Hello everyone,
It’s been a while since I’ve shared a meaningful update. Unfortunately, this is not a positive one.
While we have seen small signs of progress at times, slight movements, occasional alertness, and moments where he could communicate with his eyes or by spelling, the overall condition of his body has continued to decline.
I spent this past week with him. The first night I arrived, he was animated, which gave me hope, but I also noticed signs of delirium. Each day after that, things worsened. At one point, when I was there with MJ, he was signaling “yes” when asked if he was in pain and now is receiving treatment. He showed clear signs of delirium, looking around without focus, moving his mouth without addressing anyone. It was very difficult to see and not the John we know. He seems to move in and out of these states.
Richie, Allison, and I met with the doctors to get a consensus, and the prognosis is not good. One doctor described John’s condition as a “snowstorm” of immune-related issues.
He continues to suffer from chronic lung infections that are treated temporarily but never fully resolved. Once treatment stops, the infections return, creating a continuous cycle. The same is happening with recurring CAUTI infections. After four months, this cycle is taking a heavy toll on his body.
The doctors believes John will never be able to come off the ventilator or return to an independent life. In addition, his stage 4 bedsores are worsening and carry a risk of sepsis, despite ongoing treatment and repositioning every two hours. His rheumatoid arthritis has also severely inflamed and swelled his joints, his hands are clenched and swollen, and his feet are swollen and contracted and his face is swollen.
On Friday, I trimmed his beard while he was asleep. He didn’t wake up. I felt it was best to let him rest, as his body needs all the strength it can get to fight these infections.
I’m truly sorry to share this kind of update. I always try to stay positive, but I also want everyone to understand what he is facing. We are now discussing next steps and options based on the doctors’ consensus.
This is incredibly difficult. John deserves better than this, and we all want what is best for him now and not to suffer.
Dear Fred, Thank you for the update. Our thoughts and prayers are with John. He is loved by so many people.
Keep strong and we all are praying for his recovery.
Russell and Avi
Dear Fred, Thank you for the update. Our thoughts and prayers are with John. He is loved by so many people.
Keep strong and we all are praying for his recovery.
Russell and Avi
Dear Fred! Thank you for this very sad update.
We are holding you and John close in our heart, and we wish you peace and comfort during this tragic time. Please tell John that Richard Gray loves him.
Richard & Raymond
Have been praying constantly for John’s healing and waiting to know any updates. He is so loved and his suffering is heartbreaking and so unfair. Praying also for your guidance and support also
Thanks for a very difficult update. I had a dream that John and I had a long conversation about life the night before your post. It reminded me to check this website only to find this post the next day. Sending him healing energy and prayers to help with the pain. 🙏.
Having seen John last month this tracks from my last visit. Terribly sad. Wish there was something we could do to get him better.
Thank you for the update, Fred. Such a difficult moment. I haven’t stopped thinking about John these past months, sending all my love, thoughts and the best energies.
I’m deeply sorry you’re going through all of this. I continue to hold onto hope, believing in a miracle. Thank you again for everything you’ve been doing for John and for keeping us updated. Please, take care of yourself as well!
So sorry Freddie. I hope John knows how much he is loved! Praying for you & Richie & all extended family & friends. 💔
Sending love and thoughts your way, and hoping every day for John to recover. We all miss him so much.
Thank you Fred for the update. I have a Camila bush in my front yard that John planted for me many years ago. I would always let him know when the first blooming would occur. I’m 🙏🏽 for your family’s strength and his recovery.
Oh Fred!
How we all hoped for better news. Wishing you, John and your whole family strength and comfort as you navigate this prognosis.
Dear Fred we’re praying for John and all of you! We love John so much and it’s unbelievable what’s happening to him…. Big hugs Alessio, Andrea and Natalia ❤️
Dear Fred, I was quite saddened by the latest report on John’s condition. Having known him for 30+ years, he is a giant, among us. His work ethic, humor, love for others, always shines. My prayers and love are there for him, at this time
Dear Fred, I was quite saddened by the latest report on John’s condition. Having known him for 30+ years, he is a giant, among us. His work ethic, humor, love for others, always shines. My prayers and love are there for him, at this time
I’m sending you this update from the parking lot after my visit with John just now. In short, I have never seen John look so good! His face lit up when he saw me and he was able to mouth words about how happy he was to see me, and he even said that I looked good. Ha ha. While I was there, Dr. Beck, his neurologist, came into the room and talked to me and John about his progress. He emphatically shared how pleased he was to see the progress that John is making, and said, “I continue to believe you will progress.“ John’s eyes lit up and at times he closed them as if he was getting emotional. Then John turned and mouth to me “no one has ever said this to me before.“ The doctor also said to me that he and the infectious disease doctor both believe that John has done tremendously well in a short period of time, and they believe it’s only a matter of time until he moves to the next facility for his continued progress. Yarden arrived a little later and we had a wonderful visit with John. I stayed nearly an hour with him. And now he is resting for a bit while Yarden stays with him this afternoon. My heart is so happy after seeing John like this. I hope this message brings you the optimism that I’m feeling today.
Just wait; may God look upon him with eyes of mercy. My prayers are with the family. 🙏