoming Terry Fox "Marathon of Hope" Run on Sept. 13. His team is already starting to grow, so check it out and add your name to the team. Secondly he is excited about his support team's first official meeting. We went to visit some friends at St. Boniface 5b, on Thursday and there ended up being 3 patients and Earl...so we decided that was enough to consider it our first group meeting.

One area of concern is our upcoming CT Scan and follow-up appointment with Dr. Wong. The last CT showed 2 nodules in Earl's left upper lobe and the next one will give us a better idea as to whether they are cancerous or not. If they are then an appt will be booked with the surgeon to see if he will operate and remove them.....Please keep this in your prayers.

Earl and I spent a week cooking out at Camp Nutimik earlier this month and it felt so good to be back serving the Lord in the kitchen. Earl was able to help out daily, but also was able to have a good rest. Earl was excited to share his faith story with 120 staff and campers, and the news we've had heard is that kids at camp are still talking about it....Way to Go Earl.

This Thursday Earl will be attending the "Super Summer Showdown" at the MTS Center with some friends. It is a fundraiser for Cancer in the name of Manitoba grown Todd Davison who played the game of hockey with tremendous speed and a big heart, never letting the big guys stop him. In 2004 on his graduation day from St. Paul's High School he also had a date with a doctor, who performed a biopsy on his left shoulder. Two days later he was introduced to his newest adversary - synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that attacked the tissues surrounding the joint. Following months of extensive radiation and chemotherapy sessions, Todd underwent major surgery in March 2005 on his shoulder. This removed the tumor but left him with limited use of his left arm, and effectively ending his hockey career. Todd passed away in December 2006....which was the same time that I took Earl to the Pan am Clinic to have his sore knee looked at. Come and cheer on Jonathan Toews, Darren Helm, Cam Barker, Travis Zajac, Jordin Tootoo and many more as they put their talent and skills on display in a mid-summer all-star game at the MTS Centre to support young patients in Manitoba with Cancer. Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.ca.

Well take care
Debbie

June Update

Hi Everyone,

It's been a busy time since we last updated the BLOG, so I will try and recap as best as possible.
My last post told you that Earls Red Wings had won the conference final and when that happened we had to make quick plans to get down to Detroit for that weekend. I phoned Thursday at 7am and managed to get a flight out on Saturday morning. We arrived in Detroit (after an almost unthinkable problem with the airline) at 1:30, checked into our hotel where Earl had a quick rest, ate a quick supper and headed to the game. Once again the DRW treated us like family and a car was waiting for us in the lobby. Game 1 was terrifically exciting and we beat the Penguins 3-1. The other exciting thing that happened that night was that we met our friend Anne Marie and while speaking with her, Earl saw a man with one leg and was so excited, we had to stop him and talk to him. Well Billy and Earl were thrilled to meet each other and had a nice visit and we exchanged email/phone numbers. It turns out that Billy is at the game with his brother "Kid Rock", so during the 2nd intermission, Billy brings his brother up to meet Earl and after a quick greeting I get to snap a few photo's. After the game, we head down to the dressing room, which was an experience in itself, as the locker room is a media frenzy. In typical Earl fashion he walks right in like he is part of the team and wanders around making sure he visits everyone. I was amazed to watch him as he knew the names of many of the TV/media personalities, and even some impersonations. It was a blast, and before the evening was over (we once again were close to being the last ones out of the dressing room) Earl had met Ted Lindsay, Don Cherry, Ron Mclean, Scott Oak, Darren Pang, and of course our good friend Darren Dreger. It was 1:30 when we arrived back at the hotel and 2:30 before Earl was able to fall asleep. The next morning we were up early, picked up and at the Joe, for the morning skate. Earl was once again sitting on the bench and hanging out with the players. It is the coolest thing to sit back and watch as these caring players, coaches and equipment staff , take time at a very crucial and focused time of their careers to include Earl in their day. Earl had his new prosthetic leg with him and proudly showed it off, especially the artwork....Detroit Red Wings and the name of his favorite player Henrik Zetterberg. Z, by the way did autograph the butt of Earls new leg.

That evening we had dinner with my cousin Allan and his family wife Gail, kids; Trisha and Keith. We went to the game with them and into the dressing room after the game. They were thrilled and being Detroit fans for many years, have now dubbed Earl their favorite cousin. That night Earl met Garry Bettmen and told him he wanted to see the Red Wings....play the Winnipeg Jets. Detroit wins again 3-1.

On Tuesday we headed to Pittsburgh in a rental car.....for game 3 and a quick peek at the beautiful city. We lost that night. The next morning we headed back to Detroit and then home to Winnipeg. It was a fast paced holiday and we were exhausted by the time we arrived home.

We had a visit with the oncologist on the 9th and were told that there is another nodule growing in his right lung. Upon receiving the ct scan report, it seems there are 2 nodules appearing in his right upper lung. The plan is to wait until Sept at which time a new scan will be done and a plan will be made. Please keep Earl in you prayers.

a

Hi Everyone,

Well today is a good day. Earl's Red Wings won the Western Conference Final last night and we are off to the Stanley Cup Finals in Detroit this Saturday. We will be attending Games 1 & 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins...(the same team we beat last year).

God is so good. When I made my first call to Air Miles, I was told there were no flights available until Sunday,,,,,So I started to try and make a new plan. In my "never take no for an answer" mode, I decided to call back and all of a sudden there were tickets available for Saturday getting us into Detroit just after 2pm, so we can make it to the hotel freshen up and get to the game early. Earl's response when I told him, was it's amazing what can happen when you have faith. How true that is. And once again, I must also say thank you to Mike Babcock and the Red Wings, for continuing the Dream of a Lifetime for Earl.
Take care and we will update when we get home.
Debbie & Earl

GO RED WINGS.....ALL THE WAY TO THE CUP

A new and improved Earl

HI Everyone,

I have been tardy in updating the BLOG...so for that I am sorry, but as many have said....no news is good news RIGHT!!!!

Right. Earl is doing very well these days. We have started the process of reducing his pain meds and he is starting to come to life. He has less nausea and less tummy upset and is starting to sleep less. He has completely recovered from his lung surgery and even though the tumor they removed was malignant Dr Wong will not be treating Earl with chemo. He is confident that the whole mass was removed.....praise the Lord! Earl will see him again in June for follow-up.

Earl's rehab is going very well and he is progressing with his leg at an amazing speed. The prosthetists, Dr's and therapists are all impressed with Earl's success with his new leg. He has starting walking and running....yes running on a treadmill and is starting to train for the Terry Fox Run, which will be held in September.....Mark this on you calendar....because Earl is making his running debut....for Terry! As his energy returns, he is getting motivated to get active, in fact, on Wednesday after rehab in the morning, he played street hockey with his worker our dog Sauer and a buddy. He did a great job and had so much fun. Here is a video...you can watch.
Take care and keep praying.
Debbie & Earl

It with great sadness that we share with you the passing of our good friend Samantha! We met Sam and her family while we were in Toronto in 2007 for Earl's limb salvage surgery. Earl heard the Dr's talking about a girl who had been newly diagnosed and after they left he said he was going for a walk. 20 mins later he came back and said he had met a young girl, named Sam and her family. He told me they were very worried and he encouraged them by sharing his story and his knowledge of osteosarcoma. He also told them if they had any questions they should talk to me, because in his mind I was an expert. We met and over the next 1 1/2 years have become great friends and supporters of each other. Sam was an amazing young woman with a strength few people have, big bright smile and boy was she a fighter. We will miss her, but fond memories of our time with her will not be forgotten . Heaven will be a little britghter now with the arrival of this precious angel.
Debbie

Taken from her Obit...

Mar. 7, 2009 SAM SAMANTHA JEAN FLANNIGAN: As expressions of sympathy, donations to Mt. Sinai Hospital Foundation earmarked for "Sarcoma Research" in Samantha's name would be greatly appreciated by the family by calling the funeral home at 519-742-4481 or condolences at www.mem.com Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you.

Want to HELP....Here's your Chance

As many of you may know Earl is back on the ice playing hockey again. He is hoping to return to the ice one more time this year....so here's hoping he recovers to that point. Earl is a member of the Manitoba Sledge Hockey Team, which is new in Manitoba, this being it's second season. Last year the team had 8 players and this year has grown to in excess of 25 players. We are also happy to announce that we are now a part of Hockey Manitoba, which comes with many benefits and helps us get more ice time. Sledge hockey is a para Olympic sport and in fact Canada has the best team in the world. Anyway....just wanted to give you some background. The opportunity for Earl to play hockey again has made him so happy, and once again he has the ability to get out there and shine.

How can you help?

1) Join us on Saturday April 4th at the Manitoba Moose game. If we sell 100 tickets we will be included in the opportunity to sell 50.50 tickets at MTS events. This is a great way for the team to raise funds. The cost for you to purchase the Moose game ticket is only $15. and we will all sit in the same section.
2) We are hoping to get Earl his own equipment
3) Each team member is given a pledge form....if you think you would like to help out with a donation please let us know.
4) The team is also looking for corporate sponsorship, with which they can purchase sleds, ice time, jerseys and other equipment, and host awareness activities throughout Manitoba.

You know my number so call if you are interested in attending or helping out in any way.

The game should be alot of fun and we can sell more than 100 tickets....so come on out and have some fun while supporting Earl, his team and a very worthy cause.

Have a great day,
Debbie

Surgery a Success

Hi Everyone,

Earl had his surgery on Tuesday and it was short (only 1 hour 10 mins) and everything went very well. They were able do the surgery with a scope which was great news as it will make for a quicker recovery for Earl and it enabled them to get a good look around the lung, which was healthy and showed no other tumors and to remove the tumor. Earl had a bit of a hard time with pain...I am not too impressed with the pain management provided, but Earl is a trooper and made it through the pain. He was feeling more like himselft yesterday and he may even come home today.

I will update again later and share the rest of the story, but right now I need to get on my way to the hospital.

Debbie

Go Wings Go!!!!!

Hi Everyone,

Earl, Darby and I had a great weekend in Minneapolis/St Paul,,,,shopping and hockey,,,What else is there to life!

We left on Thursday, arriving in Albertville around 2:30, checked into our hotel and then headed to our favorite outlet mall. We shopped and shopped getting lots of great deals. The deal of the weekend for Earl was buying 2 NHL jerseys at the Mall of America for $32 US (total that is) and for Darby CROCS fir $2.99 a pair. Darby broke an all time record by buying 10 pairs of shoes!!!!!
We had a great dinner at a Thai restaurant, watched some TV and then crashed for the night.

The next morning we woke up had breaky and then headed back to the Mall to finish up. We stopped at our favorite hamburger place "Culvers" and headed into to St Paul. We checked in and then....guess what!....we went to the Mall of America, where we shopped and had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp.

Saturday morning we headed to the Xcel Energy Center for the Detroit Red Wings/Minnesota Wild morning skate. We had a difficult time finding our way into the arena until Andreas Lilja (who wears # 3) saw us and walked with us down to the dressing room. How cool is that! Once we arrived Earl was in his Happy Place surrounded by his favorite coaches and players. Darby and Earl were certainly made to feel at home and just visited and hung out with the guys. We had taken some pictures when we were in Detroit in November and had them blown up, so Darby and Earl had fun getting the guys to autograph them all. We hung out for quite a while and if you ask the boys I am sure they will have some stories to share with you. Earl wore his prosthetic to show everyone and was walking around without his crutches.....smiling broadly.

After we had lunch at the White Castle, we headed back to the MOA and finished some shopping, then back to the hotel where Earl had a little rest before the game.

We were at the arena by 6 and watched our team unfortunetly loose to the Wild. (5-2) But we congratulate Tomáš Kopecký, on the birth of his baby and on scoring a goal. What a way to celebrate the birth of your baby on the same day. After the game we ventured or should I say adventured our way down to the dressing room. There were quite a few Detroit fans, so we were thankful that we had our "Special Access Passes", but still had a bit of a struggle getting past security until Jiri Hudler (#26) helped get us through. We had a nice visit with Jiri, Chris Draper and Steve Yzermann, before heading into the dressing room. We hung out again and then said our goodbyes....funny we were almost the last to leave the dressing room.

Once again a very big thank-you to Mike Babcock and the Detroit Red Wings for making yet another dream come true!!!!! I will post some pictures, in a bit.

Earl heads into hospital tomorrow morning for surgery at 10:30...so please think of him and keep him in your Prayers.

Debbie

Upcoming Surgery

Hi Everyone,

We have seen the lung surgeon and the date has been set. Earl will have what they call a wedge resection of his right lung on February 24th at Health Science Center. The surgery will take place at 10:30 am and he is expected to be in hospital for 3-4 days. (provided there are no complications) We were at the hospital today for a pulmonary assessment and Earl did great. We have one more pre-surgical appt next week with the anesthesiologist.

Earl is not to worried and as usual has a very positive attitude. His rehab and working with his prosthesis will be put on hold for a while, but I am sure he will be back at it in no time.

I came up with a plan to keep his mind off of the upcoming surgery...and thankfully Mike Babcock came through again, so we will be traveling down to St Paul next weekend to see the Detroit Red Wings play the Minnesota Wild. Mike is one incredible guy and we are blessed in getting to know him. Earl will be able to attend the morning skate and then of course the game in the evening. He is hoping we will be invited into the dressing room after....so let's all cross our fingers.

Earl will be playing his last sledge hockey game of the season on Monday Feb 16 from 8:45 to 11:00 at Silverstone Arena in Fort Richmond. So if you want to see him in his glory and check out the game of Sledge Hockey....come on out...I know he'd love to see you there.

Please keep Earl in your prayers and keep in touch.
Debbie