[GFCA] FW: Latest Ken Grodd update: Home from rehab

[Sean Hiland]

For those of you that know former Pius debate coach Ken Grodd. He's doing well so far but keep him in your thoughts and prayers.




I spoke with Ken Grodd last Thursday evening.  First of all, he sends everyone his heartfelt gratitude for all the notes, cards, messages and prayers he has received and sincerely regrets that he cannot possibly respond to each one, but wants everyone to know he has been touched by every single remembrance.  I know he has definitely felt the love we've been sending his way.

The surgery for removal of the tumors in his brain was successful beyond expectation.  They were able to remove more than anticipated and what's left is expected to respond to chemotherapy.  However, as he puts it, the 'collateral damage' from the surgeon's radical approach has resulted in some loss of feeling on his right side, particularly his arm and hand.  He's been in a rehab facility following the surgery, receiving both physical and occupational therapy.  His words:  "They want me to learn to do things like put on my socks before I can go home..."  His wife will also be trained to help him adjust to a new way of doing everything once he does get home.

His spirits are positive, though he is resigned to the fact that his life has changed significantly and will not likely ever be what he once appreciated.  He joked that becoming 'left handed' shouldn't be all that difficult, since he was already pretty 'left' as is was.  (Yes, his sense of humor is still intact!)  His main wish at this point is to 'just get home for Christmas.'  He was scheduled to be dismissed yesterday.

Thanks to everyone again for your thoughts and concern.  Keep the messages going his way, as I can assure you they mean so much to him.  Wishing you all a blessed Christmas, and a happy New Year on behalf of Ken and his wife.  Again, please forward this message to anyone who may want to be included.  God's blessings to you all.


Patricia S. Fries
Administrative Asst. and Substitute Coordinator
St. Pius X Catholic High School
404-636-3023   x227
psfries at spx.org<mailto:psfries at spx.org>
















____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

From: Pat Fries
Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 4:07 PM
To: All Faculty
The response to the news of Ken Grodd's illness has been extraordinary.  I know it has been gratifying for him to have heard from so many former students and colleagues with fond memories and words of hope and encouragement.  I now have his email address:  kengrodd at bellsouth.net<mailto:kengrodd at bellsouth.net>   He anticipates being able to check and respond to emails while he recuperates in the coming weeks.

Ken's surgery is scheduled for 7:00a tomorrow, Tuesday, November 23.  I spoke with him this morning, and although this is a very serious and dangerous surgery, he said he is somewhat more optimistic going in to the operation after meeting with his doctor last Friday.  The hope is that the largest lesion can be removed and that the smaller one(s) will respond to treatment, so he feels encouraged that his prognosis is not entirely without some hope of improvement.  I assured him that we have been and will continue to keep him in our prayers.  Let's all do that especially tomorrow morning.  When I hear any news, I will pass it along.  Thank you all for your concern.


Patricia S. Fries
Administrative Asst. and Substitute Coordinator
St. Pius X Catholic High School
404-636-3023   x227
psfries at spx.org<mailto:psfries at spx.org>


*Feel free to forward this message to anyone who may be interested.

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