Click here for letter dated 8/11/2000
6/21/2000-Letter from Mike Elkin
Hello to my brothers!
I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to have your support and
prayers. The messages keep on
getting through to me and they send chills ALL THE WAY down my spine
(there are some things that spinal cord swelling just can't stop).
It is an indescribable emotion to experience the support, help and outreach of so many people. The wave of support has carried me through the rough spots, always knowing there were calmer waters and friendly faces ahead. Thank you!
It has been six weeks since my accident. I have been in rehab now for 5 weeks and I'm getting stronger every day. I've lost between 15 and 20 pounds. The food is remarkably similar to 15 frat row. No midnight PBJ though.
My overall condition is still about the same, but I'm optimistic that time, hard work, and a strong will to walk again will pay off (divine intervention is welcome as well). These types of injuries generally take some time (sometimes years) before the swelling subsides and recovery can begin.
One thing is certain, the people here at Jackson (doctors, staff and therapists) are phenomenal. I’m in great hands and among the best professionals in the world.
I hope to be getting out of rehab and heading home to start outpatient rehab in the next week or two.
My family is doing well. My kids (Emily 7, Katie 2 & Annie 2) are great, started summer camp and missing their dad (not as much as he misses them), but handling it well. My wife (Wendy) has been AMAZING, handling the kids, the house, her job, everything she always did, everything I was doing and all the crap that needs to be handled as a result of my injury, and still has time left to give me the support and love that only she can give. I don't know where she gets the strength but she’s awesome.
I really feel that I’m progressing well, learning lots of new tricks. The days are packed with rehabilitation, education, therapy, etc. Day by day I’m gaining back the muscle in my arms (pretty puny before the accident, and now after the atrophy… well I’m reminded of the day Mitch Yeckes commented on those long threads I had hanging from my shoulders).
I look forward to updating you on my progress, hopefully in person with many of you. Will need to miss this upcoming Lambo dinner with Hank but I will try to make the next one.
See you soon, thanks again, BMF
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5/22/2000
Letter from Stewart Leibling
Bruce:
Just providing a new update regarding Mike Elkin. Feel free to circulate
this e-mail to everyone.
From: Stewart Liebling PC '79
Mike continues to maintain a completely incredible attitude. To see him and
be with him is an uplifting experience for both him and myself. He is so strong and committed. He smiles, laughs, of course eats (he says he actually
enjoys the hospital food so far) and openly discusses his current situation
and the tough road that he knows lies ahead. Wendy is incredibly strong as
well, completely involved in helping Mike in his recovery and taking care of
their family and personal matters.
Mike's days are very busy, awake by 6:00 am, therapy and rehabilitation for
2-3 hours each morning, a lunch break and 2-3 hours more of therapy and rehab
each afternoon.
Mike knows that everyone is asking about him and concerned about his well being and has expressed is great appreciation for that.
Feel free to send any messages or good will wishes to him by e-mailing me
(sglcpa@aol.com) and I will certainly pass them on to him on a daily basis.
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LETTER FROM STUART HYMSON
Mike is doing really good this week. We are trying to get him some time on the
computer at the hospital. If anybody wants to e-mail him ......go ahead. He
will try to get back to you but can't promise a reply. He told me the other
day that he really enjoys getting letters from people and would love to hear
from everybody.
As far as his health, no real news although I can tell you that he is sitting
up now and doing some things on his own. His attitude is great!!!!!
Stuart Hymson
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LETTER FROM BRUCE KONNERS/STU HYMSON
5/18/2000
Brothers:
I spoke with Wendy today. She has asked that everyone hold off on phone calls for several more days. Mike is doing well, as you can read below in the letter sent to me from Stu Hymson.
Bruce Konners
pc '79
Bruce,
I saw Mike yesterday and he looks really good. There are no tubes no needles
no nothing attached to him. He starts rehab today, where he will have to learn to do things differently with his handicap. His attitude at times is
tough but for the most part he knows how lucky he is to still be alive. He really appreciates everybody's concern and apologizes for anyone Wendy has
not gotten back to. I got to tell you there has been an overwhelming amount
of people that have called. He believes that he will be going home within the
next thirty days if everything goes well. He has also asked that instead of
sending flowers or food if you could send a donation to the Miami Project or
Jackson Memorial Hospital in Mikes name it would mean so much more to him.
He says the staff at the hospital has been great!!!!!! he even said the food
was good too......(maybe the morphine is still working in his system) For anybody who is scared for Mike I 'm here to tell you DON'T BE he is so
mentally tough that I know he will somehow make this to be a very positive
thing.
Stuart Hymson
The address for the Miami Project is:
MIAMI PROJECT
1611 NW 12 AVENUE
R48
MIAMI, FL 33136
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LETTER FROM BRUCE KONNERS/ALAN RUBIN
Brothers:
I want to thank everyone for the many messages of hope and inspiration that were sent after the e-mail earlier this week. I will forward all of these messages to Mike. An address should be available soon for those of you who expressed an interest in mailing something.
I spoke with Alan Rubin (pc '79) earlier today, this is the most recent news:
Mike had surgery and two rods were inserted into the spine. During surgery, the Doctors did not observe any spinal fluids around the damaged area which could indicate that the spinal cord might not be severed. More time has to pass before they will know for sure. Mike will be starting rehab earlier then previously anticipated. The
Doctors want to see how he reacts.
Overall, Mike's spirits are high and he fully recognizes the fight ahead of
him. Mike also understands that not everyday will be good. As his brothers we
must be there to support him during the times when he needs it most.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with Mike "NO FEAR" Elkin
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5/15/2000
Brother Mike Elkin, p.c. 79, 1982 Nosebowl Coach, Best Senior Brother in 1983, was seriously injured in a bicycle accident in California on Thursday. Mike flew back in a private jet to Miami, and will be in surgery today at Miami Jackson. At this time, he is paralyzed from the waist down. He can use his arms, he can breath fine, he can hold his kids. All things considered, Mike is in good spirits and is ready take on the road ahead of him.
For those who know Mike, he is a fighter and a champion. If anyone can recover, he can.
We will keep everyone informed on the latest. In the mean time, lets all keep our thoughts and prayers with Mike.
Mike and family at Matt Adler's BBQ, Christmas day, 1999
Mike leads pc '79 during the Nosebowl skit.