Update from Larry Silfen, Thursday, October 21:
Update from Dave's brother Jay, Sunday, October 17:
I just got off the phone with the ICU.Dave is pretty much stable .They let him breath on his own for awhile but it gets tiring for him but the point is he can breathe on his own.Tey are giving minimal assist when he needs it.Lowgrade fever that occaisonally spikes but they seem to have it under control.He is bored silly and wants to get up but of course he can't.
The biggest news is I actually talked to him Wednesday.The nurses only let him say a few words but to say it took a bit to regain my composure is an understatement.Paul Rubin was there and held his phone up to his ear so there was actually direct communication.
My brother Robert and I will be out there next week.Until then if anyone is in the area or even has a friend in Phoenix that might be able to drop by and say hi I know Dave would appreciate the company.Once his lungs are ok , they can get him in the regular hospital section where he could talk on the phone . I know that will do a lot to lift his spirits.Until then we will all work our way through this.
On behalf of Dave thanks for everything
Jay
I just got off the phone with the ICU.The nurse said everything was about the same from the last update.He did have surgery Monday to place an external fixator on the broken ankle because the boot wasn't holding his ankle in place like they needed.He has dead skin on his foot and they are using a wound vac to keep the dead skin off and promote healing.
The good news is his fever is down to the 99 degree range and they seem to have found the right combination of antibiotics.
I asked what is still keeping him the ICU and it is the oxygenation.He is breathing some on his own now but still at times needs to rely on the ventilator.He is doing some talking now but the nurses do not encourage it.
I did get to talk to the orthopedic nurse and she is encouraged by his progress.His nurse today had Dave several weeks ago and remarked at the difference in his appearance.He is much more alert yet still well sedated.
The nurses are aware of mom's passing and are letting anyone know not to mention it as of yet.I understand since Brian left there hasn't been much visitation . They arent encouraging it but wont keep someone from visiting.Biff and I will be out there a little later this month.
Keep up the good thoughts,
Jay
Update from Larry on Friday, October 1:
Just wanted to update you on Dave as with him in Phoenix. He looks much better and truly improving on a daily basis. I spent a few hours with him and caught him up on all the happenings in Fastpitch and how the whole community is pulling for him. Dave smiled several times during our visit and we all know the Breeder grin speaks volumes.
Also, Ronnie Rupp is doing much better as well. Saw him this week and will see again this weekend.
Thanks again for keeping everyone up to speed. We all appreciate it very much.
LAS
Larry Silfen
Update on Sep 25 from Dave's brother Jay:
In the last week there hadnt been much change in Dave's condition.He is running a fever that they havent isolated a bug from.His oxygenation level is better as of today.They did a tracheotomy on Monday and he is breathing better and resting better with it.
The big news is he has awakened somewhat.He can respond to commands and listen on a telephone held to his ear.He got a big smile when Brian walked into his room today.
I know there is a long way to go but maybe just maybe there is progress in his condition.Hopefully Brian will talk to the trauma surgeon tomorrow and get a better update as to the fevers,lungs ,abdominal infections etc.
I will be there starting Wednesday so I can send uppdates directly from the hospital.Thanks for everything that you guys have been doing
All the best
Jay
Update on Sep 17 from Jay:
Yesterday Dave had surgeries on his ankle and wrist.This past Monday he had rods and pins placed into his broken legs.The doctors at this time are going to let his pelvis knit together on its own.The broken ribs and sternum are also going to be allowed to heal on their own.I understand this is a normal proceedure for these types of breaks.Dave is still heavily sedated and being assisted in his breathing.A decision will be made as to when he can begin to be aroused and if a tracheotomy will need to be performed to assist in breathing.He is still on a breathing tube as of now.
A new problem is starting to occur and that is the breakdown of skin due to pressure spots and the accident trauma.They are monitoring it closely.I suppose the major concern is staph or MRSA.
I don't know if any further orthopedic surgeries are to be planned.The major aspect I am heartened by is the the physicians felt he was strong enough to undergo these surgeries at this time.
Update on Sep 14 from Dave's brother, Jay:
Hi guys
They did Dave's surgeries on his legs yesterday and he seems to have come through well.Apparently they put rods and pins to hold the broken bones together.The orthopedic physician told my brother Ray that if he does well Wednesday they will do the surgeries on his wrist and ankle Thursday.He is still in the ICU under heavy sedation but I am very heartened by the fact that they feel he is strong enough to undergo the trauma of surgery.Keep your fingers crossed .
Thanks
Jay
Update on Sep 14 from Larry Silfen:
Guys:
Breeder is out of surgery. The surgeon told his brother that they were only able to do his legs but it was a long surgery. The sentiment among Team Breeder is that this is positive news as Breeder is strong enough to handle the surgery. Hthis is just the begining but so far so good.
Update on Sep 10, 2010 from Dave's brother Jay:
Dave's condition seems to be getting more stable.He did well on his second surgery on his colon to clean up a post accident infection.He is having problems with his blood pressure now but the doctors feel they can keep this under control.He is of course still under heavy sedation.
The orthopedic physician stated they felt they can start doing the surgeries on Dave's legs to place the rods and pins needed for setting and healing as early as Monday.If they begin the surgery series this of course then means they feel Dave is doing well enough to withstand the rigors of the proceedures.
My brother Brian will be leaving for L.A. shortly to start the process of getting Dave's personal life in order with respect to bills, his apartmen, job etc ,etc ,etc.Greg Panos besides everything else has been great at helping us in this area.
Our family has been greatly heartened by the outpouring of good wishes ,support and prayers for Dave during this time.These will all be instrumental during Dave's long recovery and rehabilitation
Thanks from the entire family
Jay Blackburn
Send a note to Dave Blackburn via Fastpitchwest: Yourfastballfriends (at) fastpitchwest.com
AL HAMNIK: Local softball legend in fight for his life
Announcing Dave's CaringBridge Website to Family and Friends
Family and Friends,
To keep you up to date on Dave Blackburn, I created a CaringBridge website. You can follow Dave’s progress and show your support.
Show your support for Dave
• Visit and keep up to date.
• Leave a message in the guestbook.
• Receive e-mail notifications when the journal is updated.
Thank you.
Larry
CaringBridge is a free, nonprofit web service that connects family and friends to share information, love and support during a serious health event, care and recovery. Feel free to contact CaringBridge if you have any questions about using the site or need assistance.
If your e-mail program does not allow you to click on the above link, just copy and paste the address into the address bar of your web browser.
Please save this e-mail for future reference.
Friday evening, Sep 3 update from Dave's Brothers:
They were able to turn down the oxygen on his ventilator to 50% and he has tolerated this change all day. This is a good sign of slowly improving lung function.
They removed the drainage tube from around the chest cavity.
He has been on an insulin drip. They have also been pricking his finger and testing his blood sugar every hour. They will stop the insulin drip and replace with sub-cutaneous insulin injections (2 types of insulin) as required to keep his blood sugar in good control. They will also shift his blood sugar checks from hourly to every 4 hours.
And they re-wrapped his legs as they did yesterday as well.
He has been pretty quiet for the most part which is the best thing for him..
When I was on the phone with Jay I made a joke about Davey's future need in California medical marijuana and I swear he smiled broadly. He's in there just highly sedated.
The Rabbi stopped by based on Jay's request. This was his 3rd visit. He said a bedside prayer which got me pretty emotional. It was a nice hopeful moment.
The Davey watch continues.
Sep 2, Afternoon:
They just changed his leg dressing and I just met his orthapedic surgeon. The leg has some major skin abrasions and open areas which was a bit shocking to see. Once his lung is better, the plan would be to start with the pelvis (plate and screws) and both legs (rods and screws). They would then follow up in a second surgery for the wrists. I'm not sure if the ankle would be at the same time. The ankle is broken in 3 places. The trauma doctor described his ankle as completely twisted and displaced. Regarding the pelvis... he had external isolating bars to help close the displacement gap at the front of the pelvis for the first 2 or 3 days. The removed the device before I arrived and he has quite a bit of tissue breakdown across the front of him. This is superficial and will heal. No surgeries will be needed for the sternum or ribs.
Sep 2:
Update from Ray: I am at the hospital and they have a central computer so I am able to post the little notes on progress. Yesterday he was a bit more sedated and was not one bit communicative. The first night he was able to nod yes to one of my questions and to squeeze my hand in response to my request to do so. Yesterday he was more out of it and a bit more restless so I refrained from stroking his forehead or holding his hand so I wouldnt disturb his peace. Again the first priority is his lung function. The ventalator is having to work hard and in his current state he is not ready for any surgery until his breathing process improves. The good news is that the nurse reported that overnight his breathing improved slightly. His Doctor keeps saying that everyday he does not get worse is a victory so we must celebrate each small improvement.
Hey guys, I hate to break up the pizza talk, though I am loyal to Dues. I have been requested to ask about Dave and your mom's hebrew names. With the new year coming there will be 1000's of mesheberach's (I don't know how to spell it) for them. Please let me know and I am on the phone every 10 minutes or answering an email about Dave's status. He is one loved guy and I am hoping the love will help him heal. Also I think we should get a constant reel tape that says "ISC Hall of fame induction, August 13, 2011". Besides the love, that is what will pull him through this.
I would assume all hospitals are alike concerning ICU. Ray should be able to stay at Dave's bed side most of the day and night. Usually if it is a family member they will let him stay in the room unless they are doing something for him or taking him for xrays, etc... There will be times when they don't want family in the room and usually on shift change or giving Dave a sponge bath. Having a family helps in the healing as much or more then medicine. Trust me I have been in ICU rooms for 20 years here in Louisville . What the hosp don't want is a bunch of family members in and out and coming and going, but since Ray is the only one at John Lincoln they should give him the run of the time he will visit. Those nurses understand how important family is to the recovery. Lastly, while Ray is in ICU he will probably have his cell off. The ICU section do not like having people with cells on. So if you get his voicemail do not think that Ray is ignoring. Probably the best time to reach him will be after 9pm their time or 8am their time. Jay do you know if Ray will have access to the internet or his hotel room #.
From Sep 1:
Ray got in last evening and was able to spend several hours with Dave.He was pretty shocked to see Dave in his condition but that would be suspected.The nurse said Dave's demeanor brightened when he saw Ray and he knew who Ray was etc.He talked to the trauma surgeon Dr Mary Lumpkin and she told him pretty much what we already knew.Apprarently as I said before the lungs were more badly damaged than maybe I was first lead tro believe.Possibly a tracheotomy may need t be performed which in fact may make everything easier on Dave.
So this is what I think.I am going to post Ray's number for Tony to have.I think everyone else on this list has it.Tony feel free to call Ray and then you can get updates on your own and possibly have the phone held up to talk to Dave.Paul Rubin also has Ray's number and has been able to see Dave.
I am willing to be the bad cop and ask everyone to do their best to keep Rays number to themselves so Ray can concentrate on helping Dave.I figure if he is limited to the people on this list we can have access to Ray and Dave and then disseminate info to people we are in contact with.
Ray's number is 312-391-2742.
Sooooooooooo this is I will do.Everyone feel free to call Ray and get updates t disseminate to Daves friends.I a not going to do daily health updates to this group as long as Ray is there.
Tony please stay in contact with me and let me know how info is flowing.
Greg we will be in contact not only on Daves health of course,but hopefully the practical matters of Daves business and personal life.Brian of course will be working with you also.
Biff I know you will take care of getting info to your family and keep the prayers flowing.
Brian, some people have commented on the great postings Dawn has been making on Facebook so if she could keep that info going that would be great .
What else, I have been writing this over several hours between patients so it is a lot of rambling like my stuff usually is.Thanks for everything anyone feell free to contact me 24/7
Wednesday afternoon update from Dave's brother, Jay:
I just got off the phone with my brother Ray who is at the hospitaland things seem to be the same with Dave today as yeaterday and the day before.I think this is going to be the pattern for some time now barring any setbacks that I shudder to even contemplate.
We all appreciate the web postings as this gets so much info out to the community that Dave loves and has so many friends in.
Thanks
Jay Blackburn
Dave and Ronny are in my thoughts and my prayers. I wish them both a full and speedy recovery.with Maccabi regards,Toni Wortman
Tuesday noon, Aug 31 from Dave's brother, Jay:
I just got off the phone from the ICU.Nothing much has changed since yesterday.Dave is heavily sedated.The main problem now is keeping his oxygenation levels up.They said everytime they move him the levels plummet so that is the main concern.I guess his lungs took more of a beating than I was lead to believe..
Our brother Ray will be there for the next 2 weeks so I should be able to get better and more at length updates.Then the rest of the brothers will take turns from there.
Thanks for all of your concern and help in getting the word out about Dave.
Jay Blackburn
Tuesday morning, Aug 31 update from Larry Silfen:
wanted to let you know Ronny and I are back in Los Angeles. He is pretty sedated and asked me to send along thanks to all in the fast pitch family who have been calling the hospital, etc…
Dave is resting much easier and we expect the news to get better day by day.
Thanks,
Larry Silfen
Mondy, Aug 30, update from Jim Flanagan:
Macabbi player Larry Silfin advises that Ronnie Rupp will be discharged this afternoon and heading home with he and other Maccabi teammates. Dave remains in ICU in Phoenix.
---
Jim Flanagan
Saturday, Aug 29, evening from Steve Schucker:
It seems that Dave is out of the woods, he is still in ICU and has tubes down his throat but doing better.
The Maccabi team in Prescott AZ. Won the ASA overs 40's.
Saturday late evening, and update from Dave's brother, Jay:
Al , wanted to give you an update for Dave. Dave is stable for the last day,still in the ICU and will be for a long time.Maybe you can put a blurb on Al's fastball. Thanks
Jay Blackburn
Saturday evening, an update from Larry Silfen who was in the car with Dave when he crashed:
I was in the car along with my dog, Tuesday. I am fine compared to them. I spoke to Ronny this morning and he is doing better each passing hour. Dave is still resting in ICU and not able to take calls. I will be with them on Sunday and report their progress.
Larry Silfen
Saturday morning update, August 28, 2010 from Ken Hackmeister:
Late Thursday or early Friday morning, Dave Blackburn and Ronny Rupp were
involved in a serious car accident as they were traveling from SoCal to
Prescott, AZ for the 40+ ASA national's. Details of the accident aren't
known but both Dave and Ronny were taken to a trauma center hospital in
Phoenix. Both are in critical but stable condition.
Both Al Doran and Jim Flanagan are keeping current information on their
respective web sites. www.alsfastball.com and www.fastpitchwest.com
Friend and teammate Tony Kahan visited the hospital yesterday afternoon and
says Dave has 2-broken legs, broken pelvis, broken ribs, broken wrist and
possible internal injuries. Ronny has a broken ankle, broke ribs and a
broken wrist. Neither has apparent head trauma.
The ICU is: (602) 870-6336 and he is at the John C. Lincoln facility on
2nd/Dunlop in Phoenix. It is recommended no phone calls be attempted until
they are out of ICU.
Ironically, last week in Midland, Dave was voted into
ISC Hall of Fame and
Ronny's deceased father, Lanny Rupp was also voted into the HoF in the
manager category. Both inductions are scheduled for Quad Cities next
August.
You can keep up to date on this tragic situation by checking the two web
sites shown above.
Ken
(not confirmed but this is believed to be the hospital information - we may obtain more direct information so stay tuned)
John C. Lincoln
North Mountain Hospital
250 E. Dunlap Ave.
Phoenix, Arizona 85020-2914
602-943-2381
jcl.com/northmountain
Just a brief update posted here:
I spoke with his brother Jay, who said that he's pretty banged up, but stable - multiple fractures to both legs, broken wrist, broke most every rib he has, and sternum, with internal bleeding. Greg Panos reported that he was conscious when he arrived at hostpital, enough to give them information on medication and telephone number of someone to call, which I took as a good sign. Apparently one other person in car (driver?) suffered only minor injuries.
He's in ICU, so his brother said probably best not to call the hospital, at least at present.
---
Jim Flanagan
Editor, FASTPITCHWEST
Email: jim@fastpitchwest
Tel: (562) 726-3004
Late Friday:
Just spoke with Dave's brother, dave is resting and in stable condition. Still critical but stable. He has more broken bones than I could mention and should recover slowly. The fear now is a blood clot or pneumonia.
Ronny Rupp, I am told is in stable condition with a few broken bones. He also pulled David out of a burning car. The third person in the car, Larry Slifin is ok, with some bruises.
I will have the name of the hospital in the morning.
Steve
Fri noon:
I just left dave and ronny rupp at the hospital. Mostly we are all thankful that they are still alive. The upshot is that Dave has broken legs, a broken pelvis, a broken wrist and possibly other internal injuries. He is in critical condition but stable. Ronny Rupp has a broken wrist, broken ankle, and ribs. Thankfully neither has any head trauma and with luck they should both be ok in time. Please let the fastball world know that Dave and Ronny could use all of the positive thoughts and prayers that this community can give them. It is a very bad thing that happened but for what occured, these guys are doing as well as anyone could hope.
Tony Kahan
Early Friday:
I don't have much info and I am writing from my cell phone but David Blackburn was in a very bad car accident last night. He is in critical but stable condition. Ronny Rupp was injured also and is in stable condition with a few broken bones.
It happen last night driving to Prescott AZ to the over 40's.
When I get more info, I will let you know.
Steve Schucker
Update from Dave's brother Jay, Thursday, October 7, 2010:
Ronnie and I will be out at the Panteras Halloween Tournament to see all Dave's pals.
Dave is still resting a lot and awake / aware more each day. While he is recovering physically you can imagine how frustrated he is cooped up and not being able to talk freely, yet. We all know "Breeder" loves to converse and Maccabi USA fast pitch is his number one topic. Dave's Maccabi USA mates play their first game at 8 AM Saturday. Won't be the same without # 7, but he will get updates all day from Ronnie.
LAS
