Robbie Update for May

Robbie has had a busy few weeks, having traveled back to Charlotte for a consult and wedding and is now back in South Florida to continue his road back. He is spending a lot of his time in Sunny Isles Beach (Judi's place) and is available to all who wish to see him or go out somewhere. He is also slated to take a test to get his driving privileges resumed, at which point his fabulous sense of direction (HAHA) will get put to the true test.

Photos from the 40 Under 40

Here are some photos from last night's dinner... the video will be a few days but we will get it up:

Robbbie Wows the Crowd

Last night Robbie took the stage at the 40 Under 40 Awards following an introduction from Paul Brooks and a salute from Lynn Swann and a standing ovation from the crowd.

He then went on to give a speech (only one so honored). We hope to get the video back from Sports Business Journal so we can post it up here on the site, along with pictures of the event...

In the meantime, here is the speech:
THANK YOU LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…
THIS IS A COMPLETE SURPRISE AND YET MIRACULOUSLY I HAVE A SPEECH PREPARED FOR ME COURTESY OF MY BROTHER ARNIE, WHOM I UNDERSTAND IS LOBBYING FOR AN OVER 40 AWARD, SINCE HE TURNS 40 AT THE END OF THE MONTH.

OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE, AND BE A PART OF MANY OF THE MOST INCREDIBLE EVENTS IN SPORTS THROUGH MY TIME AT ABC, THE NFL AND FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS AT NASCAR.

YET DESPITE EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE SEEN, NOTHING COULD HAVE EVER PREPARED ME FOR WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS.

ON JANUARY 22ND, 2009, THE SAME DAY THAT SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL APPARENTLY SENT OUT MY NOTIFICATION OF BEING AMONG THE FORTY UNDER 40, I WAS PACKING TO HEAD TO DAYTONA BEACH FOR THE ROLEX 24 HOUR RACE, WHEN, I FELL TO THE FLOOR OF MY APARTMENT. (PAUSE) I SUFFERED A RUPTURE OF AN ANEURYSM IN MY BRAIN.… I WAS FOUND ON THE FLOOR OF MY CLOSET BY MY CONTRACTOR CRAIG WHO I HAD BROUGHT IN TO DO WORK ON MY NEW PLACE IN CHARLOTTE. HAD CRAIG NOT FOUND ME WHEN HE DID YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZING ME POSTHUMOUSLY, AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT AND ASK THAT WE RECOGNIZE HIS QUICK ON THE SPOT HEROISM THAT SAVED MY LIFE. (PAUSE)

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK DOCTOR TIM ADAMSON, AND ALL THE PEOPLE AT PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL FOR GETTING ME OUT OF THE THERE AND THE REHAB CENTER IN ONLY 5 WEEKS.

THANK YOU ALSO TO MY COLLEAGUES AT NASCAR AND OUR PARTNERS WHO HAVE PROVIDED ME WITH SO MUCH LOVE AND SUPPORT. I GREATLY LOOK FORWARD TO BEING ABLE TO GET BACK TO WORK WITH ALL OF YOU IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.

LASTLY, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE AND APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE SACRIFICED AND PUT UP WITH AND I PROMISE IT IS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET.
THANKS AND GOOD NIGHT !!!

Robbie Update 3/30

I realized it has been a while since we posted so here is where things are at as of 3/30.
1) Robbie met with Dr. Adamson last week and the doctor was amazed at Robbie's physical progress and has cleared him from this stand point to resume almost all regular daily activities.
2) Robbie is back in South Florida (since last Monday night) and is continuing his non-physical therapy.
3) Robbie will be at the Sports Business Journal dinner at the Mandarin Oriental on Friday. They will be doing something special for him and we will do our best to get that posted here on the blog.

I will be traveling east and would very much like to organize an old fashioned Miami Beach get together for Saturday evening. As such, I would greatly appreciate it if those of you on the Beach would get back to me so we can see about getting the ball rolling... Once we can settle on a place I will do the facebook notify as well.

My email is penndaly@yahoo.com

Robbie in Charlotte

Robbie flew back to Charlotte this evening with my mom and dad in advance of his follow up appointment with Dr. Adamson on Monday 3/23.

Big fish is back in the pond!

Too much to explain, and, to be honest I would most likely screw things up. Well...let us leave it to the after story and we can go from there.

See you in Miami.

Robbie

Weekend Update

Robbie spent the weekend with Judi in Sunny Isles and was able to take in dinner on Lincoln Road with family and friends on Saturday night.

Sam hosted a little BBQ for Robbie on Sunday and here are some pics that I lifted off of Dana's Facebook page...

I am heading up to spend some time with Robbie this afternoon and will post another update this evening.

Christmas in Newport Beach

Robbie,

The most recent time we hung out was Christmas Eve at my place in Newport Beach. In attendance, Brian and Jim Kennedy, Dia Dufault, Maria Villella and Shayn, Liz and I. You are loved and missed in Southern California by all of us! See you soon Robbie!

Sincerely,
Raffaele Villella

Best Wishes Robbie!

Hi Robbie, so sad we missed you in Charlotte, but it seems your recovery is going very well. You are a very strong-willed individual and we have no doubt that you will be fighting full force, just like your alter ego BATMAN (your staple Halloween costume for many years). We have been thinking and praying for you and are very inspired by your strength. Keep it up as we look forward to your Charlotte return. Take care and enjoy the pics from our September wedding. (pic #1 happy wedding day... pic #2 you are looking very debonair in your bow tie along with Mike "Boogie", Brian Kennedy, Darius Karsas... pic #3 this should jog some memories, Michael Janik's interpretation of break dancing.)
Love always,
Lorrie and Rex Cavanaugh

Super Bowl Memory (This Entry had to be Removed)

LOL... This was bound to happen...

Dear Robert and Dave,
I was the one who had you up in the hospitality suite when ESPN did the Super Bowl in '99. Don't feel bad though, you are hardly the first ones to confuse who you saw where.

I removed the rest of your entry in case Robbie reads this so he doesn't get really confused.

As to the rest of you... Please post your stories here!

Urgent Request... We Need Your Memories!

Ok...if you read Judi's blog post below you will see that we are trying to work on Robbie's short term memories. We have already given him a ton of pics from family stuff the last few months but since he spent the holiday season and the weeks up to his aneurysm with the rest of you, we need your help.

Please, post or send your pics and memories of what you did with Robbie the last couple of months. If it is something you think is better left to just Robbie than print it out and send it to him at my mom's place in Florida.

You can reach me at penndaly@yahoo.com if you need snail mail info (and don't want to search for it on the blog). If you want to post on the blog, here is the info...
Username: funbobbyblog@gmail.com
Password: funbobby

This is your chance to get involved in Robbie's therapy so get to it!

PS Matthew points out that I did not mention that the dinner where Robbie is an honoree is at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami on April the 3rd.

The weekend

Hello-
Robbie is settling into my mom's place. He has been so touched by the outpouring of support. This blog has really helped us to provide him with a timeline of events these past 6 weeks. Yes, yesterday he began to read through the blog. He has also read all of the cards and e-mails that have been sent, he reads them everyday. He has looked through my dad'd pictures, and is trying to piece together recent events. The short term memory will take some time to come back, but everyday he is making progress.
Judi

Robbie Settling In and April 3rd Dinner Update

Robbie has started therapy at Pinecrest Rehab in Delray Beach and is getting adjusted to life in Boca (although no one has given him a pen that writes upside down like the astronauts use). My mom worked with Matt's mom to get the aides to keep Robbie company.

I know you all want to be able to get a call schedule...I am working on getting something together... for those of you have tried to reach my mom on her cell phone, welcome to the family (my mom is notorious for not answering her cell).

If you are planning to visit Robbie please contact Judi or me and we will get you lined up (PLEASE VISIT!!)

As for the 40 under 40 Dinner on April 3... We have finally found out that the cost is $400/person or $4,000/table (table=10 so no discount there). We are obviously going to be there, but wanted to open the opportunity to the rest of you who may want to attend. Please get back to us as quickly as possible so we can contact the organizers.

Robbie

Just wanted to send some well wishes your way. Robbie, I had the pleasure of meeting you a few times through Ari back in Oh around 2002-03. Through you I experienced my first Daytona 500--What a Blast we had with Ari and Matt Zimm! You just couldn't be nicer and more hospitable and you made us feel a real part of the whole experience.
I have been keeping track of your progress through this blog and am so happy for all the positive strides your making. Its pretty incredible.
Just wanted to say that you are in my prayers--Hi Arnie--hats off to you and your family during this time-you have quite a remarkable group of family and friends.
My continued thoughts and prayers are with you--Thank you for letting me share!
Peace,
Gina Davalos

Home sweet home

Hi
Yesterday we flew with Robbie back to Florida. Robbie is so happy to be out of CIR!!!, there was a look of relief on his face when we left yesterday. A big thanks to Dr.'s Hammond/Denison, Head RN Tammy and the therapists at CIR especially Heather Smith. We all benefitted from their knowledge, experience, and suggestions.
Today he is meeting with several Dr.s to map out his outpatient needs. He will return to Charlotte March 22nd for a follow up with Dr. Adamson.

When I brought up CIR at dinner last night, Robbie made a face and comented "moving forward" which seems to be his mantra, he knows he suffered a brain injury may not re-collect specifics but his attitude is not to get caught up in what has happened but to move forward.

Please let us know if you will be in Florida. Robbie can go out for a few hours during the day and for dinner, and though he has to take it easy right now, he isn't bed ridden. Getting out a couple of hours a day is good for him and for us.

Anyway thanks again to everyone for getting us to this point.
Judi

Update... Santa Clara style

Greetings from my new digs in Santa Clara. I bring you the following updates...
1) Robbie went to dinner with my mom and dad last night at a regular restaurant (name of the establishment has been withheld since they didn't want to agree to pay the sponsorship fee).
2) I got to speak to Robbie beforehand and informed him that he better get out there and get his golf game back in shape because I will not grant him any quarter and that he still better wear that Yankee hat or pin (as per the still outstanding wager following the glorious 2000 World Series).
3) Robbie reports that his hair is returning to form (whatever that was) and that he generally feels good.
4) Robbie is leaving for my mom's place on Wednesday, until then my dad is in Charlotte with my cousin Jason filling in the second slot until Judi can get up there on Monday (she has an NBA game in Orlando on Sunday).

Finally, a number of you have asked about the dinner for Robbie's 40 under 40 award. We have asked for details on how many people we can have as well as the per table costs associated with our need to handle a few more people than normal. More details will follow...

Please do keep the good thoughts, love, and vibes coming...Robbie will make it all the way back but getting there will be a group effort and it is clear that you are all very important and very dear to him.

All the best,
Arnie

4 weeks

Hi All-
I am back in Florida. It has been an exhausting week, let alone month, I am very happy to be home.
Robbie is coming along nicely, day by day, he exceeded the expectations of everyone at CIR and will now come back to Florida for outpatient re-hab. He has been cleared by the Dr.'s to fly and will travel next Wednesday.

I know alot of people will be looking forward to seeing, calling, e-mailing him in the coming weeks. He will be living at my mom's place and we will put together a schedule pending how he and my mom are feeling.
Hospital's provide waiting rooms, support services, and assistance when it comes to scheduling visitors, phone calls and packages etc. This is going to be a new stage in the logistical planning of Robbie's daily life, a new experience for my family. His discharge from CIR is happening sooner than we expected, but we are elated and will be ready for him to come home.

As of next Wednesday Robbie's address will be:
Robbie Weiss C/O Sheila K. Weiss, esq
5121 Oakhill Lane - #425
Delray Beach, FL 33484

Lastly, I just want to thank everyone again for the cards, the e-mails, the packages, the visits and mostly the love and support you have all shown Robbie and my family this past month. We are blessed to have such a support group and are eternally grateful! Have a great weekend.
Judi

Robbie on the Move

I spoke with Judi this afternoon and she shared some rather wonderful news...Robbie will be leaving the rehab center in Charlotte next week and will be relocating to South Florida where he will resume therapy as an outpatient.

Apparently our man is far enough along in his physical rehab that the constraints of the facility will have worn out their welcome and while he will need to be watched by people around the clock (since he still has a bit of a wanderlust) this is yet another sign of just how incredible his story really is.

We will have more info later in the week but as I know a number of you are looking to plan trips to visit, I did want to get back to you with this "breaking" Robbie news.

Shout Out to Robbie from Fox Sports at the Daytona 500

Hat tip to Tally and Seth for getting me the video and for my old friend Squeeze for help making it a larger image than the source...

Matt and Peter's Update

We spent the last couple of days with Robbie and the progress that he has made is truly unbelievable. Rob is very focused on his rehab and has a good attitude. It is very noticeable the progress that he is making from day-to-day.

When I (Matt) first arrived Robbie had recently awoken from a nap and was very alert and energetic. When I walked in the room, he looked up from his bed and said excitedly, "Hey Mateo!". Happy to see me and full of energy, Judi immediately suggested we go out for a walk...we went for a long walk outside around the hospital complex, for about 20-25 minutes and then sat down on a bench outside the rehab facility. While we were there, we talked for a while, with Robbie sometimes very clearly expressing himself and other times mixing things up a bit (at that point I was just starting to understand the things that Robbie has no problems with and other things like places and time, that are in parts of his brain that are still healing) While we were chatting, Peter strolled up and Robbie immediately recognized him and popped up and gave hime a huge hug.
We sat outside on a park bench shooting the breeze for quite a while.

Rob still has his sense of humor and pretended to not know things several times to play tricks on us, made jokes with the nurse who was coming to take blood and joked with a group of patients in PT when they discovered he was in the wrong group. Also, when you ask him a question that he knows the answer to he often either makes a face like "are you kidding me, of couse I know that" or makes a joke of the question. While he still has some trouble collecting his thoughts sometimes or gets stuck on a thought, he easily recognizes people and speaks very clearly. Let me tell you all, that the three of us went through a big box of pictures and he remembers everyone. Even when he trips up on a name, he knows the face and when you help with the name, he says something like..."of course I know that is "blank". He seems very happy in his current surroundings and has lots of freedom to wander around. Funny enough, he once said that it was like a hotel and another time he made a freudian slip after a walk and said "we going back inside the prision?" I am much more relieved now on my second trip down here and see the old Robbie already shining through and have no doubt that a full recovery is around the corner.

On a few of the little things, while we were there we played checkers, blackjack, went out for lunch in the cafeteria in the main hospital, watched a movie, brought Rob some BBQ from his favorite restaurant, spoke a little Japanese with him and sang "Uncle John's Band" together. Rest assured Funbobby is gonna be ok.

Shout Out from Daytona

Apparently Fox Sports gave Robbie a shout out midway through today's Daytona 500...

Tally is going to get it to me and I will encode and post it up here for all of you to see.

The Big Race

Hi
Sorry I have not been updating the blog daily. I am trying to give the other people who have come to visit and opportunity to post.
Today is Sunday February 15, 2009 the 3 third full day Robbie has been at CIR. Unfortnately we arrived late Thursday, and spent the afternoon signing forms and speaking to one of Robbie's Physiatrist's so I did not have time to update the blog. Some points on Robbie's meeting with Dr. Denison:
Dr. was impressed with his physical condition.
Dr. Denison mentioned that Robbie's second language abilities come from a different part of the barin he threw out some Spanish, and Robbie answered.
When Dr. Denison told Robbie not to worry he was going to get better. He old Dr. Denison he wasn't worried about himself just about everyone else.

Friday the 13th-
Robbie met with his therapist. The PT person was very impressed with his progress. OT and ST have some things to work on.

Valentines Day
Saturday patients are on a light therapy schedule. Robbie enjoyed visiting with his friend Jen, Darke, Christine, Mathew and Peter Zuckerman. I was able to have some Judi time and run errands and pick up the surprise visitor from the aiprort miss Monika Chislov (Robbie's niece). Monika was very well received with two giant hugs. We watched Mel brooks' history of the World Part 1 and it almost seemed like the aneurism never happened at least for 90 minutes. Robbie corrected my Japanese at one point when we were getting ready to leave, and I knew he was really going to be ok.

February 15, and Robbie knows it's February. There is nothing going on, a good day to visit with friends. Robbie played checkers with Mathew and Monika set the board himself, and played it safe and slow but made his own moves and decisions. Listened to the Grateful Dead and Billy Joel and sang along with songs he was familiar with. All very good stuff!
Judi

A Valentine to Robbie

Ok...Now that you all have gone out and celebrated with the one you love (or the one you're with) think of this as being like back when we were at North Beach Elementary and you gave everyone in the class a Valentine's Card and leave Robbie a message or your best, "Roses are Red" poems or perhaps a short bit of prose.

Here is the info to post to the blog:
Username: funbobbyblog@gmail.com
Password: funbobby

Matthew and Peter have been visiting for the last couple of days so they will hopefully be posting something soon.

Pics on the other blog

So it seems a few people posted pics to the other blog that I had to create when I made the "Friends of Robbie" username and so I wanted to post them up here. I am also including some other pictures that have been sent to me in the last couple of weeks...

Here is the info to post to the blog:
Username: funbobbyblog@gmail.com
Password: funbobby

Robbie The Walking Talking Miracle.

I just returned to Los Angeles from Charlotte where I spent the better part of a few days visiting with Robbie in the hospital. Before my arrival Robbie had been in ICU, but on Monday they moved him to his own room and that's where he was when I arrived on Tuesday. I cautiously entered the room, not sure what to expect. I guess I had prepared myself for the worst, worried a bit that Robbie would be in really bad shape and possibly that he even may not remember me. When I got there I found his sister Judy, friend Scott, Hedi, Nicole and another couple who were all waiting for Robbie to come out of the bathroom. After a few minutes Robbie came out and gave me a what-are-you-doing-here type of look. He didn't look pale or tired, and besides the 8" scar left by the brain surgery that runs along his hairline roughly from his widows peak to somewhere near his left side burn he looked liked the same old Robbie.

He shows almost no signs of paralysis, although if one were to be nitpicky I suppose one side does seem to be a tad weaker than the other. For example, often a nurse would come in and ask him to raise his hands up. Upon doing so, one hand was maybe an inch lower than the other. To be honest I can't even remember which hand it was. As I stated he shows almost no signs of paralysis, nothing on his face and although I remember Judy saying that he had a slight limp, I didn't notice one.
It wasn't long before Robbie got restless and wanted to go for a walk. The nurse said it was okay, but to be careful with him. We left his room, and since there isn't much to see on his floor except for other recovering patients we took the elevator downstairs to the lobby where at least there's some eye candy in the form of a gift shop, a cafeteria etc. Robbie was looking at his nails and said he needed a nail clipper to clip them, so once off the elevator we headed to the pharmacy and got one. We wandered around, and other than being a little slow Robbie's walking was fine.

As anyone who has ever been in a hospital can attest to, there's not much to do, so I asked him if he wanted to step outside and get some fresh air. Also, he hadn't been outside since his episode so I figured that if he was up for it, that it would be good for him. He agreed and out the door we went. Before I go on, I want to backtrack a bit. As I mentioned Robbie had pretty much been in ICU before I arrived. Monday (the 9th) was his first day out, and it was then that he unexpectedly took his first walk. As relayed to me by his friend Scott, the doctors had told his family that he would likely have some paralysis, so when he got up to take a walk down the hallway everyone was pretty excited to say the least. Scott said it was unbelievable to watch the nurses and other hospital staff pop out to see Robbie walking. The look on their faces was incredulous, as one-by-one their jaws fell open with amazement. So that being said, we went outside. Robbie eyes grew wide, and he looked at me and said it was cold. Being that he was wearing nothing but the issued hospital robe, which is as we say in the industry "air conditioned", I gave him my jacket and we continued on our way. We walked around the hospital to an area where we could sit. Robbie clipped his nails and although we mostly just made some small talk, I could help but be in awe of Robbie. Just a couple of weeks earlier he was clinging to life in Neural ICU, and now barely two weeks after major brain surgery he was walking and talking and seeming to make progress on a daily basis. Truly amazing.

That night I went to dinner with Robbie's father, sister and Scott. We talked about how incredible Robbie's recovery has been. Robbie's father had an interesting comment on Robbie's progress. Saying something along the lines of that Robbie will come out of this because Robbie isn't the kind of person who would settle for anything less. I can second that motion. Although these things take time and patience, Robbie seems incredibly determined to recover, and he's already miles ahead of the curve. As I write this Robbie is being moved out of the hospital and into a rehab facility where he will continue to rehabilitate. I couldn't be happier for him and his family. Although Robbie is doing well I know he wasn't happy to be in the hospital, so getting him out of there is the next step in the process.
While most of the progress that I have spoken of till now has centered on his physical state, I wanted to say a few things about his mental state too. Robbie is very aware of what's going on, but it's important to note that he gets a little confused at times. I'm obviously not a doctor, so I'm hesitant to make any claims about what's going on in his head, but since I know that everyone that hasn't seen him is concerned I will try to explain his state as best I can from what I have seen. I have almost no experience with brain trauma, except for a close friend of mine whom in high school was found to have a brain tumor. She went in for surgery and had it removed and when she woke up she couldn't walk or talk or read or basically function like she used to. She had to learn all of that over, and it took her about six months to relearn everything and recover. I can only imagine that Robbie's aneurysm was worse than what she went through and while he's already walking and talking and reading it will take him time to get back to where he was.
As you talk to him, he may respond perfectly to a question such as, "How are you feeling?" However there are times when you ask him something that takes more thought and when he responds his eyes light up as if he's trying to work out the right answer. Sometimes he responds in kind, but there are many times that he'll start off answering the question and then he'll seem to lose his way and either stop talking or say the wrong thing. That is only to be expected at this point and the hope is that over time as his brain repairs itself and starts fixing the connections that were lost he will be able to express himself fully. After spending some time with him, I feel that there is no reason to have anything but the utmost optimism that he will make a full recovery.

Although no one can say what's going on in his head, you really can see him trying to figure things out. I have a strong feeling that many times he does gather his thoughts properly, but as he tries to communicate those feelings he runs into some sort of a mental roadblock and things don't come out as planned. On my last day I actually asked him some more intense questions about his state of mind. I asked him if he has headaches (He said he doesn't.) and if he's aware of things even if he's not able to properly respond fully. He said that he is most of the time, but that other times he's not so sure. I think he was trying to say that for the most part he is fully aware, but at times when he tries to think things can get a bit cloudy. When this happens you can see him get frustrated, but I think he too understands that it will take time.

When I asked him what it was like, and what was going through his head about everything that's going on, he took a moment to think, and said, "Well there are three things... First of all it's amazing that something like this comes along and you're just traumatized like." He wasn't able to find/get the words out further, but I think it's safe to assume that he was saying that all of a sudden something like this happens and everything changes. He is in good spirits, but he is definitely wrestling with what's going on. I suppose that's a good thing, or at least a normal thing and it made me feel better that he was aware enough of his situation to be having those thoughts. It shows that he's not just responding to outside stimuli, but that he's actually thinking about things. Unfortunately, a nurse came in to do therapy so I never got the rest of the three things. I do think it's important for anyone who goes to visit him to not just ask him the simple yes no questions. Like I said, he is aware of what's happening and you shouldn't be afraid to have a meaningful conversation with him about how he feels and what's going on. I think it helps him to talk about those things, and it helps everyone else to see that he really is making wonderful progress.

Finally, I'd like to say that we're all lucky to still have him around. While I was at the hospital I couldn't help but notice that there were about twenty people in the small lounge on Robbie's floor. They had been there all day and through the night sleeping on the floor or wherever they could find a chair, and you could tell by the look on their faces that they were deeply concerned about someone very dear to them. The following day as I walked by the lounge, to a person, they were all sobbing. It was clear that they had lost or were about to loose someone who was very important to them. I actually began thinking how lucky we are that Robbie has come out of this thing, as things could have easily gone the other way. It's amazing to think that of all the things you could say to someone who just had a massive aneurysm… the words "you're lucky" are usually the last thing that comes to mind. For some reason though, in this instance I'm proud to say that they feel just right.

Contacting Robbie

Ok, now that Robbie is at the rehab center he has a new address:
Robbie Weiss (a patient)
Carolina Rehabilitation
1100 Blythe Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203

That being said the staff at the hospital has strongly requested that we start to schedule in visitors so Robbie does not have 7 people in his room as once (as this is apparently an issue with other patients in the center). Similarly, please DO NOT call the rehab center directly to speak to Robbie. We are happy to work with you to schedule a time when we will get Robbie on the phone with you, however, this needs to be based on the schedule when they actually want him doing this.

The best way to take care of this is to contact Judi (jweiss95@aol.com) or me (penndaly@yahoo.com) and we will get you scheduled in.

We can not thank you all enough for all of the love and support you all have shown and want to show to Robbie. He clearly is where he is today because of all of you, and we do want you all to continue to be a big part of his recovery so do not be discouraged by this note.

Thursday Feb 12

Hello-
Well we are all packed and ready for the van to take Robbie over to CMC's rehab facility. Robbie was up dressed, and had already taken a morning walk with one of the nurses aids before I get to the room this morning. When I got there we had some breakfast, and Robbie, Scott and I went for a 50 minute walk. At one point we sat in the hospital lobby and started talking about the last couple of weeks. Robbie is becoming more aware of time, dates etc. More to come once he moves to the next phase. His speech this morning was also much improved, it seems morning after a good breakfast, shower etc he is full of energy. He finished off the exercise that the speech therapist left for him yesterday.
Somewhere around 11am he took a nap. Around 12p Robbie woke up went for a short walk, we then looked at photos and cards and now he is watching coverage of the qualifying race for the Daytona 500.
Thanks Bridgitte and Harlan for the cookies! We are bringing them over to the other facility.
Should have a picture of Robbie posted sometime in the next century.
Judi

Hello
Today is February 11, 2009 and Robbie Weiss is doing awesome! They are still preparing Robbie's room at the re-hab so we are in the private room at Presbyterian.
The nurse lets Robbie walk around the grounds as long as he is with someone.
He not only took a shower today, but got dressed, tied his own shoes (double knots) and took a very long walk outside. Afterwards we put a sweatshirt on him and went down to the cafeteria and had lunch. He is very interested in sitting in areas where there are alot of people, he seems to be taking in the whole scene. He is trying hard to communicate, he is really interested in dates, time etc. He thinks he was out for a lot longer period of time and is amazed when you tell him what the date is. Some of that disorientaion will begin to go away once he has a routine and daily schedule going. Right now PT, OT or ST show up at random times he has only had a window in his room for the last two days.
Pictures are the best, sometimes when I mention someones name he has a hard time putting the face to the name, maybe because he knows 4 Peters, 3 Dans, a couple of Scotts. If you want to send him a greeting to my e-mail jweiss95@aol.com include a photo. Anyway I will try and post a photo of Robbie later when he is awake.
Take care for now-
Judi

Home From Charlotte

So happy we went to Charlotte to visit with Robbie. I feel so blessed to have spent as much time with him as we did. Having arrived Sunday and visiting him Sunday night the improvement today before we left was unbelievable. He insisted on taking a shower by himself and making himself presentable for company. He was talkative and active and when you look into his eyes you see the kindest person in the world in there.  I am acutely aware of how precious moments with friends and family are and I wish I could stay longer because it seems an inadequate amount of time to show how much I love and care for him, as I know so many of you feel the same way. I am so grateful to Robbie's family for sharing him with us and being so gracious about it. I look forward to hearing about his improvement from all of the rest of you.

With Love and Gratitude,

Nicole

Robbie Weiss Bustin' Loose!

Heard from Judi and Scott who tell me that Robbie has taken to roaming the halls and apparently followed them to the elevator hoping that no one would notice and he could walk out the door.

Robbie continues to amaze with his conversation on the telephone. He still struggles with face to face (maybe it is time to dig through all the hats Sam has gotten through the years to see if there is one with a phone attached so he pretend he is on the phone all the time).

Thanks to Nicole and Hedi for spending a few days with Robbie and helping out with the PT. I also here Art stopped by today, which no doubt means Robbie must have been laughing for a good while.

My dad is rotating back to Florida and Judi will have the helm until my mom gets there on Sunday so please contact Judi at jweiss95@aol.com if you are going to be heading to see Robbie so he can make sure you have smooth sailing...or better yet call and we will get you in touch. I don't really want to post phone numbers here, but you should be able to track one of us down through someone you know :)

Nicole and Hedi in Charlotte!

Hello everyone, sorry we just started writing. Today we spent a great day with Robbie. He is a gentleman to his core no matter his condition. Whatever we did with him he was always concerned for us. Robbie wanted a hamburger for lunch today and while eating was concerned that we eat too. We watched DVDs and he made sure we both could see the player and were comfortable. The aamazing thing is that in his condition he still has humor and remembers to be thoughtful and polite at all times. He struggles to complete sentences but is expressive none the less. Robbie is a bit restless and wants out of this bed and to spring into action. Of course we all want that too. We read all your beautiful letters to him and he enjoyed reading them himself as well. Please continue to write and send pictures in the mail he seems to enjoy it very much. Hedi is reminding me to tell you all that Robbie wanted to wear something formal to dinner tonight. He is ready to get rid of the hospital gown and be that dashing man we all know. Tonight Robbie was moved out of ICU and is on his way to rehab soon. How he manages to be gracious and warm throughout this ordeal is inspirational. We are spending the night with Robbie in his new room in case he gets disoriented in the night and will update the blog tomorrow.

Lots of Love,

Hedi and Nicole

WOW!

Scott, Nicole, and Hedi are in Charlotte and should be posting something later today when my dad gets them set up on a computer, however, I did want to share some pretty amazing news as to where Robbie is at...

Robbie has cleared the doppler test and is being moved into a regular room today, but for a very short stay as he will be moving to rehab in Charlotte on Tuesday. The current path looks like he will have a much shorter stay then had originally been thought with one time line of 3-4 weeks being the best case.

Robbie continues to amaze everyone with his progress.

Robbie Update 2/7

Short update from the Bay area...
Robbie walked around today at first with the help of only one therapist and then actually on his own. He will have the doppler test on Monday and pending the result may actually go straight from the Neuro ICU to the rehab center by the middle of the week.

Rock on Robbie!

Today with Robbie...

Today Robbie was tired. He really does respond well when he has therapy. He becomes more energetic and more alert, today therapy was not till late afternoon so most of the day was quiet. He did speak to Arnie on the phone and knew how to turn the phone off without missing a beat, his Mom could not get it back quick enough before he turned it off. Still pretty amazing to watch when he gets on that phone.
When I went to say goodbye he gave me a stern look and said "why"...I said I will come back and he quickly responded (muffled but understood him enough) "when will you be back?" I said when you get to rehab and he said "when?".... Robbie I know it will be sooner than later!!
I left Charlotte tonight with tears in my eyes but with a Happy heart that I was able to spend such quality time with him and see his amazing progress. It is remarkable.
Thank you to his family for being so kind to me and for all their generosity.
Keep up your amazing progress Robbie!!
love, Page

Phone call with Robbie

I had the opportunity to talk to Robbie today on the phone and it was pretty incredible.

He was a little tired at the time but very clearly talked with me about a number of things like how he was feeling, the food he had, and if the therapists had been there. He does run into a bit of a hard time if you ask him anything that means really thinking about what he is trying say (versus more reflexive things like, "How are you feeling?" which will get you a response of "I am feeling better.").

It looks like Robbie will spend the weekend in the ICU because of his doppler reading today and the fact that they don't test again until Monday. However, once that is set it would appear he will only remain in the hospital for a short time before moving on to a rehab center in Charlotte for evaluation and hopefully a green light to rehab in the sunshine state.

Heidi and Niky will be coming on Sunday and Scott on Monday so to all his friends in Charlotte who want to see Robbie, feel free to reach out to my dad at srweiss@aol.com and he will work out a time for you to get in.

Page's Post and Share Your Robbie Stories and Pics

First, please be sure to check out Page's excellent report on how Robbie is doing, which is in the post below. I think it is even more telling when you read how he is doing from those of us who have an obvious family bias.

It has been a few days since I posted the info for logging in to the blog and so here it is... Give us your stories, pics, and memories:

Username: funbobbyblog@gmail.com
Password: funbobby

Update from Charlotte

Hello
Page here to update you on Robbie!
I arrived yesterday and when I walked into room and saw Robbie, I could not believe my eyes on how great he looked, color was amazing, curly hair as wild as ever and then he flashed that big smile! It was great!!
The music was playing on is ipod and when I was sitting next to him he was tapping is feet and hands..then he grabbed my hand with his right hand and I said do you want to dance, he nodded yes and we started dancing to the music...come to find out earlier that day his Mom was with him and the music was playing and she said you want to dance and he took his arm as to twirl her!!
He has been making amazing progress. Yesterday as Arnie said he walked to the door of ICU and back, today he did it Twice- with some one on his side but walking like a champ !! Sat in chair for a good bit of the day and yes he laughed quite a few times when Real Housewives of Orange County was on...I said are you sure you want to watch this and he kept shaking his head yes then I realized a bunch a good looking woman on the screen, no wonder he didn't want me to change the channel :)
He is now doing everything on his own, eating, drinking, the catheter is out and when I said Robbie do you want to go to the bathroom and he started to get up to get out of bed, I said where are you going and he looked at me with that look of didn't you just say go to the bathroom, I said yes but you can't just get up and go to a bathroom. (I meant in his plastic urinal) he was like OK.. but mission accomplished.
The best part of today was when his Father came in and said Robbie someone wants to talk to you and he handed him the cell phone and he had a conversation with no problem. Blew us all away. He still is having a hard time speaking with people one on one directly but it is clear he knows how to do it on the cell phone. Judi called later and same thing, he spoke to her!!!... we think it has something to do with all the work calls he has made on his cell phones! Who knows not sure...but we were shocked in a Great way!
That is all for now...got to go heading back now to hospital!!
SO happy to be here with him! His Family is Amazing and are always so welcoming and are such special people. Robbie is doing so well because of their love and dedication- not to mention his strong will and love of his friends!!
with love, Page

MORE PICS!!!

Miss You Buddy! Some pics I found from your birthday.  Feel better soon! Love ya bud,

Craig

Mail Call

Hi,
It is my understanding that Robbie received quite a few things in the mail today from a number of you...

While I do not have a list, I can tell you that it really did make his day.

Thanks from all of us...especially Robbie

Robbie Update 2/4 11P

Greetings from Cali...
I know you all have been looking for an update and I am sorry for not getting one to you sooner...

Robbie is continuing to make progress on many levels. The therapists had him up on his feet and moving around with assistance. His arms continue to show strength with his right coming on strong. While his verbal skills are still impaired, he is able to sing things like his A,B,C's and other songs that are ingrained in his brain to the point they are almost reflexive from time and usage. Robbie is eating solid food on his own and no longer has stitches in his head.

Unfortunately, yesterday's doppler test continued to show conditions for spasm activity and so the decision to move him out of the ICU is on hold until this test clears. He will have this exam again on Friday and since the nurses told me last week that these last up to 13 days after surgery, hopefully, this will have the result that is dictated by the time lapsed since the surgery, however, no decision will be made if it is determined that Robbie still needs to be monitored ICU style. It is important to point out that his continued staying in the ICU is more about the potential for spasms than because a fear of Robbie's future condition.

Thanks again to everyone who reached out over the last few days (especially Brigette for the really, really nice note) to check in... I will try to keep this more up to date for you since I know that not hearing things is no fun.

We miss you Robbie. Looking foward to the next Tailgate with you! This photo was taken at the Super Bowl XLII Tailgate party in Phoenix, AZ on February 3, 2008. Missy Goerner with Robbie - photo by Tola Murphy-Baran (who shouldn't quit her day job). We love you Robbie. Everybody was sending love and good health vibes to you from Super Bowl XLIII.

Missy and Tola

Some pics of Robbie before he became "Fun Bobby"

I had to posts these because you always have a smile on your face but these frowns look funny! We really miss you and can't wait to see you soon.


Love, Andy, Jennifer, Gabriella and Harris Levinson

1.Robbie being forced to study during pledging!

2.Mark Rossano, Larry Spielman, Andy Levinson, and Robbie at Glickstein's wedding.

3.Andy, Robbie and Penn in Acapulco.

Get Well Soon Bubba

Robbie-

All your AEPi fraternity brothers, especially your pledge brothers, are thinking about you and can't wait to see you.  I dug through some old photos to bring you back to simpler times where the pitchers cost $1, the wings were only ten cents (unless you were cooking them at the house for free) and the important question of the day was how many beers can you drink in 10 minutes?

Get well soon - we miss you.

-Bo

Greetings from San Jose

Just got off with my mom and Judi and thought I would augment the earlier post with a little more additional information.

Dr. Adamson was very impressed with how Robbie's right side continues to progress. It has stopped "trailing" and is showing significant improvement. Dr. A also said that the geographic location of the Robbie's therapy is really pending the approval of the therapy folks at the hospital, but that being said he felt that Robbie could probably do his therapy in Florida provided we could get him down there by non-commercial aviation.

Robbie appears to be tracking to be out of the Neuro ICU by Thursday or Friday and then will spend a week in the hospital's regular ICU floor (located on the same floor as he is on now).

Robbie appears to be having a bit of an down day (to be expected along the way) but Judi and my mom are going back for the night session and are going to stretch his legs, feet, arms and hands, as well as warn him that I will fly back there and kick his ass if he starts to feel to glum.

I am very happy to hear that so many of you are planning to visit, but don't let those numbers dissuade those of you who are thinking about it from making the trip.

We now welcome Robbie's fraternity brothers to the blog... boys bring on the photos.

We love you Robbie!!

Random oldies from Matt and Deb.

Get well soon Fun Bobby!

Thank you all!

Hello
Judi here. Sad to see Arnie leave yesterday, he has been such a rock of support for everyone and done his best to make Robbie comfortable (hooking up Tally's DVD/tunes to listen to (beats Mrs. Burns' groaning)/photo frame). Seth contributed DVD's, all comedies, as Arnie mentioned we're checking Drama at the door. Please wish Arnie all the best out in San Jose, CA.

I have started to put a calendar of sorts together for this month. This afternoon my parents are meeting with Dr. Adamson to find out how much longer Robbie will need to stay in the ICU. Good news of the day Robbie can begin eating solid food so I am on my way to pick up Filet of Sole (requested by Robbie). I will let everyone know what Dr A. has to say (that rhymes). I will be leaving for home tomorrow/maybe Wednesday and then an NBA game in DC on Friday I do not plan on returning to Charlotte until the 15ht of the month. It looks like next week Robbie has a busy schedule of visitors. May be a gap here and there needs to be filled I will let everyone know.
Big thanks to those who have sent cards/e-mail/photos/balloons/stuffed bears/happy thoughts etc. It does make a difference!
All the best- Judi

.......a few more gems!!!

Amazing Times w/ FunBobby!!!

We love you so much brother!  Keep up the good fight and we all look forward to seeing you very soon!!!  

An appeal to Robbie's friends

Unfortunately, I have put off starting my new gig as long as I really can and have to put in some face time in San Jose. What I ask most of you all is that you try and help my folks by putting in some hours with him.

Leaving my brother is not an easy thing for me to do, however, I do know that he would be telling me to get going already and not to worry about him because he has all of you to look after him. So I am getting on the plane knowing that he will be in the good hands of all of you who have been so dear to him through the years and even recently.

Feel free to get in touch with me at penndaly@yahoo.com if you need help reaching someone to let them know you are coming.

Thanks again and please do keep the pictures, comments, vibes, and visits coming!

Live from the Hospital...its Arnie, Brigitte & Ari

Hello Friends & Family of Robbie...
This evening Arnie set up a DVD player for Robbie that Tally brought over this afternoon with some movies. Arnie put the DVD & the electric photo frame with everyone's pix in it on Robbie's right side which is helping him use the left side of his brain. So now, Ari, Arnie & I are here with Robbie in ICU watching Old School. Robbie definitely has his sense of humor and regularly shows glimpses of it. It especially comes out when the nurses tell him to do things he doesn't want to do like last night. Robbie still had a tube inserted in his nose which was visibly uncomfortable and which he had pulled out earlier... when the nurse asked him not to touch it for fear that he would pull it out again, Robbie grimaced with a funny "ok nurse Ratchet" face.

Although he is not able to verbally communicate as he would like which is visibly frustrating for him, he tries which is a great sign that he knows what he wants to tell you, but is not yet able to verbally say it.

Today the tube was removed so Robbie appears much more comfortable today. He engages us, gives a thumbs up, one or two word answers, lets out a laugh or a "ha" if things are legitimately funny.

Arnie adds... Robbie wants to see you all, so please do come and visit if you can. He is very much awake in the late evening (10P-12 or1) and loves to have company. Bring a movie, some good stories, and your best smile (check all drama at the door) and you are all set. Seeing his friends is the best medicine just make sure that you engage him and don't talk around him. Robbie wants you all to know that he is doing well and the best way for him to do that is to see you himself. Even if you want to come in the day time my mom, dad, and sister will make sure that you get to spend some quality time with him.

Photo plea (again)

getting ready to head back to the hospital and wanted to make one more appeal for the night for photos...
Username: funbobbyblog@gmail.com
Password: funbobby

Robbiei continues to chug a long at a good clip. He had new visitors in the for of Art, Ari, Jason and Aly as well as Brian and Paul from work. We are going to start opening up the visiting to more of you so please do reach out and let us know if you want to put in some time with our man Robbie.

Patricia's Karaoke Birthday Party!

Robbie - The Sweetest Man I've Met - I miss & love you.