Rich and our baby Cha Cha.
To our friends and family.
( Update on Rich Zandlo)
To my friends and family
Updated 11/11/09
Hi,
I wanted to give an update on my latest hospital stay and news. I was just released this evening from two weeks of another bout with pneumonia at St Joseph’s Hospital and excited to say I’m now officially listed as of Monday Nov 11, on the National Organ Transplant list and my Insurance has agreed to pick up the whole medical tab! Without all your letters, emails and prayers I know this wouldn’t be happening. The doctors are saying I will probably have new lungs by the New Year and possibly even sooner. My goal right now is to stay healthy physically and mentally. “Here comes the treadmill” ughhh. I’ve been scatter brained with different emotions and the realization that both of my lungs will soon leave my body forever and replaced with another who’s life had to end before his or her time. I want everyone to know that this journey has helped me reach a place I don’t think I would have seen without these struggles. I’ve been having some of the deepest, insightful and spiritual conversations I’ve ever had in my life and have loved every minute of it! Been doing a lot of soul searching and really hope I can someday be an inspiration like those who inspired me.
This entire ordeal has been an up and down roller coaster. We didn’t know if surgery would take place in California, Tucson or if Insurance was going to cover it or not. In Tucson it looked liked it wouldn’t happen at all and was told I would need to arrange hospice when the pain became too much. Was evaluated three times with dozens of tests, blew our engine driving to LA, and almost had heat stroke on Interstate 10 begging for someone to stop and help. The stories go on and on. Some of it is sad but other times were really fun with people I love to be around. I have recently come to the realization that maybe it all happened for a reason. I believe God is saying “you better treat this gift right,” and quite honestly not everyone receives a second chance. I think it was appropriate that I had to work hard for this opportunity and go through these things because it can only make me appreciate it that much more. Its been making me really think of what I need to start doing and how to deal with new lungs (in my case – avoiding sick people, eating good, exercise and calling the docs when problems arise). I definitely need to take things more serious than I did growing up. I believe we are given our time here for a reason other than the day to day grind of earning, spending worrying, arguing and whatever else we choose to fill each day. I know there’s a bigger purpose. I applaud all of you that seek meaning and hopefully we can have a beer or coffee together somewhere along our Journey and exchange battle stories and insights.
I was just informed some local artists are teaming up to do a benefit for my situation at Palazzo on Central Ave in Phoenix, December 5th. I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. If I’m not in the hospital, I look forward to seeing many of you there. In closing of this letter I’d like to share something I came across on the internet this morning I thought was cool… Take care, Rich
For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin — real life.
But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first,
some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.
At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.
This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness.
Happiness is the way.
So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.
Happiness is a journey, not a destination. ….”
By Father Alfred D’Souza
Hi,
I wanted to give an update on my latest hospital stay and news. I was just released this evening from two weeks of another bout with pneumonia at St Joseph’s Hospital and excited to say I’m now officially listed as of Monday Nov 11, on the National Organ Transplant list and my Insurance has agreed to pick up the whole medical tab! Without all your letters, emails and prayers I know this wouldn’t be happening. The doctors are saying I will probably have new lungs by the New Year and possibly even sooner. My goal right now is to stay healthy physically and mentally. “Here comes the treadmill” ughhh. I’ve been scatter brained with different emotions and the realization that both of my lungs will soon leave my body forever and replaced with another who’s life had to end before his or her time. I want everyone to know that this journey has helped me reach a place I don’t think I would have seen without these struggles. I’ve been having some of the deepest, insightful and spiritual conversations I’ve ever had in my life and have loved every minute of it! Been doing a lot of soul searching and really hope I can someday be an inspiration like those who inspired me.
This entire ordeal has been an up and down roller coaster. We didn’t know if surgery would take place in California, Tucson or if Insurance was going to cover it or not. In Tucson it looked liked it wouldn’t happen at all and was told I would need to arrange hospice when the pain became too much. Was evaluated three times with dozens of tests, blew our engine driving to LA, and almost had heat stroke on Interstate 10 begging for someone to stop and help. The stories go on and on. Some of it is sad but other times were really fun with people I love to be around. I have recently come to the realization that maybe it all happened for a reason. I believe God is saying “you better treat this gift right,” and quite honestly not everyone receives a second chance. I think it was appropriate that I had to work hard for this opportunity and go through these things because it can only make me appreciate it that much more. Its been making me really think of what I need to start doing and how to deal with new lungs (in my case – avoiding sick people, eating good, exercise and calling the docs when problems arise). I definitely need to take things more serious than I did growing up. I believe we are given our time here for a reason other than the day to day grind of earning, spending worrying, arguing and whatever else we choose to fill each day. I know there’s a bigger purpose. I applaud all of you that seek meaning and hopefully we can have a beer or coffee together somewhere along our Journey and exchange battle stories and insights.
I was just informed some local artists are teaming up to do a benefit for my situation at Palazzo on Central Ave in Phoenix, December 5th. I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. If I’m not in the hospital, I look forward to seeing many of you there. In closing of this letter I’d like to share something I came across on the internet this morning I thought was cool… Take care, Rich
For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin — real life.
But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first,
some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.
At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.
This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness.
Happiness is the way.
So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.
Happiness is a journey, not a destination. ….”
By Father Alfred D’Souza
#1 by Tiesha Harrison on September 28, 2009 - 11:08 pm
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I would like to donate. Do you have an address or P.O box so I can send a money order.
#2 by francoise on October 1, 2009 - 7:52 am
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kindly send an address where a check can be mailed.
thanks
#3 by George Toro on October 6, 2009 - 2:42 am
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I am so happy for the good news. Rich’s story has touched so many people. I hope that everything goes well so that Rich can get his transplant as soon as possible, and hopefully here at St. Josephs.
#4 by webadmin on October 9, 2009 - 6:53 pm
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Just got your check for Rich. Bless your heart…. thanks for being so compassionate. I just updated Rich’s status. Tucson is not going to do the transplant. We Rich has already been evaluated at UCLA just couldn’t get enlisted do to insurance issues. However it looks like its our only hope. This fund will go toward getting Rich to California. We’re working on his insurance to get him enlisted. We’ll keep you updated. Thanks again.
#5 by webadmin on October 9, 2009 - 6:55 pm
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Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo. When at Wells Fargo please make check payable to Rich Transplant Fund. Thank you so much. Many Blessings.
#6 by webadmin on October 9, 2009 - 6:57 pm
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Unfortunately Tucson is not going to do the transplant. Rich has already been evaluated at UCLA just couldn’t get enlisted do to insurance issues. However, it looks like its our only hope. We’re working on his insurance to get him enlisted. We’ll keep you updated.
#7 by A Friend on October 12, 2009 - 7:13 pm
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I hope you do not mind, but I have contacted the Valley of the Sun United Way on your behalf. If they can be of any assistance, I will be sure to put you in contact.
Stay strong, go not softly into that good night.
#8 by Jess on October 13, 2009 - 4:36 pm
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this website is so awesome. Glad to hear you’re optimistic. I’ll have to share this website with Brian. We had SO much fun playing monopoly the other night. Hope you’re hanging in and shoot us a text sometime to let us know how you’re doing!
~Jess
#9 by webadmin on November 11, 2009 - 11:12 pm
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Thanks everybody for your support…. In celebration of Rich being put on the transplant list we’d like to invite you to a benefit that will help Rich and others in the same situation. The event will be taking place on December 5th, 2009 at Palazzo Nightclub @ 6pm. Please join us!