[NFBWATlk] Allen Harris in the hospital

[Marci Carpenter]

For those of you who know Alan Harris I thought you’d want to know that he is in the hospital in very grave condition. After the recent death of his wife Joy he moved back to Michigan to be with his children and grandchildren. After only a couple days he fell down a flight of stairs. He has had Ménière’s disease for several years which causes balance problems among its many symptoms. I read a Facebook post from his daughter Katie and have been exchanging messages with her since then. Allen has 15 broken ribs, a broken collarbone, small fractures in his back and a punctured lung.  He has been sedated and on a ventilator in the ICU. He had reached a point where he could respond to people, nod his head, smile and move his arms and legs. Unfortunately his body has resisted the antibiotics and the doctors say he will not get better. His family has made the difficult decision to place him on comfort medication. Katie says it’s now a matter of days or hours until he passes.

I have known Allen since the early 80s. I can still hear his booming voice on opening session day shouting “Meeeechigan!!” His laughter and sense of humor were infectious. I spent many dinners at national conventions with Allen and other friends from around the country talking and laughing.

I will update everyone when I know more. Please keep Allen and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Marci