Dick Dale's health

[abel]

Hi all,

No very good news to share with you:
This came in today from Linda Miller of the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum:

Rumors spreading about Dick’s health have prompted this email
Prior to Sat night I was asked to keep my mouth shut, so I did…
Sat night John and I attended what may have been Dick’s final performance…
About 3 weeks ago Dick stood up from his chair and blacked out…
Attempting to get up, Dick’s caretaker threw herself underneath him…
She prevented his head from hitting the cement as he blacked out a 2nd time…
Caretaker Lana called the paramedics and off they went to Cedars Sinai…
At Cedars Sinai Lana remained constantly by his side the entire time…
Once they examined Dick they realized he had many things going wrong…
He has an acute infection that apparently has been taking its toll for years…
The infection occurred as a result of having an undetected intestinal leak…
They determined the leak was there before chemo, radiation & surgery…
Despite numerous tests and mini-surgeries they can’t find the leak…
He was on heavy duty IV antibiotics and not allowed to eat anything…
In that time he dropped from 200 lbs to a very fragile weakened 109 lbs…
The acute infection shut down his bladder and messed up his kidneys…
He is in chronic pain for which medication is not an option due to liver damage…
He canceled his Japan tour with son Jimmy to promote their signature guitars….
He played Coach House last night to avoid disappointing his faithful fans…
He had to be helped to and from the stage and sat in a chair to play but still
put on a great show and got personal with the audience as always…
He mentioned playing to packed houses & screaming fans since 1955…
The house was packed and there were numerous standing ovations for his valor…
Jimmy picked up where ever Dick left off playing but you couldn’t tell he had…
As always he paid a tribute to our soldiers by playing Amazing Grace…
Finished with Third Stone From The Sun dedication to my dear departed Scotty…
Told his fans “They are his medicine” and felt better for having played for them…
He was escorted to his car without signing autographs for the first time in 55 yrs…
As we left we were quite saddened by what we witnessed yet truly amazed…
Dick has always been and will always be my hero, confidant and best friend…
I close with one request that you pass this on to others and pray, pray, pray…

God bless,
Linda

[kipper]

fingers crossed for dick dale a genuine legend in his own time. all the best dick. peter

[kipper]

anymore news on dick dales health anyone. peter

[MartcasterJunior]

Some additional recent info here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_b ... uitar.html

[kipper]

Some additional recent info here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_b ... uitar.html

thanks for information. peter

[theshiraleeBC]

I'm praying my heart out up here on the BC coast ... any word on how Dick is doing following his surgery?