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Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:20 pm
by mvs
Hi guys,
Our own ExcitableBoy is just back from the hospital, and has it really tough at the moment. He's been dealing with a systemic fungal infection for a few years now and it has completely incapacitated him. While he's sleeping, and temporarily free of pain, maybe we can send some well wishes his way from our corner of the alpine web world.

The first time I climbed with ExcitableBoy was on Orbit, on Snow Creek Wall in the Washington Cascades. I'd never been on an alpine 5.8, and was intimidated to get to climb with him, with trips to Alaska and winter attempts on Johannesburg under his belt. He taught me so much in that one day, but what always shines through with him is his smile, his joking around and that he notices little things about what you are doing or thinking, and has the exact right words handy to give you confidence.

Lately he's given back to us with articles like Alpinism 101, and always had good advice for people on the forums here. Sadly I didn't get to climb with him in 9 years, but here are some pictures from that time:

On the North Ridge of Forbidden Peak, a 20 hour extravaganza car to car, done with much laughter and good feelings:
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Approaching Chair Peak's North Face, here he is introducing me to winter climbing in the Cascades:
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Here he is on top of Chair Peak, indicating how he feels in the mountains:
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My thoughts and prayers are with him and his wife R.. He's been told there isn't a cure for this kind of infection, but I don't see any harm in us putting in some thoughts that way. Doctors don't know everything.
Thanks,
--Michael

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:07 am
by CSUMarmot
Wishing the best for him

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:34 am
by lcarreau
Time is the best doctor.
-- Yiddish Proverb

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:45 am
by mountainsandsound
Thanks for your advice. I've actually written things on forums looking forward to some words of wisdom from you specifically. Hope you'll be doing better soon.

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:55 am
by The Chief
I will break my silence to post up for this....

ExcitableBoy DUDE!

The hardest climbs we will ever encounter throughout our lives have absolutely nothing to do with any Rock, Ice or Snow. It is times such as this one that we can dig deep and draw from the experiences we have had in the hills.

Focus, persevere and kick this thing in the ass. Do remember this....

What does not kill me will only make me that much stronger.


You are and will be in my prayers.

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:58 am
by Muddeer
Hope you feel better soon, ExcitableBoy. Looking forward to reading more of your blogs and posts.

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 6:28 am
by Josh Lewis
I'm sorry to hear about his current situation. :( He has said a lot of nice things to me and posted a great article on Alpinism:
http://www.summitpost.org/alpinism-101- ... ion/756518

From what I've read about him, he seemed like a very skilled climber. My prayers go out to him and those involved.

This quote goes out to ExcitableBoy:
"Life is NOT a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -- ’WOW, what a ride!!!"

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:04 pm
by mvs
Thanks guys, excellent thoughts all...and Chief, a very special thanks. Go climb something for the E. Boy. I would have been out on skis today but the avy danger here is ridiculous now.

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:06 pm
by Charles
Good luck to him!
Charles

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:10 pm
by mvs
Steve1215 wrote:--

POSITIVE vibes sent, fer sure...more info, eh? what is the exact diagnosis? since this is already public domain stuff.

-


I don't know enough to say beyond "systemic fungal infection." ExcitableBoy may be able to (if it makes sense for him) go into more detail, but the problem with this issue is it's maddening complexity. Just google it and you'll come across huge variety of outcomes, severity, cures (or lack of cures).
Best,
--Michael

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:46 pm
by Trevers89
His article on alpinism is the best thing I've read online for someone like me wanting to get into mountaineering. Wishing him all the best

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:47 pm
by albanberg
Best wishes for EB!

He might want to check out this site:

http://www.drfostersessentials.com

I have used her products and found them to be very good. She does not have EB's illness listed on her site, but I see a reference to it (I think) in a PDF that she sent to me in the past. EB might try calling to get an email address that Dr. Foster will read and send her an email. Or go to see her in LA.

Unconventional may be the way to go in this situation.

Again, best wishes for EB.

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:26 pm
by MarkDidier
Best wishes to EB. Hope he's back to good health soon. Please keep us updated.

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:07 pm
by norco17
Hope you get better man

Re: Send positive vibes for ExcitableBoy

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:22 pm
by Jerry L
Hey E B................don't post much here anymore but I am wishing you the best in your life battles.