Hello everyone, I have a significant and, a hopeful update.
On Tuesday, I was on a business trip to Houston and landed around midnight CT. I noticed two missed calls from the hospital, which is very unusual at that hour. I called back immediately and spoke with the Palliative Care NP, who shared something we have not seen since John developed GBS in November 2025: he was able to tolerate “spontaneous mode” on the ventilator.
Spontaneous mode is part of the weaning process, where John initiates his own breaths with reduced machine support to help rebuild respiratory strength. Although Kindred specializes in ventilator weaning and has attempted this daily, John had never been able to tolerate it until now.
Since then, he has been able to remain in this mode for several hours a day. He still requires close monitoring by a respiratory therapist, and adjustments are needed as he tires, but this is a major breakthrough. It indicates that he is not stable, and needs constant monitoring as his body is beginning to engage again, rather than remaining fully dependent on mechanical support.
In addition, John has been more alert, engaged, and interactive. He’s been communicating, laughing with visitors and staff, and according to Tony, Yarden, and others, his “bossy personality” is making a comeback, which we all love.
The palliative care doctor spoke with John about his goals and possible outcomes, and John clearly expressed that he wants more time.
It’s important to understand that John is still facing significant challenges. While the mortality rate for GBS alone is relatively low, his situation is more complex due to multiple autoimmune conditions, recurring infections, stage 4 pressure wounds, a feeding tube, and a catheter. These factors increase the overall risk considerably.
That said, John has reached a milestone that did not seem possible even a week ago. You cannot count him out.
When our mom was dying from pancreatic cancer, I asked her how I would know she was okay after she passed. She told me she would come by as a dove from time to time. This morning, as I was writing this, I looked out the sliding glass door next to my desk and saw a dove right outside, staring back at me. I got “dove-bumps” and took the photo for today’s post. It felt especially meaningful around Easter.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Please keep John in your thoughts. I hope this update gives you a reason to smile.
That is awesome news. One day at a time. John is a fighter and we are praying for his strength. Thank you for the update.
Thanks for the update, Fred. This continues to give us hope and we keep John in our thoughts and prayers. All of us are sending love and positive energies from all over the world ✨
Thanks for the update, Fred. When I saw him yesterday he looked the best I have seen since this happened. He was able to mouth words to me and there was a real spark in his eyes. Your post today and my visit yesterday have given me tremendous hope for John.
I am beyond happy to read this update, I have been praying to see the a full recovery and all this journey will be part of the past.
Wow! Thanks Fred! John is a fighter and he knows Reverend Jackson is praying for him daily. This news made my day!
So thrilled to hear this news! I knew John would give up and would keep fighting! My thoughts and prayers continue to be with him! Your Cookie Monster
His is great and so are you, John, and all who are
visiting and sending him love and healing! At his core, JT is a fighter. Let’s all WILL HIM ONWARD to eventual recovery. Not an easy road, but let’s keep hope alive. JT-you’ve got this!
Thank you for the encouraging update. Thanking GOD! 🙏🏽 keep fighting J.T. we ❤️ you!
This is such great news! Keep fighting John. We are all with you!
It’s so awesome to hear this news! We love you Johnny! ❤️
So sweet about the dove Freddie!
Hello Fred
This is terrific news and there is hope!!!
The dove sighting is just magical. Last week my mother in law passed . It was a trying few days in the hospital and my father sent a white egret high in the trees above me as I was walking. I knew all would be ok. Sending my love and continued prayers for John
Thanks for the update Fred,
John is in my prayers 🙏🏻 and I can’t wait to hear from you about his continued progress.
Very happy to hear all of the wonderful progress.
Glad that your dove came to spread the good.
Thank you for the update and the dove bumps. Sending strength!
Thinking of John and sending him so much strength. This update brought a huge smile to my face, it’s wonderful to hear about his progress ,thanks Fred for updating. I’m sending him all my best energy for his continued improvement. Stay strong!
That’s a great news! We pray for John and I’m sure your mom is still taking care of him from the heaven !!!
Love to read of improvements! We continue to lift him up in prayers and positive energy. Cannot wait to hear about continued progress!