Morgan is doing well!: www.myspace.com/morganhuke
UPDATE: December 16
From Judy at WMFO
I had a nice visit with Morgan Huke this afternoon. He sends his greetings to all the folks at wmfo, and says that he would be happy for people to come visit him. He's had a number of visitors in the 3 days he's been there, but I was the first from wmfo, and, at 2pm, the first today.
The door to his room says visits are restricted to 15 minutes, probably b/c people with this syndrome can get tired easily, but Morgan wasn't tired and I stayed for about 35 minutes.
He was hooked up to a lot of tubes and stuff, but was alert and communicative, though he cannot speak at this time. He can move his head pretty well, can nod yes and no, and can mouth words. I'm so bad at lip reading, but I created a letter board and we could spell out words at a pretty good clip. His attitude was good. I was able to tell him more about this syndrome that he has, and assured him that he will be recovering his nerve and muscle function bit by bit. The nurse told us it is a gradual process and often takes 6-18 months, and, though it can be discouraging, most people make pretty good recoveries.
His pneumonia, which is pretty common with this type of thing, has improved and is almost gone. The nurse says that he is strong.
He's in the Neuro unit at St. Elizabeth Hospital, on Cambridge St. at Washington St. in Brighton, across from the Police Station. I entered on Cambridge St., took the elevator to the 6th floor, then it's a long windy walk to the St. Margaret's wing where the neuro unit is. You can ask anyone on the 6th floor and they'll direct you.
It was easy for me to find free 2 hour parking on the street. I called the hospital first to make sure he was taking visitors.
I'm not sure how long he'll be in the Neuro unit - probably at least a few more days, maybe more, they were very vague, but said that from there he'll go to rehab for 4-6 weeks, either there or somewhere else.
Information on Guillian-Barre Syndrome
GBS/CIDP Syndrome Foundation International
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Information from NIH
G-B Info from the Mayo Clinic website
A Message from WMFO's GM Annie Ross
I wanted to alert you all to some sad news. Morgan Huke, who has been a staple at WMFO over the years and currently has a show and is the music director for numerous departments is in the hospital. Morgan has Guillain-Barre' syndrome and pneumonia. He cannot speak, move, or breathe on his own due to a paralysis. But he is aware of his surroundings and the illness.
As a community, Morgan has touched us all and in this trying time, we need to reach out to him.
Also, the medical bills will be very high for Morgan. Therefore, WMFO will be doing somem sort of benefit to raise money. If you have any ideas or connections, that would be wonderful. We are thinking of a concert but realizing that it is hard especially when time is short, possibly selling stuff on eBay. In addition, we will be collecting a fund. If you have any spare money that you would like to donate to Morgan, please slip it under my door to my office. Along with the card, we can bring over the money.
For more information contact Annie or visit the WMFO website.