Hockey, Rocky, Not Schlocky

SORRY, NO LETTER THIS YEAR

I just could not get a Moss Family Letter 2011 done, so excuse my pathetic lameness as I offer a bit of cheerful, newsy repartee to lighten your Holiday load, so to speak.

THE HOCKEY PART

I have unmercifully abused my dear son-in-law Chris (aka LuckyMan SB) for not introducing me to his passion, NHL hockey. And of course I mean, particularly, the San Jose Sharks. Although he has season tickets, he has offered the weak-ass excuse that the seats are at the very last row of the highest section of HP Pavilion, so he thinks I could not make it up there. Horseshit, I say, but I continued to patiently wait for an invite.

To hold up my end of the deal, I brought he and Leslie to Rennsport Reunion at Laguna Seca, and they loved it. So OK, dude, I took you to a race, looks like it's your turn. Well, let me say Chris really stepped up when he landed SECOND ROW SEATS to see the Sharks take on Florida. We were excited to say the least.

The scene in Downtown San Jose when the Sharks play at home is totally off the hizzle. There have been lots more entertainment and dining opportunities added to the city since I first wandered around during my halcyon San Jose Medical Center days. And believe me, the restaurants, bars, and streets were teaming with folks in numerous forms of teal and black Sharks gear. Luckily, Chris loaned me an appropriate jersey and a hat so I looked totally cool. We enjoyed dinner at La Pinata from their Sharks Express menu, then hailed one of the many free pedal-driven "rickshaws" for a lift to The Tank.

It is totally nuts inside the arena. And in second row seats, the action is absolutely incredible. So quick, so violent, and I am in awe of anyone who can even barely ice skate, so these guys blew me away. It is hard to follow the puck, but just the high-velocity action is fascinating, as are all the lights, noise, and general spectacle. Just for extra fun, right behind us was a completely shit-faced "chick" who looked like she was about to upchuck on Sandy C., and had to be removed by security.

I am still amazed, but I am sure those excellent seats have spoiled me. Seeing it on TV is just not even close to the same, and Chris' "nosebleed" seats may be kinda far away. But what the hell, I am not likely to become a hardcore fan but now I have seen it in all of its violent beauty. So you are (mostly) off the hook, LuckyMan...it was awesome, and thank you again.

THE ROCKY PART

I am not referring to climbing on anything, nor am I remembering any films with Sylvester Stallone. I am talking ROCK 'N' ROLL, baby. Old Time Rock 'n' Roll, to be more specific. If you are guessing Bob Seger, you are right on. When I saw the ad for tickets, I wished I could go. I really like his music, which I listen to a lot especially at the gym. It helps me exercise. So, like an idiot, I went online and got two without checking with my dear Cheryl. Yes, she was steamed, but she doesn't get too outwardly mean, as many readers may know. By the time we went, all resentment had vanished, and the music was about to begin.

Needless to say, it truly ROCKED. Bob and the ol' Silver Bullet Band were in rare form, and with three encores, all favorite numbers were performed. I know today's big stars like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga have spectacular shows with fire, explosions, costumes, dancing around and such, but just gimme a great rock 'n' roll singer and appropriate backing, and there you have it. Quite a fun evening, and well worth the abuse from my wonderful spouse. I agreed to accept this show as my own Hanukkah and Christmas present to myself, and who knows what I want better than me?

OTHER PARTS

At the Transplant Recipient International Organization (TRIO) Holiday dinner, we all looked forward to our annual get-together in Sunnyvale to not only dine with fellow recipients and friends, but to honor and remember our donors as well as those who were not as lucky as I to receive a transplant in time. Each grateful recipient hangs an ornament on the tree and has a personal Holiday thought for our donor families.

To our complete and delighted surprise, TRIO's president, Steve O., announced Cheryl and I as Members of the Year, presenting us with a beautiful gift basket of goodies. When I was helped up on my feet after falling on the floor, I was able (barely) to thank Steve and the Board for a truly awesome honor. In truth, TRIO has been a forceful helping factor for us ever since our dear Grammy Joan dragged me kicking and screaming to our first meeting, now almost nine years ago. Thank you, Steve and Board, for this great treat.

I end this Holiday Edition with yet another emotional transplant experience. My good friend from CTDN, Laura S., serves as a liaison between the nursing staffs of several area hospitals and the Network. She gets the first call from a nurse, usually from the ER or ICU, that a potential donor situation could occur. Laura conducts a phone screening, then evaluates the conditions on site. Further, she is involved in retrieval and one end of the transport process. One of her responsibilities is Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley.

Early in the morning of February 6, 2010, a young gunshot victim arrived at the ER from Union City. This was Ruben Bernal, Jr. In ICU, he was declared brain dead and the donation process began. The operating room was prepared and organs were retrieved. Ruben's heart and one kidney went to UCSF Medical Center, where I was waiting on 10 Long. On February 9 and 10, these organs were successfully transplanted into my body.

When I told Laura that Ruben had been taken to Eden, she informed the OR nursing managers, and they were instantly interested in meeting me. With all the important privacy issues, hospital staff never find anything out about the disposition of organs originating from their own facility. So to meet one very lucky local recipient would be a rare occurrence. Laura asked if I would come to a monthly staff meeting, and of course I eagerly agreed to do so.

Cherie and I arrived at Eden for the 7:00 am meeting as the managers were preparing breakfast, right in the meeting room Belgian waffles, eggs, bacon......it was incredible. I said a few words and showed the group our pictures of Ruben, Mama Luz, and Team Ruben. The response was quite overwhelming, especially from two OR techs in the group who had prepared and assisted in the OR during the operation. Emotional, to say the very least. We were in kind of a daze for hours thereafter, since this was another major encounter along the ever-changing Transplant Turnpike.

We hope everyone has a most wonderful Holiday, and a healthy 2012. We are grateful to be where we are right now, as we are every single day when we see Ruben's picture and think of him and the Bernal/Tovar family. Now, it's back to the Turnpike which is looking straight and smooth at the moment.

Bob/Irv

A Salute and a Poot For Our Troops

HOT OFF THE WIRE

Excuse me for starting out this long-anticipated blog on such a low-brow level, but we here at the Trib just received an important communique from our sister publication, The Military Times. Seems some Afghani civilians and soldiers complained about excessively audible flatulence coming from a US Marine facility. The Corps issued a directive ordering our fine fighting men and women (are there women Marines?) to restrain themselves. Our embedded reporter on the scene doubted the effectiveness of the order, pointing out that farting (OK, I've said it) is "practically a sport" amongst our troops.

I mean, what group of guys and girls (yes, girls, if you were in our room at Capitola recently) could resist a bit of Fun Flatulence when the opportunity is ripe, er, I mean right? One of my most prized and meaningful educational experiences at UCSB (and there weren't many) was being introduced to this fine pastime. The practice was not approved by Mom in my early years, and contrary to what you may be stinking, er, I mean thinking, is, what about Dad? Don't recall any occurrences, so imagine my amazement when various college buddies (who shall remain nameless because, well, because they had no names. Strange, eh?) introduced me to not only live examples of the art, but a singularly incredible recorded version of an actual farting competition (won by a guy named Rip, as I recall) held in the UK. I am not making this up. Well, not much, anyway.

NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION...

The story I have been asked for the most is definitely about our wonderful vacation. Seriously, many of you have expressed a burning (see above) desire to know every minute detail of the journey. Every meal, every adult beverage, every excursion, and every encounter with our butler, Rony. Ooops, I let the proverbial cat (not Lucy) outta the bag...we had a frickin' butler fer cryin' out loud. But I must disappoint many of you by only sharing the highlights of the voyage, since I forgot all those delicious details for which you are hungering. Delicious...hungering...pretty cool literary moves, yes?

OK, so we fly to Rome, stay a night a block from the Spanish Steps, and then are whisked by private chaffeur-driven Mercedes to Civitavecchia, where the Oceania Marina awaits. The newest and first bespoke ship built for the cruise line, Marina is a knockout. Decor, staff, and most of all food and beverage are beyond compare. Not knowing what in the hell Rony is supposed to do, we founder around to assign him busywork like keeping me stocked with Diet Coke (Coke Zero is NA) and finding a roll of duct tape to repair our shitty new luggage that was brutalized somewhere by one of those luggage-handling apes you see on TV commercials.



Our port stops are numerous, with only one day at sea. First to Livorno touring Tuscany, then Corsica (rude Frenchman), Sardinia (no evidence of sardines), Sorrento (weird trip to Capri singing Volare on the bus with our affable guide/salesman, Luigi), Palermo (miserable weather, good gelato), and Malta. After the aforementioned day at sea, next is a very depressing but riot-free Athens. There are not many operating businesses and unending grafitti, but we do snag a killer Greek lunch at a farmer's market. Oh, yeah, you do know you can always find a decent "comfort stop" at any McD's, right? Saved me many times on Interstate 5. Well, forget about it in Athens. Enough said.

Volos, Greece was gloomy and largely boring on a Sunday, so we stayed aboard. This is certainly not a bad thing, since there are multitudinous things to do on such a cool vessel. A major highlight of the trip was taking a Greek cooking class with Chef Kelly as we sailed away into a beautiful Greek sunset.

Our private tour of the ruins at Ephesus (Turkey) was another outstanding happening. Absolutely amazing to say the least. End of the line, Istanbul. Here, another private tour gave us a quick look at a very cool huge city, one that we both would do again in a minute. Both of our highly-knowledgeable guides were effusive in their praise of their country. Great education, great government, great work ethic, low unemployment, stable finances and overall a very happy situation.

When I asked each what was the biggest thing wrong with Turkey, one said "earthquakes" and the other indicated "our neighbors", meaning Iran, Iraq, Syria....you know, those fine, peace-loving countries we all adore, and who mutually adore us. And of course Turks just laugh at their traditional adversaries, the Greeks. "All they do is play around and drink ouzo all day" was the reason for the economic train wreck in Greece. Ok, if you say so....

I have to mention that we met loads of very nice people on the cruise. We encouraged sitting with others at dinners, which produced some truly memorable experiences. They were enhanced by taking place in one of the four specialty restaurants available, beside the main dining room and the amazing buffet. Oh, and also at numerous locations dispensing Martini-like refreshments. And tea. And crumpets. " I have nasty habits, I take tea at three" kept running through my (alleged) brain, as all of you 'Stones fans can appreciate.

A particularly grueling return to SF via Lufthansa brought our long-anticipated dream vacation to a bittersweet ending. We were unbelievably fortunate to have this opportunity, due to Cheryl's expert work with Oceania as well as the generous upgrades from the cruise line. More evidence of travel advisor excellence at work here too. And although we were more than prepared for any medical incidents, none were experienced. Outstanding.

A SUMMARY OF OTHER ADVENTURES



* Rennsport Reunion, a gathering of Porsche racing vehicles from over 60 years of competition history at Laguna Seca, Monterey. Great sharing the experience with our kids, our cousins and very closest friends.

* Hair, that iconic musical from the distant past. Excellent again today, in modern times, and an opportunity to join the cast onstage at the end to remove all clothing and boogie to "Let the Sunshine In". Really. Don't believe me? Go to this site and see for yourself. Be patient and look for the dork with the hat on the right side of the video. http://eparty.shnsf.com/1320876000


* Go-karting with The Guys here in Liverwitz, no fatalities reported. Some nausea, though, but barf bags were not provided.

* Several John Muir old-folk events...the observance of the retirement of my good friend Rita C. after 34 years of service, then an enjoyable afternoon at the annual Retiree Luncheon.


* The triumphal return yet again to lovely Capitola and the Venetian for our family Thanksgiving. Particular thanks to bro-in-law Pat for including Ruben in his saying of grace before the main event. Cheryl and I hung about to see Santa surfing in as we enjoyed the sunny scene from the patio at Zelda's.


* Concerning donor-related activities, there have been quite a few. Our friends Barbara and Bart asked if I would speak briefly at First Presbyterian Church on the occasion of Donor Sabbath. This was most gratifying and I was humbled to be invited. Some other CTDN events included the employee benefits fair for East Bay Regional Parks, a nursing symposium at Safeway's main office conference center, and speaking to three health class sessions at Concord High School.

* A most satisfying movie-and-adult beverages evening here at our very own Vine Theater. Yeah, they serve wine, beer, and food from the next-door restaurant at this once-tired, longtime Liverstein landmark. Longtime, Liverstein, landmark...man, that is some hell of alliteration there. And the film, you ask? The Descendents, and don't you dare miss it.

LET'S CALL IT A WRAP

Well, alright, it's a wrap. Happy now? Good. I profusely apologize to every single reader out there for taking so long to do this here article. That of course explains it's length, and again my apologies on that score as well.

We have many exciting (and a few not so exciting) arrangements for this Holiday month, so please do start checking here at The Transplant Tribune on an hourly basis to get the straight poop (see above) on, well, on everything Me-related. It's all about Me, isn't it? Kinda reminds Me of the roughly 4 1/2 hours of useless TV coverage
awaiting the (hold your breath Here) decision of The Pizza Guy to end his unbelievably lame swipe at the White House. Sorry to get political, but "turning around" Godfather's Pizza, which by the way I don't consider "turned around", is not what I call great credentials for The Big Job. So, OK, he gave this woman money and job counseling for 13 years, but didn't lay a hand (??) on her. Hmmmmm......if you say so, Herman.

I digress. Enough already with the ranting. I wish everyone Merry Shopping, even at Wal-Mart, and a most joyful Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. If you see me on the Transplant Turnpike (already in progress), please flash your lights. I can't hear your horn anymore. Whazzat you said?

Bob/Irv

Will I See You in September, Or Lose You to a Summer Love?

SPEAKING OF THAT SUMMER LOVE

Summer, Schlummer...it's a year-round love. I'm talking about our great son Andrew J. and his beautiful bride, Linsey MOSS! Wow, that sounds good to me! In a truly memorable and well-organized series of fabulous events, Linz and Andy became a married couple at the Napa Valley Country Club last Saturday Sept. 17. The setting was breathtaking, the weather most cooperative, and the resulting celebration superb. What a handsome couple they are.

Our responsibility was to stage the rehearsal dinner, a duty we took on with delight and gusto. I used to know a guy named Gusto, but that's not important now. At any rate, after much careful scrutiny we selected Filippi's in Napa for the event. This establishment is well-known for traditional Italian dishes and KILLER pizza. By killer, I mean that in the most positive way. Fifty of us greatly enjoyed the dinner and the gracious and very attentive staff. It was an excellent intermingling of families, and as de facto Master of Ceremonies, I believe a grand time was had by all.


ONWARD TO NAPA VALLEY CC

The ceremony was held overlooking one of the fairways which provided a glorious backdrop. Linsey looked spectacularly beautiful as she walked down the aisle accompanied by dad Bob Fluken. Andy looked equally great, as we don't see him dressed to this level very often. We made our way to the club banquet area for a delicious meal and some very great tributes to the bride and groom.

The action got going right away as Mark the DJ started the music. Everyone was HELL of rocking out on the dance floor, and yes, I must admit, we eagerly participated. It went on until midnight, way past the bedtimes of a large number of attendees. So we gathered up some of the delightful wedding cupcakes and retired, worn out but glowingly happy. Thanks go to Cindy and Bob Fluken, Linz and Andy for organizing a terrific event.

SATURDAY NIGHT'S (NOT) ALRIGHT FOR FIGHTING

Going back in time one week finds us deep in transplant activities. The very first Donate Life Walk took place early Saturday morning Sept. 10, and it's course was one lap of Lake Elizabeth in Fremont. Many teams were formed, including Team Ruben which we organized to honor and remember my donor. We were able to sign up 29 walkers from our friends and relatives, and were pleased to have members of Ruben's family in that group of 29 as well. Even Ruben's mom came to see the event. We had Team Ruben hats made and walked under large Team Ruben signs. It was fantastic.


Completing this awesome day was the Bay Area premiere of The Power of Two. We attended the pre-screening reception, and were greeted graciously (as always) by our friends Ana Stenzel and Isa Stenzel-Byrnes (who by the way was a Team Ruben member). This documentary describes Ana's and Isa's long battle with cystic fibrosis and their subsequent lung transplants and international efforts promoting organ donation and CF awareness. VERY remarkable and emotional film, and Cheryl and I were in the credits for the assistance we were able to give to help support the movie. A lively Q & A session followed, with the twins, Isa's husband Andrew Brynes, and the director, Marc Smolowitz. Again we arrived home late but very satisfied with our day's activities.

BUT, ON THE OTHER HAND.......

Last Sunday after the wedding we attended a lunch at the very beautiful home of Cindy and Bob Fluken in Napa. For some reason I could barely stay awake, and ditto for the gift-opening and the ride back to Livermore. Took a nap when we got home, then experienced the same phenomenon Monday. It totally sucked since Diana, Don and nephew David from Florida were staying with us. I just was completely tired all day.

Finally Tuesday I shared this with my transplant coordinator. When I told her I was at a wedding and had contact with many people, handshaking, hugging and kissing, she went silent for about a minute. Then she uttered those famous words "You better get in here now". So here I am, blogging my kishkies out on 10 Long, my second home. I was admitted Tuesday evening, and awoke Wednesday feeling fresh and energetic. That condition of normalcy continues to this very moment.

So you are wondering, "What the hell is wrong with Bob/Irv?" Well, none of the intensely brilliant medical minds here at UCSF know. After many studies, all indicating nothing wrong, here I sit awaiting yet another visit with my good friends in the cath lab. Dr. D. wants to positively rule out rejection which I am sure will be Zero R, or at the most 1R which means there is little if any rejection of my heart. But it means another long day with no food and long waits for the biopsy procedure, the pathology, and then (hopefully) that slow discharge process. I just had a chat with Dr. J. who assured me I would not be here Saturday. If I miss the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, it WILL be a night for fighting (get a little action in).

All in all, it has been a remarkable coupla weeks, with events that I can recall with pride and pleasure. That's all good, as Andy would say.

Bob/Irv

Labor Day: Time for Reflection

On a truly beautiful Labor Day, Cheryl and I visited the Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Hayward to spend some time with Ruben. It was most emotional for both of us, as so many of our transplant experiences have been. We see and think about Ruben every day as we pass his picture in our living room. This was an incredibly more reflective and leisurely time. The sun shone, the temperature was pleasant, and other groups visited other sites around the very beautiful grounds. I felt somehow closer to him, which of course I was physically, but emotionally as well.

While we did have an excellent remainder of the day, and enjoyed our Monday holiday, the image of that stone with his name kept appearing to me. In a nice way.

Descansa en paz, Ruben.

Bob/Irv

Special Note from the Editor

Due to circumstances (and lack of talent) beyond our control, the latest post from your lovable star of the Transplant Tribune appears after the top post. It was completed and posted on Sept. 3, but since it was started on July 28, it fell below the August post. Make sense? Oh well..........

On another subject, we want to send positive thoughts and lots of love to our friend Allie, who is battling a bout of severe rejection of her new heart at Kaiser Santa Clara. Hang in there Allie - we expect to see you out and about soon!

The Ordway Saved Our Day

OAKLAND OFFICE BUILDING CTDN EVENT WAS AWESOME!

After what by any standard was a crappy start (details forthcoming, maybe), we successfully got our little info table ready to go (an hour early) in the lobby of The Ordway, 1 Kaiser Plaza in Oakland. This beautiful office structure's facilities management (not part of Kaiser Permanente ) were providing all its tenant employees with a most gracious and informative Health and Transportation Fair. Outside the glass walls of the lobby where we were located was a farmer's market, adding to the festival atmosphere. Around Ordway were other high-rise offices and a church as well, but the spaces in between were beautiful and restful amidst all the serious business going on upstairs.

Despite a load of logistical problems, including the absence of assistance and supplies, we did a remarkable job. Thankfully, Cheryl put her work aside for the day to accompany me, and with the unexpected no-shows it was a most fortunate decision. In our matching Donate Life Ambassador T-shirts, we made a most attractive and approachable couple, in my opinion. We displayed brochures on donation, the Donate Life Walk (register NOW, please!!), and the premiere of The Power of Two (order your tickets NOW, please!!) , both happening the same momentous September day.

But by far the most significant and meaningful item we had on the table was the 2010 In Honor and Remembrance book, opened to the page featuring my donor, Ruben Bernal. Even those attendees who rejected our offer of information ("I'm taking it all with me when I die") were visibly moved when we brought Ruben's incredible gift and his family to their attention. The sight of me standing there, outwardly a picture of health, had a massive impact. There were congratulations, amazement, and, yes, a tear or two. Some told us "my fellow employee told me about you, I had to come down" which again was a very cool thing to hear.

Two organ recipients stopped by, both with incredible stories (all the stories are) and long-term health with their new organs. Ol' RJ even got a warm hug outta the deal....I'm sure you can appreciate the power of something like that for BOTH parties. Oh, by the way, I got a hug from our cashier at Trader Joe's the other day when she saw "UCSF Heart and Lung Transplant" on my hat. Pays to advertise, y'know? I have a special place in my heart (!!) for TJ's and this reinforced it tenfold.

Upon dropping by the Lake Chalet for a late lunch on the wharf, we spoke with two ladies nearby who volunteered to snap a picture with the beautiful Lake Merritt view behind us. Seeing our shirts, one of them told us her stepfather was a liver transplant recipient. Organ donation stories are everywhere, each mind-boggling in its own way. All in all, a most worthwhile end to a day that started out very shabbily.


OK, SO WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE MONTH SINCE MY LAST POST?

To say the last month has been eventful would be a gross understatement. We had ups, downs, hospital experiences, broken ribs, upturned meat cleavers, and phenomenal avoidances. But with apologies (to those who give a flying wang), I will have to catch that stuff up in another session, very soon. I thank you profusely for your anticipated patience.

Bob/Irv

Yet Another Life-Changer

WE HOST MY DONOR FAMILY

When we first met Ruben's family back in April, it truly was a major event in our lives. At that occasion, we spoke with the family and all expressed an interest in future shared social opportunities. The future arrived Sunday, it arrived here at Le Chalet Springtown, and it needed some food!

After several weeks of schedule-tweaking, the much-anticipated day arrived. I have heard several donor family stories. Sometimes there never is a story, since either the family and/or the recipient do not want to meet, or they may not even wish to know who each other are. I have heard of families who smother the recipient, feeling he or she is bringing back the lost loved one. Some meetings occur but the two parties are too different to allow useful conversation. But I wasn't a bit worried, and I was 100% correct.

We had a great time, beginning the yakking at the front door and not stopping until the last taillight disappeared around the corner. And yes, it's hard to talk while running alongside a moving vehicle. But seriously, despite temperatures of over 175 degrees F it was a most fine time. Ruben's family are just as interested in eating as we are, an important factor to say the least for anyone in either clan. The kids were very fun and extremely polite, especially considering this was a "boring adult deal". Unfortunately, Mamaluz was unable to come but we were promised a sampling of her world-famous tamales soon.

We received a most gracious thank you from Patty and Lucy, mentioning that they were glad I was the recipient of Ruben's unbelievable gift. This of course really got to me, and it remains my sincere commitment to honor Ruben by being the best recipient possible.

DUCK! HERE COMES A PILE OF UPDATES!

In my own inimitable, hard-hitting and unbelievably self-serving style I will attempt to recap the many happenings since my last blog post. I have mercifully omitted many of the more mundane facts, like what I have for lunch and crap like that. If you do wanna know my lunch menu rotation, just send an SASE along with $19.99 for shipping and handling to Yours Truly, c/o Transplant Tribune, 10816 N. Rhode Island School of Design Parkway, in Ukaipa. Allow 6-8 months for delivery, and, as always, offer is not valid in Sector R. So here come those updates.......

* We missed the CTDN event at AT&T (Giants vs. Dodgers) due to "an injury" much too traumatic and hurtful to relate here (hint: it involved the Beach Boys and my ribs). If you need to know, see above ("SASE" etc.) and I'll tell you.
* We recover enough to attend an evening showing of the incredible Picasso exhibit at the De Young. Late lunch is consumed happily at our SF favorite, Nopalito, which always pleases. You should go. Send that SASE and I will review it in detail.
* I travel to Rockridge and the A Cote restaurant for a small reunion of veterans of CPMC cardiac rehab. Bonnie Jo, Jane, Bonnie B. and I enjoy an onslaught of small yet expensive plates amidst mirthful banter about "those days".
* One of the best concerts ever as I begin my birthday celebrations, is Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos at Mountain Winery, high above Saratoga. We enjoyed a marvelous dinner on the deck overlooking the entire South Bay, then entered the intimate amphitheater to enjoy the hardest-working Texican rock band in the universe. Wow! hardly describes it.


* After two years of hair pulling and gnashing of teeth we have a donor registration table at the Livermore farmer's market. Most passers-by think we are selling something, and scurry by with a "no, thanks" on their way to the corn stand. We did meet Robin, whose daughter Anna received a lung transplant and appears in The Power of Two. Also, local businessman Bill stops by and discusses his 25-year success with a heart transplant. Talk about inspirational! In general, though, this little excursion sorta sucked; we couldn't compete with the organic cherry tomatoes, even for our excellent cause.
*Strange symptoms prompt a useless visit to John Muir Concord, followed by the requisite trip to the ER at UCSF. Suspecting heart rejection, I am admitted and scheduled for a heart biopsy. After antibiotics eliminate the pain and fever, the biopsy confirms zero rejection, just a mild and unexplained lung infection.
* A most enjoyable day is had at Sveadal, near Morgan Hill, for the long-running Christian Family Reunion. Thanks to the Carlsons and Hughes for another fun event.

* The annual gathering of TRIO members for a picnic in Milpitas is again fun and flavorful.
* Another cool evening is spent at Armando's in downtown Martinez listening to the amazing Jeff Magidson Band. Jeff and his wife Isabel performed at Chris and Leslie's wedding as Duo Gadjo, and Jeff's blues band truly gets it on.
* A hot Danville night is experienced at, well, at Hot Danville Nights, naturally. Loads of classic cars and hot rods displayed all up and down the streets, after which we have a killer dinner at Laurus. I would recommend it however it has unceremoniously closed. More's the pity.
* We view the documentary Senna, an incredible story of an unusually spiritual and highly-talented Formula One driver. While decidedly not a "racing flick", it depicts the dramatic career of one of racing's acknowledged greatest. A fine dinner at Corso with Jeff and Sue F follows the intensely emotional film.
* Yr. Humble Svt's. birthday is observed with an intimate and exceptional dinner party at the home of Leslie and Chris, featuring tacos al pastor and a famous custom-designed Elspeth birthday cake.
* I dare to see Senna again, this time with newly-discovered F1 enthusiast friend Eduardo. We sample Spanish cafe con leche con afterwards and discuss the story.
* The arrival of my donor family here for food and conversation culminates a very active and happy month.

ON THE HORIZON

Soon, we will lead Team Ruben into battle at the 2011 Donate Life Walk in Fremont. There are still several slots open on our team and everyone who registers as a walker on Team Ruben will receive a very cool cap, like the one I am wearing at this very moment! But hurry, time is a-wastin'....sign up OR submit your contribution in the name of Team Ruben soon! Be sure to inform everyone you know, want to know, (or personally don't give a s**t about) to register or contribute TODAY!

The 10th of September festivities continue after the Walk with the Bay Area premiere of The Power ofTwo, based on the incredible lifelong battle of our friends Isa and Ana Stenzel with cystic fibrosis. After double-lung transplants, these twin sisters travel and speak worldwide for CF awareness and organ donation. Tickets for the two performances at the Castro theater in SF can still be had by going to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/180093

Shortly thereafter will be the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception celebrating the marriage of Linsey F. to our fine son, Andrew. Everything will take place in Napa and we are understandably excited!

Subsequently will be a trip to Monterey for Rennsport Reunion at Laguna Seca, a vintage racing event celebrating the accomplishments of Porsche over the years. Then, it's time for the Big One......Rome to Istanbul via Oceania's Marina! Wow! again.

Bob/Irv

A Most Important Invitation from the Staff of the Trib

Please allow us to invite you to California Transplant Donor Network's Donate Life Walk 2011! The walk will be a 2-mile lap of Lake Elizabeth in Fremont, on Saturday, September 10, 2011. It starts at 8:00 am with a light breakfast and check-in, then awards and a raffle at 11:00 am. CTDN will provide event T-shirts and other goodies. We will include special swag to identify you as a proud member of Team Ruben, to honor and remember my donor, Ruben Bernal, and his wonderful family. Many family members and Ruben's friends plan to participate as well.

Simply go to the web address below to register. And please, list yourselves as participating with Team Ruben. Proceeds go to CTDN to enable them to continue facilitating transplantation and encouraging the public to register as donors. The website is located at:

www.ctdn.org...just click on the link over there on thr right-hand side of the blog!

And do feel free to send this announcement to anyone you think might be interested.....wait a minute! Send it even if you think they're not the least bit interested!!

If you can't be in Fremont for the Walk, we encourage you to donate to CTDN by going to:

www.active.com/donate/dlwalk2011

Register early! The fee goes up five bucks on August 20, so Get To It!! We also need to know how many custom Team Ruben items to order, so please don't delay!! This will be One Awesome Event, and we would love to have you share it with us AND help advance organ and tissue donation. THANKS VERY MUCH !!!

Cheryl and Bob/Irv*

* Your friendly, local, VERY grateful heart/kidney transplant recipient

Just When You Thought It Was Safe....

...TO GO BACK TO THIS BLOG AGAIN

That lurking fin turns out to be nothing more than another evil, waterlogged edition of your Transplant Trib. So come back to the beach, don't be afraid, and put those harpoons down before you hurt somebody. OK, that's better..

DR. YY COMES THROUGH AGAIN

Many times during our Travels in Transplantland, I have come face-to-face with a truly mazing interventional cardiologist generally known as Dr. YY. Since he hangs out in the cath lab at UCSF, I have been his supine patient there for most of my pre-transplant invasive heart procedures. His was the first face I recognized as I was violently resuscitated from my famous Code Blue episode, and on several occasions he would come by my room on his way home after a long day to chat and ensure my well-being.

Now that heart problems are thankfully behind me, the focus has shifted to peripheral vascular disease. I have had a bypass on my right leg, courtesy of Drs. Eddie R and Charles E four years ago. Shifting over to the left side, Dr. E did discover major blockage behind the knee requiring angioplasty and placement of a bendable stent. This procedure is somewhat difficult due to the location, but as always Dr. YY was "The Man" and it went very well.

The images of before and after were dramatic. "Before" looked like a tiny creek with a beaver dam in it. "After" looked like the Mighty Mississippi in comparison. I have had instant results in lower leg fatigue and even the burning sensation I had in my foot is better. The blockage had been developing so long that it was literally as hard as a rock and required skillful "drilling" to avoid a disastrous arterial rupture. Thanks again to Dr. YY and all my good buds in the cath lab...you guys ROCK, as usual. After one night's respite on 10 Long (AND French toast!) we were hairy flatters back to the 'burbs.

HEY, NOW I AM A "SPEAKER"

I am putting my hand up for every CTDN opportunity I can. Last week I did three, starting with the Run to the Lake put on by Eden Hospital in Castro Valley. This marked the one-year mark for our participation, as the last Run was our very first event for CTDN. An annual nursing education class on organ procurement takes place at VA Hospital, Palo Alto, and I addressed three sessions on the experiences of a recipient

I spoke to a group of high school students attending a Summer conference at UC Berkeley along with Laura S. and my good buddy, young Alphonso G. Laura is a clinical liaison, who is alerted by nursing when a donor situation may be imminent, at which time she evaluates the patient and coordinates the process should organs become available. Very incredible job, and she is a seriously knowledgeable and capable part of the transplant process at a most crucial stage.

Alphonso is 17, and had an emergency liver transplant two years ago due to a rare ailment that causes failure from excessive copper in the liver. He was told if an organ wasn't procured in 48 hours, he would die. Imagine being 15 and having this prognosis. Thankfully, the transplant did happen and now he is involved with CTDN. We have jointly done several educational sessions, and it is magical to see him talk to groups of kids about his experiences. Great guy, and he will be throwing out the first pitch at AT&T this week before the Giants maul the Dodgers. We'll be there too with several info booths. Should be a pretty cool day (literally, that's Summer in The City!) and we look forward to being at the Old Ball Game.

Hey, by the way, here's some baseball trivia: know how the Dodgers got their name? Well, back at the turn of the century (the 20th, that is) seems the Brooklyn baseball club was called the Trolley Dodgers due to the many streetcars in that city. Later the Trolley part kinda dropped off and hence, the Brooklyn Dodgers! And you thought I didn't know anything about baseball, eh? And no, I knew that, I didn't Google it just to show off. So there.

WAIT, BOB/IRV; WHAT ABOUT THE BEACH BOYS??


Oh yeah, nearly forgot about that. You might recall we had some unusual weather late last month, and the day of the concert was the most unusual with pretty serious rain all day. Wente Vineyard's concert policy is "rain or shine", and for the first time in 25 years it was, in fact, "rain". As we proved years ago with our completely soaked Rolling Stones adventure at the Colisseum, we are true fans. While many of the snobby wine-sipping weenies bolted for the comfort of the champagne cellars, we held fast to our wide open position in the Peanut Gallery. Neither rain, nor hail, nor dark of night could deter us from massively enjoying the Boys, uh, or rather, the Boy since only Mike Love remains from the original Wilson brothers (and cousin Al Jardine) who we loved back in The Day.

A pleasant surprise was the presence of actor John Stamos, a truly talented drummer, guitarist and singer who regularly tours with the Beach Boys. The rest of the band was awesome and totally expert at producing those incredible sounds. All the great tunes were done, and we screamed out Help Me Rhonda at the top of our lungs while rain water filled our open mouths. While as a youth I never surfed (can't swim, hate the beach), had a hot rod (I took the bus), or engaged in any meaningful romance (sorry Gina), it didn't stop me from being a big fan then and now. Very fun evening despite all the mud in the parking lot.

After five years of desperate anticipation, the world has been blessed with the debut of Cars 2. Our nephew Will Caples is a dedicated fan, who can identify all the characters and quote pretty much the entire script. So it seemed a cinch to accompany him and his parents to this new one. Well, he was quite skeptical of his ol' Uncle Irv, but after a small bit of motherly/fatherly explanation, I was given Will's blessing.

We chose to experience the film at the Dublin Imax 3D mega-theater (see accompanying photo). Initially, Will was a bit overwhelmed by the THX sound, the 3D and the huge Imax image. He got used to everything but the 3D glasses, so no permanent harm was done (I hope). As for the movie, it was somewhat "angrier" than Number One and the story was more complex. The visuals were spectacular and the references to real motoring facts were sometimes fairly subtle but quite clever nonetheless. It was very cool to see and hear a few real racers, like Lewis Hamilton, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip and David Hobbs doing their things. The movie and the subsequent BBQ at the Grandparents' home made for a great Sunday.



SO, WHASSUP NEXT?

This week I will take on my exersize physio and F1 fan buddy Kyle at the indoor go-kart place for a bit of friendly dicing on the track. Cheryl and I will happily provide donor information at the ball game as mentioned, followed the next day by a viewing of the Picasso exhibit at the DeYoung. I will join three of my former California Pacific cohorts for a mini-reunion, and the next week we are excited to be seeing Los Lonely Boys at the Mountain Winery. And finally, after over a year of intense negotiations with the powers that be, Cheryl and I will be able to appear at our very own Livermore Farmer's Market with a donor info table. So another busy month, to be sure.

Sure hope you have enjoyed this little July Edition of the Trib. No cellphone taps were used in the production of this blog, and no animals were harmed. And, oh yeah, this post was manufactured on equipment shared with peanuts. You've been suitably warned.

Bob/Irv

Forward, into the Past!

WHAT A MONTH THIS HAS BEEN, WHAT A RARE MOOD I'M IN

It's almost like falling in love. In which case, I will vainly attempt to briefly (Yeah, right. No, seriously) list the salient events of what has been a true month of piling on, June 2011. And I see by this highly-defaced calendar page that this will be my one and only blog post of this busy month, to the delight of literally dozens out there in Publicville. Sorry, and you're welcome, at the same time.

Please allow me to start at the end and head for the beginning, therefore Forward into the Past, at breakneck speed!

HARD-HITTING BULLET PRESENTATION OF MAJOR EVENTS

* CTDN picnic, Pleasanton. A most enjoyable, delicious and inspirational yearly event, chock full of incredible transplant stories and people.

* Famous punk band The Community (Matt, Aaron, Neal and our son Andy) appear at Pine Street Bar. Despite permanent hearing damage, fun is had by all. We are honored to host the band/groupie pre-party and dinner right here at Le Bistro Broadmoor.
* Brief visit high on Parnassus Hill to attend to arm swelling and pain from last procedure (see below). After much-appreciated concern and examination, we are able to return with instructions for simple home treatment.

* A surprisingly tolerable jaunt south via Interstate 5 delivers us to the delightful Farmer's Daughter Hotel, located across the street from the famous Farmer's Market at Third and Fairfax in West LA. We endure the requisite SoCal traffic silliness making our way to Dodger Stadium where we join up with good UCSB buddy Don S and his cousin David. There we enjoy a beautiful LA evening in awesome box seats as the beleaguered Dodgers convincingly beat Detroit. Thank you Don, so very much!


* We make way for Long Beach to celebrate birthday #95 with Aunt Bessie by joining her for an excellent (really) retirement home lunch. Following that, we carefully avoid Community Hospital of Long Beach and set sail back to the "Daughter". It is then on to explore Farmer's Market and adjacent (and totally out of control) The Grove shopping phenomenon. After dinner at Wood Grill, we briefly tour other childhood sites of interest before returning to our room.

* On the way out of town a sumptuous breakfast is enjoyed across the street at Dupar's amidst scores of The Price is Right hopefuls preparing to line up at nearby CBS Studios. Our route to the 405 takes us on a sentimental trip to the old neighborhoods and Hami High, and finally back to the Super Slab and home.

* The inclusion at the 65th anniversary observance for Jim and Gladdie McPhail provides us an opportunity to properly give our best wishes to these fine folks who we have been pleased to know for over forty years.

* Another milestone anniversary, the fortieth, is a privilege to share with Carol and Dan. Joined by Sue and Jeff, the six of us travel via our three two-seaters to Mi-Wuk Village and a super cabin where we enjoy food, drinks, games and mirth. One of many highlights is our trip to Sonora Pass (9700 feet altitude) where we pause roadside and greet a phalanx of Corvettes passing the opposite way, shining against the ten-foot snow banks in the warm sun.




* Our cousins from Phoenix, Mel and Jacquey, meet us at their timeshare in Carsbad as we fly to San Diego in the morning and return the same evening. Loads of fun but clearly too short!

* A seemingly simple outpatient heart biopsy at UCSF is combined with an angiogram of my left leg, due to concern expressed by my distinguished vascular surgeon Dr. Charles E. I enjoy an overnight on 10 Long and an early cath lab visit the next day, but I am thoroughly delighted to have my special French toast order honored by my friends in Nutrition Services. The severity of the leg cath requires an additional night in-house. The findings indicated 99% blockage behind the left knee, so I will return this Thursday for the appropriate treatment.

* A most joyous time is had by all concerned at the beautiful Napa residence of Cindy and Bob F. to celebrate the engagement of Linsey and Andy. When the weather reports indicated rain, Cindy and Bob swiftly and effectively readied their garage to accommodate the event, which came off flawlessly and graciously. Thanks Cindy and Bob!

SO, HOW CAN YOU FOLLOW THAT UP, BOB/IRV?

I knew your were gonna ask me that. In fact, it would be impossible to adequately complement June except to take July completely off. Pshaw! you say. Yes, for certain there will be social and medical happenings and yes, Cheryl is already busier than a one-armed paper hanger with cruise referrals already. Other known events will include the aforementioned UCSF visit, as well as Beach Boys concert at Wente, staffing a CTDN info center at a Giants game, and the next iteration of Dinner with the Gang.

So as we launch into Summer, we will go to our rickety old garage, where we find our brand-new, shiny red Super Stock Dodge, and we'll have fun, fun, fun now that Daddy took the T-Bird away. See you out on the Transplant turnpike which, as always, is already in progress.

Bob/Irv

The Perfect UCSF Storm, Without the Sinking and Drowning and Stuff

WE DO THE CASTRO CANTER, NOT THE PARNASSUS POLKA

In a rare explosion of organizational correctness, we experienced one of the finest days ever, high above Kezar recently. We were shaking in our boots (figuratively, since we have no boots and don't care to...so there) as we approached our lofty destination. Why? Despite our endless affection for the many fine folks on staff, when we are summoned to the mount for multiple appointments things rarely go to plan. But this time, it was very similar to clockwork, as they say in Switzerland. And as an added bonus, we received good nooz at each stop along the way. These stops included appearances at both the kidney and heart clinics, and an ultrasound along with a visit with eminent vascular surgeon Dr. Charles E.

I got passing grades from everyone, a surprise to anybody who might have been unfortunate enough to have attended any institution of learning with me. The only equivocating report came from Dr. E. after I described my chronic leg/back/foot/gezingus pain. From his astute viewpoint, I am just at the very top of the slippery slope of serious vascular deterioration. Great for me, but my joy was tempered by what looms at the bottom of the slippery slope, which unfortunately is not a warm Irish coffee at the ski lodge down there. Simply stated, the horrible finale of this condition entails amputation, a concept that has terrified me ever since my VERY unpleasant stay at John Muir four years ago. I was there to have a catheter installed on my upper chest, and to begin dialysis. My "enjoyment" was severely hampered by being assigned to accommodations with two "roomies". One guy coded at 2:00 am, and all Hell did comprehensively break loose in that crowded little room. The other gentleman was a very unhappy double amputee, suffering from diabetes, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. Sound like someone we all know? Literally scared the s**t outta me, which, by the way, I was asked to describe in detail to the nurse while visiting with Cheryl and Sandy C., our beloved in-law. We are talking about serious hospital inquiries here, and if you get squeamish talking about poopie, you don't belong in a hospital.

OK, sorry for the rant....anyway we finished up at UCSF exactly on time and were able to boogie outta Dodge before the upturned meat cleavers affected our crossing of the Bay Bridge. Everything health-wise seems to be operating effectively. My next expedition will include a heart biopsy and the mysterious Allomap lab test, a future non-invasive replacement for catheterization to determine the level of rejection of the heart.

NOW THAT YOU ARE COMPLETELY BUMMED OUT.....

On to the happy crap. We were able to fly to Florida, do our thing(s), and return without any medical or psychological crises. Well, maybe a litle psychological crisis when I engaged in an hour-long conversation with a nice lady sitting next to us. We covered a myriad of subjects, mainly the educational and child-bearing accomplishments of her many offspring. And their offspring. Showing me endless pictures on her laptop, I lost count of the members of the family, only recalling that she has 13 grandchildren and that her daughters and daughters-in-law are still young and ready to push out lots more. Cherie opened her book and let me take one for the team, so to speak. You're certainly welcome, Dear.

Florida was, well, uh, it was Florida, after all. Our hosts, Don and Diana L., were very hospitable when they were not answering calls, sending texts, reading emails, or generally running their burgeoning golf empire. We did tag along to Club Med Sandpiper, just a hop, skip, and jump from Boca in Port St. Lucie up the ol' FL Turnpike. Don and Diana run the whole golf department there, and believe me this is no pitch 'n' putt operation. Young persons from all over the world come to Club Med to be taught serious golf by Mr. L., the Face of Golf for the Entire South Florida Kingdom. Seriously.

While all this golf and texting was taking place, Cheryl made tracks directly to the "Family" pool. That's the "clothing not optional" pool, as differentiated from both the adult pool and the kiddie pool. Which both require bathing attire, but the adult pool allows "b**t floss" while at the kiddie pool, only the dental variety is welcome. Meanwhile, my nephew David and I just hung out. We made effective use of the fitness center while enjoying some brisk exercise, then staggered around the grounds hoping to find Diana or Cheryl for further instructions on how to correctly behave. We were unsuccessful in that regard, and behaved badly.


The day was saved when we found the Slice Bar. Since we were there on a day pass, we were able to avail ourselves of food and adult beverages to our heart's content, completely gratis. This was the first occasion ever that Dave and I spent extended exclusive face time in each other's company, and it was grand. The only thing sadly lacking was a trip to the adult pool for some gentle flossing, but we vowed to return and right this horrendous wrong at a future date.

Oh, um, sorry, Cherie is up from her little afternoon "toes up" and is mighty hungry. I will be whipping up one of my famous omelets (yes, even though it is almost 7:00 pm) so I will be right back....alright then, here I am again. Thanks for waiting.

IT'S A LOVELY LIVERMORE KINDA DAY

We were delighted to be paid a visit from Young Andrew (as opposed to Andrew Young who was the Mayor of Atlanta and a member of Congress) all the way from the desolate wasteland of Sacramento. I say wasteland because in my earlier days, I was occasionally wasted in Sacramento, hence the reference. In any case, we planned a deliriously pleasant day of a bit of dining followed by a trip to the Livermore Intergalactic Airport. Again I hear you all asking "Why?" in beautiful harmony, so I am inspired to tell you. Every Memorial Day, our fine aerodrome features a display of WW II aircraft, including two huge bombers, a B-24 and a B-17. We have never attended this event, so I put my foot down (sorry, Lucy. Are you hurt?) and insisted we go this year.


Few of you know that before I became one of the nation's most respected motoring experts, my interest was in planes from the WW II era. This was handed down from my Dad, who served in the Air Force during that conflict. He and the rest of the GI Joes (no GI Janes, but lots of local ladies, especially in Italy) in the 41st Air Service Group completed many dangerous missions back in the day. Er, actually he and the Joes didn't exactly fly airplanes, they flew desks. See, he was in charge of payroll and lemme tell you, if you f**k up some seargent's paycheck, you are totally up s**t's creek, and no paddle either. Luckily, he came home, safe and sound, at least until my Mom heard about the Italian ladies. If the poop hit the proverbial fan, it musta been before Gary and I were born, but she hadda be pissed.

OK, back to the Lovely Livermore Kinda Day. Before journeying to the airport, we chose to lunch at a perennial favorite, the First St. Alehouse. We have enjoyed sitting at a sidewalk table and enjoying a beer and some pub grub for many years when the Alehouse resided in a very small friendly space on, well, on First St, actually. When the flooring outfit next door went bust, the Alehouse took over and thereby created a new, gargantuan location. We loved the enlarged sidewalk dining area, but today we were seated inside. The very notion that we were seated after "registering" with the hostess and being given one of those flashing pagers is in itself a new concept. In the "old days" you just took an empty table and were immediately greeted by a very nice server. The more disappointing aspect, however, was the truly overwhelming number of young offspring cavorting about. These fine little tots, known in these parts as rug rats, were everywhere, most of them unfortunately in the rather claustrophobic room in which we were placed. Hey, wait a New York minute here...this is a BEER place, and it looks just like friggin' DisneyWorld in here. Worse yet, it SOUNDS like EPCOT too. The former atmosphere of Livermore beer enthusiasts and the occasional drunk has been lost, probably forever. Not a good thing.


So the aircraft were fascinating. We were amazed that guys would fly in these crude buckets of bolts, enduring noise, vibration and enemy fire on the way to drop bombs on folks. Worse yet, NO PEANUTS and one old guy said the aisle to the cans was OUTSIDE! At least they didn't charge for luggage or pillows, and there were no overhead storage bins in which your baggage may have shifted during flight and therefore would come leaping out and hit you upside your thick skull.

"I COULD HAVE BLOGGED ALL NIGHT, I COULD HAVE BLOGGED ALL NIGHT, AND STILL HAVE BLOGGED SOME MORE"

Sorry, Julie Andrews. I could, but Cheryl beckons from yonder boudoir and I must obey without question. So I will close with the eagerly-expected results from my official once-yearly predictions on yesterday's National Motorsports Day (soon to be a true world-wide holiday) events. If you Facebook (Hey, you in the back, stop looking down at your shoes. I know you are on FB!), you have seen these and I can see you are literally on the edge of your chairs in anticipation. Well, this year I am pleased to report I have achieved a .333 guessing average. I missed on the NASCAR 600 miler down in Charlotte, and who could foresee the wacky outcome of the Indy 500? I did nail it on the Monaco Grand Prix, however, for a very respectable one outta three. Hope you enjoyed it as much, if not more, than I did.

So it's off to nonnie-nooners, where I will dream up another literary gem just like this one for next time. Until then, I remain...

Bob/Irv

We Meet My Donor's Family, At Last

A MAJOR LIFE EVENT

Please excuse the long time between my previous, brief news item and the promised expansion of the discussion concerning our meeting with my donor's family. Simply, we are still attempting to fully comprehend all the ramifications, and it just may take a bit longer to fully process. So, I have brilliantly ascertained that it is not fair to you, My Readers, to continue to delay.

I recall clearly the morning of February 9, 2010. I was already well into my daily inpatient routine of French toast, checking email, and doing a bit of reading. My pre-transplant coordinator, Celia , came in the room and simply told me that today was to be the day. I was elated, and started calling with the news, starting of course with Cheryl. I recall feeling excited but surprisingly not frightened. I suppose I had been waiting for this moment for so long that it made me more hopeful than scared.

When Dr. Nancy A., my distinguished kidney surgeon, came in for a brief exam, she told me my donor was a young person. This stopped me cold in my tracks. Never once during the five long years of preparation and waiting did I consciously think about an identity for my donor. When I realized someone had died and perhaps left a grieving family, I was overwhelmed and frankly emotional in my response. Dr. A. was kind enough to pat my shoulder and assure me "It's OK". From that moment I wanted to find out about this unfortunate young man or woman.

The ensuing confusion, wondering, and misinformation have been chronicled elsewhere in past episodes. Not far into 2011 our coordinator at CTDN, Gwenn S. told us that the family was in fact ready for a meeting. Gwenn indicated that the planned date and location would be April 30 at the annual donor family recognition ceremony at Chabot College. Although I was a bit impatient, I accepted the fact. Our concentration turned to my one-year post-transplant anniversary, so we set our sights on April, National Donate Life Month.

THE DAY ARRIVES

The Thursday before the Saturday event, Gwenn asked if our family was "OK with media". Answering for all of us (Leslie, Chris, Linsey, Andy, Cheryl and I), I said "Yes" not really thinking we would be any more that part of a group photograph or general news piece. There would be, I imagined, other family/recipient introductions going on, as well as a well-organized observance of the hard decisions made by grieving families.

Upon arrival at Chabot we were asked to wait at the end of the lobby. We did not know if we were going to be shown to a private room, meet in the lobby, or be ushered into the auditorium. Gwenn showed me a page in the donor remembrance book, giving all of us the first glimpse of my donor's identity....Ruben Bernal. She then gathered us up and took us back outside the front doors where we found ourselves before a virtual crowd of people. They were all looking at me, some smiling, some crying and holding tissues to their eyes. I looked at Cheryl and she was also tearing up. In the center of Ruben's family was a woman in a white sweater, being hugged and comforted by several younger members of the group. This was, in fact, Ruben's mother, Maria.

AN AMAZING ENCOUNTER

I have many impressions, thoughts and emotions about the next moments. Many people, perhaps 25 (we were told there would be 8), immediately introducing themselves to us. They had name tags, we had none, but the recognition of names and the displayed relationship to Ruben were a blur. I saw a row at the back of large guys, several of whom were Ruben's older brothers. Suddenly we noticed after hugging and holding hands with Maria that there was a large group of other people all around us watching our story unfold. Amongst them was a TV cameraman recording the happenings. I then realized this was in fact "the media" focus, and the event was not a matter of happenstance.

My initial flush of happiness about the long-expected meeting was instantly tempered by the sense of loss still being felt by the family over a year after losing Ruben. A microphone with the NBC logo appeared to my right, being held by Mel B. from CTDN. In addition to serving as a human mic stand, Mel joined the translation corps helping us to speak and listen to Maria and Ruben's father, Ruben Sr. The camera operator asked me to be interviewed, which I did after a small microphone was affixed to my lapel. All the while I was in awe of the dreamlike situation unfolding all around us. A young man then came up and asked for yet anther interview, this one for the news group which publishes local papers in several East Bay communities. He scribbled my answers in shorthand in one of those little lined tablets you see reporters and cops using in the movies and on TV.

I found myself addressing Ruben's family, my primary message being profound gratitude for an enormous gift of life. I told them I had literally thought about them every day since my transplant. I further assured them I would be a conscientious steward of Ruben's heart and kidney, and would do everything I could to assure them I would be a grateful and worthy recipient.

Several of Ruben's buddies introduced themselves as well, describing him as "a great guy", "very cool", "the life of the party", and "very funny". They were all amazed and fascinated when Ruben announced he was registering to be an organ and tissue donor. We were all truly touched by the obvious devotion his friends had for him.

THE INTENSITY GROWS

After the entire group was shown to seats in the first two rows of the theater, the Moss/Chaw/Fluken contingent began conversing with the Bernal/Tovar family members while waiting for the official presentation to begin. I was seated behind Alfredo, Ruben's older brother. It was then I learned of the incredibly horrible circumstances of Ruben's death. He and Alfredo were in front of Alfredo's mother-in-law's house in Union City enjoying a late-night barbeque, when gunfire erupted from a passing vehicle. Both brothers were struck. Alfredo managed to drag himself to where Ruben lay, and immediately saw that it was a hopeless situation for his younger brother. Alfredo's first reaction was that he wished he could have been the one mortally injured, then he bid Ruben farewell and a good journey. This was too much for me to process, as you might imagine.

We all watched while dozens of donor families crossed the stage to receive their recognition medals, including the Bernals and Tovars. At the end, we all hugged again and Alfredo mentioned that we should keep in touch and perhaps get together at some point. All of us then departed the event, emotionally drained and struggling to sort out our feelings.

This amazing event took place over the noon hour, so a late lunch/early dinner (aka "Linner") was in order. We all agreed one of our most favored cuisines was in order, so we dined at Casa Orozco. All of us except for Chris, who later told us he was 100% worthless at work that evening after the indescribable experience we had all shared.

As we entered our house, the phone immediately rang. Cherie's sister Robin was on the line, excitedly telling us to turn on the TV to the NBC affiliate. We did so in time to see a commercial end with the reporter introducing a piece about the day's transplant donor family ceremony. We saw ourselves in a group shot, followed by images of us embracing and shaking hands with the Bernals and Tovars. Next was roughly 30 seconds of my funny-looking face, with an answer to one of the cameraman's questions. After the segment we switched to CBS and in a few moments saw a virtual repeat. Again, we were floored.

Sunday morning an article appeared in the news section of our paper entitled The Bridge Between Two Lives. Some editions had a picture of Ruben Sr. and me, others a photo of Linsey, Andy and me, both over the same article. Very soon after the newspaper and TV reports appeared, I received quite a few calls, emails and personal acknowledgements saying that folks had seen them. It all still seemed like a wonderful/tragic story happening to somebody else.

Later in the next week, Kathy at CTDN asked us if we would give telephone interviews to a writer for a group of newspapers in Fremont, Milpitas and San Jose. We did so, and learned that Maria had been interviewed prior our discussion, and had voiced satisfaction with me and my family as good recipients. Again, an incredible feeling for us.

SO, BACK TO THE TRANSPLANT TURNPIKE, ALREADY IN PROGRESS

We have all had several weeks to absorb these moments, and I will tell you that it will be a rather long while until everything is fully sorted. I am told by other recipients that it can and does take time. We look forward to further communication with the family, and joint activities in whatever context seems appropriate. We feel that in many ways our family has increased in size and variety. A very nice thing, to be sure.

Bob/Irv

PS: To see related articles and pictures, go to "Fremont family meets man who received son's donated organs" - Inside Bay Area
www.insidebayarea.com
or Google Ruben Bernal.

For Now, Words Fail Me

YET AGAIN, A LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT

The day I have been thinking about, hoping for, and pursuing tirelessly has come. Utilizing letter-writing, emailing, phoning, and outright pestering, I was united with the family of the donor of my heart and kidney. Our emotional day has been chronicled elsewhere, including Facebook, KPIX, KNTV, and several East Bay newspapers' Sunday editions. While we were told that news media would be present, we had no idea that our family-to-family event would be their main focus.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Please permit me to more fully process and share at a later date not only the momentous happenings on Saturday, but also some additional amazement experienced earlier today. To answer a few of the mysteries, I can say that my donor was Ruben Bernal, a 21 year-old resident of Union City. Last February, Ruben was enjoying a late-night BBQ at the home of a relative when an as-yet unknown individual or individuals opened fire from a moving vehicle. Ruben suffered grievous injuries and was taken to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley. There he was declared brain-dead and placed on a respirator.

Ruben was a registered organ and tissue donor. He figured if the worst were to happen (which most young people think never will), he would want his organs used to save someone else. In his circle of friends, this was an unusual concept, but he had determined and done it on his own. And horribly for Ruben, his many friends, large family and fiancee, the worst did occur early on the morning of Saturday, February 6, 2010. And on Tuesday the 9th, he was taken off respiratory support and pronounced dead.

I will organize my thoughts and feelings, and share more of this truly mind-boggling story very soon. I ask you all to take just a moment to reflect on a person described to us as full of life, humor and love. It humbles me that he had to die so I could rediscover my own life, humor and love. Muchas gracias, Ruben.

Bob/Irv

To Hospital Hell and Back

RELAX, I WAS NOT THE PATIENT, FORTUNATELY

Just yesterday I experienced one of the most frightening medical-facility days of my life. As is well-chronicled, I have had a few anxious moments in hospitals over the years, both job- and patient-related, so I do have credentials, eh? Once again in my role as a CTDN Donate Life Ambassador (you may simply refer to me as "Mr. Ambassador" or "Hey Dummy", whichever you prefer) I offered to help at a donor registration information at a hospital I shall refer to only as "Hospital X", or just X for short. This is to protect both CTDN as well as members of our family from any unpleasantness arising from my comments.

After a brief self-inflicted period of confusion finding the parking garage, I began the inevitable stopping and staring at the floor plans posted on the walls for visitor guidance. Those and the signing were not bad, but most of the medical centers with which I was connected have conducted extensive employee training in customer awareness. The most basic component of these is noticing and assisting people who are obviously in need of directional assistance. I have noticed recently in other hospitals that often staff members will approach politely even if you don't seem lost but are just obviously a visitor, and offer assistance before you need to ask. And in many situations when directions are necessary, employees will actually physically guide you at least part-way to your destination, instead of just pointing and saying "Just go down there, turn left, then spin around backwards three times and turn right, You can't miss it". Thank Disney for providing the nice way to help people find stuff.

Well, as you can imagine, nobody could tear themselves away from talking basketball or "shooting the s**t" so to speak, in order to help me out. I correctly guessed our table would be in the cafeteria, and when I spotted the Donate Life banner in the hallway, I knew I was on target.

The good news was that the table was attended by Laura from CTDN and Frank, a rare heart/kidney recipient. As we got acquainted I could not help but start to eyeball the area. So the bad news is that it was a train wreck. Maybe you've seen something like this; signs on everything saying "Don't Do This" and "Out of Order", negative crap like that. And of course there were empty pans of unappetizing food, all cold items since no hot food is offered until dinner hours (a common practice in even well-run operations). But way worse was the employees' level of attention (no, not more of that!).

After wandering around the serving area a bit, I was treated to some very healthy shouting as a cook was hailing a friend who could well have been somewhere South of Gilroy, such was the decibel level. I stopped to speak with the cashier but gave up after she failed to look up from her texting session. In checking out the nearby coffee cart, again I went unnoticed by the attendant who was not only paying rapt attention to her cell phone, but was simultaneously entertaining a young child while she "worked" inside the cart. All this while many of the dining room tables were liberally decorated with dirty trays and dishes, abandoned newspapers, and crumpled napkins, one of my major pet peeves from the Old Daze. Absolutely no attention was given to even a cursory cleanup, as it would have proven distracting to shouting, texting and child care. Sheesh.

Luckily the day was saved when Laura allowed me to attend a brief educational session with her for the nurses of the ER. The purpose was to inform them of an upcoming seminar on transplantation, although the staff on this very busy urban emergency unit were already well-informed on the subject. Laura ran up and down the corridors telling anyone who was not too busy to "come meet this recipient guy", which they did. It was quite gratifying to speak with several of these brave souls, who were either fighting grim battles in the treatment rooms (and hallways...Yikes!) or about to thankfully exit at shift's end.

Laura guided me back to the garage and I made a successful escape from X without too much physical harm. I pulled to the curb to phone Cheryl, and noticed a strangely-customized Pontiac of some sort maneuvering up to a gas pump next to the street where I was parked while the driver pulled on a cigarette. Not wanting to suffer major burns in the impending explosion, I hung up and made swiftly for the freeway and our safe humble home in the 'burbs.

OTHER STUFF

Seems like bullet lists make reading go faster, except you get stressed like you gotta read all this bunko and sign it before the guy behind you in line gets perturbed and pulls out an assault weapon from his iPad case. So please, don't trip if you decide to check out the next section of both social and scientific natures: (Dammit, I don't know if bullets are possible on this blog! So how about dashes? Ok, you say? OK, then!)

-Our heavily-anticipated visit to the Spine Center at UCSF was accurately predicted by my Livermore heart/kidney buddy, Fred. He and I were both told we could do physical therapy, drugs, or both. Depending on our "lifestyle decisions" if those were insufficient then the only "cure" would be back surgery. We are both taking Door Number One, PT. So far, so good, and I do feel pretty good most days.

-After lunch with my Muir friends Ken and Mike, I was afforded a guided tour of the new kitchen at John Muir, Walnut Creek Campus by my comparades Sandi, Alison, Pat, JP and Dennis. It was nothing short of magical, since the old facility put a staggering amount of meals out of a very tiny preparation area. The new one is vast, with refrigeration everywhere and a storeroom that could easily be the new home of Your Oakland Athletics, thus saving lots of taxpayer $$$ trying to keep Al Davis from moving the team to West Allis, WI if he doesn't get a new, spectacular stadium.

-Admitted to 12 Moffitt at UCSF on a Sunday evening for an early-Monday angiogram on my right upper leg. The anticipated obstruction was confirmed and stented, and after a gruelling six hours of flat bedrest I was able to end my visit on my beloved 10 Long. Despite promises, I was not served French toast Tuesday morning, but my wonderful nurse was able to contact the kitchen and the prized dish was promptly delivered. After a relatively swift discharge process, we beat it East and got home quite quickly to resume normal life with no complications of any kind.

- Once again faithfully representing CTDN, it was a pleasure to visit our very own Livermore Veterans Administration Medical Center. It is on top of a hill opposite Wente Vineyards Champagne Cellars on Wetmore Rd. in Livermore's wine-and-luxury living area. I will confess that after 32 years here in La Livermoria we have never taken the tortuous 15 mph, 1/4 mile trip to the hospital. Not only is it remarkably beautiful, but all the staff we encountered were noticeably happy to be there. This is in part due to the many programs and training opportunities afforded to them by the VA. Our discussions about organ donation and my own experiences were quite exceptional. I was told I would have fifteen minutes to talk about my transplant story, and it turned out I was the one and only "speaker". The reaction to my remarks was quite positive and enthusiastic, a great source of good feelings for me and the listeners.

- A most unusual Dinner with the Gang was enjoyed all the way out here in our town, at Campo di Bocce. After a rousing session of bocce, beverages and snacks, we sat down for an inconsistently-prepared dinner served with wildly mediocre waiting skill. Yes, it was busy, yes, it was noisy, and yes, the manager was sitting at the bar scarfing his dinner while mayhem swirled all around. Still, a great time was had by all, and I managed to throw a "Good Evening" screen pass at John Madden as he exited the restaurant.

-Just this morning I was graciously allowed to offer brief comments to two of the weekly Weight Watcher sessions on the occasion of National Donate Life Month. Again they were warmly accepted. I even spoke directly with three ladies, one who wants to donate a kidney to a relative, one who wanted information on donor registry, and one who lost her husband two years ago. This nice person was proud to have had his organs donated, the liver to a relative and the others to recipients not yet known. She attended the annual recognition ceremony in Hayward last year, and said it was quite a session for her and her family. She and I most definitely shared a moment, neither of us leaving with completely dry eyes.

WHICH LEADS TO....

I might be telling you of my weekend driving plans or the approach of some major race this weekend. But before you change the channel on me and switch to Maury Povich or Dr. Oz, please, hold on a second. This coming weekend will be one of the very most momentous two days of our lives, as we join Leslie, Chris, Linsey and Andy to meet my donor family for the first time, on Saturday. Sunday, we will be greeters for the event, and then I will appear onstage with two groups of recipients, an adult group and a youth group. We will enter holding hands, then each delivere a one-line message about ourselves and our transplants. Everyone who has been to this has said what a highly meaningful and emotional thing it all is. We are excited, scared, happy, nervous....all of it.

Seems like every day is bringing both transplant-related and other joys. I think this could be habit-forming. Hope so.

Bob/Irv

It's April 13th...So What?

Hi everyone.....just wanted to give a brief description of why today is so important to me. Maybe some of you know of my life-long enthusiastic interest in motor racing. Over these many years, one driver/owner/constructor/all-around great guy has stood out for me. The first race I ever saw on (primitive) TV, the 1962 Daytona Continental, was won by him. And I saw his very last victory, at Sears Point in 1970, driving the race car his company built, the All American Racers Eagle. In between, he notably won the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix in an Eagle, followed a week later by a significant win (with A.J. Foyt) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Ford GT.

I am of course talking about Dan Gurney. The reason I mention all this is that today, April 13th, is Dan's 80th birthday. So allow me the opportunity to send a sincere Happy Birthday his way. Thanks for all of it, sir.

Time Shore Do Fly When Yur Havin' Fun, Don't It?

FIRST, THE TRIVIALITIES

May I suggest to those out there in Subscriber World who are nauseated by accounts of personal activities ("We don't wanna know what you had for lunch!"...an actual quote....Ouch!) that you and the horse you rode in on skip to the more relevant and scholarly events I deal with further down the blog. I would NEVER knowingly subject any reader to such unpleasantness, so perhaps many of you might be more pleased with graphic descriptions of medical procedures to which I have been subjected lately. Just look downward on this page to the BOLD HEADING to get what you truly came for. Sure, don't mention it. My pleasure.

SO ON TO THE PROMISED TRIVIALITIES

Last month our humble abode here in The Town of Spring found itself draped in a jolly tent for the purpose of exterminating every living creature that resided therein. Yes, after several years of ignoring the "swarmers" that came flying out of the windowsill, we finally succumbed to the need for fumigation. Oh, the shame. Even worse, there was a huge sign hung in front advertising Terminix, as if to scream "These people harbor dangerous insects, and shall be punished financially!" to every passing motorist.

Considering the need to virtually move completely out for three days, we were fortunate and thankful to the Senior Caples for allowing us to house sit during their gala trip to Scottsdale for Giant's spring training. So we schlepped, with Leslie's able assistance, most of our lives over across Vasco to Robin's and Pat's lovely dwelling. Staying over there was a pleasure, as was tending to the needs of the two kitties in residence. Not quite so much fun was looking after Lucy, who definitely did not enjoy being held captive upstairs in order to protect unscratched furniture and innocently by-standing fellow feline creatures.

I took my second cooking class at LifeStyle Rx, where I am the longest-running cardiac rehab patient in modern history. I understand that roughly 165 B.C., a Roman vice emperor by the name of Dicklessius Cheneyllius was involved with rehab for over 220 years, but I do hold the modern record, so there, Mr. Smartypants. At any rate, excellent and healthy dishes are prepared in the demonstration kitchen, with one of those tilted mirrors above the preparation area just like on Food Network (and the honeymoon suites up in the Poconos). Luckily, unlike the Food Network's worst representative, Paula Deen, there is hardly any butter in evidence. Now I know how to make healthy lasagna, shrimp 'n' grits, fruit cobbler, and New Orleans Bourbon bread pudding. Thank you Anne Moselle, RD, for organizing these.

A last-minute social arrangement with the Henrys resulted in an excellent evening in Downtown Martinez. Dinner at Haute Stuff was truly outstanding. This was exceeded by the intensely high-quality show we caught at Armando's. Again we saw Jeff Magidson, as we did at First Sunday, and again, when backed up by a remarkable band, he truly gets it done. Jeff, along with his wife Isabel, also perform together as Duo Gadjo, which supplied the music at Leslie's and Chris' wedding.

We were very pleased to tour the newest building at John Muir Walnut Creek Campus at the community open house recently. As we saw at Concord Campus several months ago, this magnificent part of the hospital incorporates all the latest thinking in technology, the better to achieve optimum patient healing. Virtually every room is private and has a window allowing natural light. There are several roof gardens for patient and family enjoyment, and the domed lobby with its water feature is also a place where everyone can spend emotionally healing time. There is a new kitchen as well, but since it was not on the tour I have been promised a private showing by my former associates, TBA.

If I sound like a JM ad writer, sorry, but for anyone who has spent time either incarcerated or visiting a hospital (and I have), this is a major eye-opener. One of the main guys who made this happen, CEO Ken Anderson, retired on March 31, and we saw him at the event but were unable to speak with him. I spent many happy hours helping to provide meals to many meetings and functions Ken attended, and he was always appreciative of all of our efforts. Quite a fine leader and a gentleman, to be sure.

Later the same day we made our second trip to Napa to procure a site for Linsey's and Andy's rehearsal dinner. Cheryl, Andy and I were successful at Filippi's, where we may have over-sampled just a wee bit. However, all three of us gathered it in nicely, and Cheryl and I are proud to have both dropped a coupla pounds last week. Hoo hah.

OK, NOW FOR THE SERIOUS STUFF

In a medical sense, it has been only so-so, to be honest. An ultrasound indicated a blockage in the right upper femoral artery, although I have had no symptoms. The vascular surgeon, Dr. Eichler (who expertly did my leg bypass several years ago) strongly suggested an angiogram, with possible ballooning and stenting of the affected area. I will be admitted on April 17th, hopefully getting the procedure done early Monday, and returning to Ciudad de Liver on Tuesday. The best-layed plans and all that.... At the very least we were able to leave UCSF that day in time to join Suzy and Greg at Gather in Berkeley. Here, the largely-vegetarian menu features "stinging nettles" amongst other Local, Sustainable, Organic, Expensively Farm-raised and altogether Groovy items. I dunno, it must be my ignorance, but I am loathe to put anything "stinging" in my mouth. I got enough problems, y'know?

Meanwhile the spinal stenosis (or whatever the Hell it is) is so painful in my lower back that I have forgotten all the weakness and discomfort in my left leg ever since Thanksgiving. Bummer for me, the Spine Center doc was away, so my March 17th appointment was rescheduled for April 14th. No hurry at the UCSF Spine Center, which obviously subscribes to the same "later, mon" attitude I found in Urology. Yeah, Urology....what great memories. Perfect for those voyeurs out there who prefer frightening accounts of medical discomfiture over descriptions of happy, inspirational times (like my lunches). I hate to disappoint, but I didn't even have to reveal my goodies during the last visit, so I guess some of you will have to wait until the next savage medical episode to get their jollies. So terribly sorry.

ON TO TRANSPLANT ACTIVITIES

I was very interested in participating in an education session, wherein representatives of CTDN address high school students about the facts of organ donation. I got my chance recently at College Park HS in Pleasant Hill. Three of us, all recipients, spoke to three periods of Physiology classes, not only providing important information but giving two different teachers a welcome hour off. Each of us described our transplant experience, to which each class responded with sincere applause. We showed a new video featuring words and pictures of actual organ recipients and donor families. This is a tool to inform students to assist them and their parents in making their donation decisions, as many become new drivers. There is currently a bill before the state legislature to require information about organ and tissue donation in high school health classes, which is a most worthy idea.

Cheryl and I will be participating in more CTDN events during this, National Donate Life Month. Of course the culmination of these vital activities will be the annual donor recognition ceremony at which we will meet the family of my donor. So, a very important and emotional month is ahead for us. And if you would be so kind, do consider promoting awareness of the need for donor registration at any opportunity you deem appropriate. The 110,000 or so people waiting for transplants in the US, and Yours Truly, would appreciate it.

And on that hopeful note, I bid you adieu.

Bob/Irv