GOOD NEWS: Richard has arrived home.
For the most recent information about this project
and for updates, please go to:
For the most recent information about this project
and for updates, please go to:
_________________________________________________________________________
Between April 5th and April 9th, friends of writer and activist Richard Levangie raised money to assist him during his recovery from neurosurgery to treat a pituitary tumor. In exchange for every donation, in any amount, we gave away Facing the Sun, an anthology of 29 stories, poems, and reminiscences contributed by fellow writers from around the globe.
We want to take this time to thank all of you who took the time to donate, to spread the word and to contribute in other ways to make this fundraiser happen.
About Richard:
Richard is an award winning writer living and working in Nova Scotia. He has a degree in journalism from The University of King’s College, over a thousand bylines, and a national writing award. His articles have appeared in newspapers and magazines such as Endless Vacation, WINE Magazine, The Montreal Gazette, and The Halifax Daily News.
He has written and edited three daily environmental business publications for Fortune 1000 executives. He blogs at http://www.richardlevangie.com/ where he routinely promotes authors through his "25 Questions" interview feature.
Richard was originally diagnosed with a prolactinoma, a non-cancerous pituitary tumor, in 1994, which caused frequent, debilitating migraines and chronic fatigue.Last year, an MRI revealed that Richard’s tumor had doubled in size, that it was more aggressive, and that it was invading his sinus cavity. In an attempt to avoid, or at least delay, an operation, Richard entered an experimental drug trial. Unfortunately, the results were not what he and his doctors had hoped, and on 5 April he was admitted to surgery.
Thank you,
J.A. Zobair, Wendy Russ, Stephen Parrish
Kristina here.
ReplyDeleteI don't have words right now to express my gratitude for the immense generosity demonstrated here today. I'm sure they'll come, but just now, I am in awe.
Richard came through his surgery better than anyone could have hoped. The surgery itself lasted about four and a half hours, and he arrived in his post-surgery ward perky and thirsty after just an hour in recovery.
His surgeon reports that despite some unexpected resistance from the tumor, he was able to remove all visible traces of it, though some cells probably remain. He was optimistic about Richard's odds for a recovery free of complications, and will assess the patient on his rounds for the next couple of days. Exceptional service for a holiday weekend, right?
If things continue to go well, Richard may be discharged as soon as Easter Sunday. We'll know more about the surgery's long-term effects by the end of his six-week recuperation, but for now, Richard and I are both hopeful.
I'll post another update tomorrow. In the meantime, again, my thanks.
That's great news, Krisitina! I'm sure he'll be up and running, or umm... writing in no time. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for letting us know.
That is great news, Kristina! Thank you so much for letting us know. Everyone who has been part of this project, either by contributing a piece or making a donation, is thinking of him and wishing him, and you, all the best.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read the stories in this. So relieved and glad to hear that Richard is already doing well in recovery.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading the stories and poems a little bit at a time over the last day and really enjoying it. Wonderful stuff!
DeleteI've been reading, too. Blown away by the talent! : )
DeleteKristina, thank you so much for the update. Tell Richard everyone is rooting for him to get well soon!
ReplyDeleteI don't have words either, mostly because I cannot type on an iPad. I am touched beyond belief. Love to you all. I cannot wait to read!
ReplyDeleteRichard, so good to see you up and about. Keep on keepin' on!
DeleteWhat a wonderful thing to do…this anthology and posting about it. And what a wonderful, interesting, intelligent writer Richard must be. I look forward to learning more about this caring community and am happy to spread the word of this anthology by posting the link on Facebook. Sending my best to Richard and his loved ones and colleagues. May your recovery be swift!
ReplyDeleteJanice, thank you for spreading the word and for helping out. I already know how wonderful you are so this gives me an opportunity to brag on you to everyone else. (Everyone go see what Janice does. She is a talented, lovely lady.)
DeleteRichard!! We all saw the pics Kristina has posted. You look great! Everyone is so glad to hear how well you are doing. Take good care!
ReplyDeleteJanice, thank you so much for your support for Richard and this project. We appreciate it greatly!
What a wonderful idea. And Kristina and Richard, I'm so happy that everything seems to be fine. You put such positive energy out into the world, it's about time some of it came back to you. :)
ReplyDeleteThis update was posted to Richard's Facebook page this evening by his wife Kristina. She says Richard will post something himself here as soon as he is able. We wanted everyone to be updated in the meantime because we've had so many people wondering on his recovery progress.
ReplyDeleteKristina posted, "Richard continues to improve — in fact, he would likely be discharged now but for a minor complication that arose over his first two nights. Tonight there are signs that even that complication may be resolving itself, which could mean that he'll face a smooth recovery."
Thank you for posting, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is keeping him in their thoughts and hoping for an easy recovery.
I also wanted to add some information that Richard's sister was kind enough to provide by email:
ReplyDelete"Richard was in good spirits and up walking around. He has some discomfort, but that is to be expected. He was still in the neurosurgery step down unit because he has developed a complication. which is not unusual after having pituitary surgery. It usually resolves but in some cases it may be permanent. So they are monitoring him and hopefully it will correct."
She expressed gratitude for this project and all of the people who have been a part of it, and said that she is sure that it will mean a lot to Richard.
Thank you, again, to everyone who has contributed their writing, their time, and their donations!
Great news: Richard has indicated on FB that he is doing well and hopes to leave the hospital tomorrow. We wish him well!
ReplyDeleteThank you for finding me online and asking me to contribute. I'm glad I was able to help and am glad to see Richard is receiving support from such a great community. I don't know any of you but you are very kind.
ReplyDeleteJJ
Thank you for your support. Everyone here is super nice, majorly funny and mighty talented. They might seem crazy (coz most of them are), but they are so in the nicest non-creepy possible way. You'll love 'em. :)
DeleteIt is thrilling and a breath of fresh air to know that Richard is doing so well. Here's a toast to him experiencing a life without constant pain.
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome Richard! Yay you! I'm proud of you!
My return home has been delayed by a continuing issue with diabetes insipidus. In a nutshell, I can no longer retain fluids. My vasopressin levels are in the toilet. Literally. Have I mentioned lately how wonderful all of you are? Kisses and man hugs, as you prefer.
ReplyDeleteHope to be home tomorrow!
I'll take the man hug, Steve can take the... umm.. rest. :)
DeleteWe'll look at the bright side of it that you're returning home. Get well and we can share some beer-like fluids someday.
Thank you for the update, Richard. Everyone has been asking/wondering how you're doing. Hope you get to go home today as planned!
ReplyDeleteAccording to posts on FB and Twitter, Richard is still struggling with the complications from surgery and will not be going home today (Tuesday) and maybe not tomorrow either. We will provide updates as we have them.
ReplyDeletePeople are asking if donations are still being accepted. If so, how do we donate?
ReplyDeleteI, too, would like to donate, and others have inquired on my FB page... ?
DeleteThe donation site is now at Richard's blog.
DeleteRichard Levangie has posted to Twitter that he is on his way home. You may direct all questions and requests for updates to him via richard@richardlevangie.com
ReplyDelete