[Fred Zirzow]

Fred,
Thought we'd give you an update on Marty. I talked to Carol and Duane
and they are fine with posting an update on Midget Madness,IOW and
actually encouraged it.

We traveled to Wichita early this morning and spent the better part of
the day at the hospital.
Here is what we know as of Friday afternoon:
1. He has had a large stroke.
2. There is paralysis on the left side.
3. He currently is on a breathing respirator. The doctor said that soon
they will try to remove the respirator and see if he can breathe on his
own. If not, they will have to do a tracheotomy (spell).
4. He was put in a self-induced coma to reduce swelling. This morning
they started to reduce the coma medication. The doctor said that some
people come out of comas quickly and some people take days to come off
the meds.
5. The doctor was factual and frank with the family. He basically said
Marty had a bad stroke, and that some of the brain damage will be
permanent. He said that the next few days will be critical and will
determine the extent of the damage. The doctor said that his job is to
make sure that Marty doesn't have another stroke. I believe he said
that in about a week, they may do a stent or angioplasty on the weak
artery going into the brain.

He did stress that Marty will be in Wichita for quite awhile.

That is where his folks can really use everybody's help. There will be
plenty of hotel stays, meals expense away from home, not to mention gas
for trips to and from Wichita. I believe if it isn't already set up,
there is or will be a fund to help offset expenses at the Astra Bank in
Belleville. Thanks to Ryan, Fred, Robby Flock, Mike Hadachek.

There is so much that is unknown at this time. Time will tell, and we
can only pray for the best. Marty is the best at helping injured
racers, or down on their luck racers, and now he is in a tough fight of
his own.

The family is so grateful and overwhelmed for the all the well-wishers
and for all your thoughts and prayers.

Brad Boyer

[Fred Zirzow]

Marty's parents are currently in the process of setting up a fund where donations can be sent. More information should be available soon.

In the meantime, you can send monetary donations directly to Marty's parents, Carol and Duane. They are currently spending as much time as they can with Marty and are staying in a hotel in Wichita.

In lieu of cards or flowers, please send donations to cover medical and travel expenses.

Send donations to:

Duane Boyer
1112 N St.
Belleville, KS 66935

Any donations are greatly appreciated.

KEEP FIGHTIN MARTY....we are thinking of you!

[Tim Watson]

Very scary news but i'm sure Marty can battle through this. Thank you Fred and keep us all posted on Marty's progress.

[Hawker]

My thoughts are with him. We went through something similar with my wife last year. We got lucky and her's wasn't an actual stroke (though she had all of the symptoms). It is a VERY stressfull time for his family.

Does anyone know if they were able to get him to the hospital and give him the heparin injection within 3 hours? I learned during my wife's illness that this is VERY critical in the long term care.

[racinstacie]

There are updates from the last two days on Marty's condition on midget madness if you are keeping up on him. Get well soon Marty!

[racegal]

I will keep Marty in my prayers for sure!! Get well soon Marty!

[Fred Zirzow]

2/17/08
From Brad, Marty's cousin ...

I talked to a family member last night, and sounds like Marty is slowly coming out of the coma drowsiness. The doctor "shouted" at Marty to open his eyes, and he did. He repeated the command and Marty again opened his eyes. I guess he also moved his thumb and fingers when asked to. (left side only)
These are babysteps, but none the less, steps. All I know for now.
__________________________________________

2/18/08

On Sunday the doctor was going to try and remove the respirator and see if he could breathe on his own. Unfortunately, his temperature spiked up a bit as a result of a small bout of pneumonia. The nurses say they caught it early, and that it is common when a respirator is in place.

He's on a couple of different antibiotics to fight that off, but already his temp has gotten back down to where they want it. So, the respirator removal attempt will not take place for another couple of days.

The doctor did say that about every other breath, he is breathing on his own and the respirator is only assisting half the time. Don't know if that means we have a 50/50 chance of the removal or if thats encouraging that it is only having to assist 50%?? I didn't get the chance to ask that question.

Correction to the prior update. It should have said moving his fingers on right side only.

Sorry for the confusion.

Brad Boyer
_______________________________________

2/18/08 Part 2

Today seemed to be a good day.

The fever he had the other day was gone, and they actually began the process to slowly wean him from the respirator. Though he is still hooked up on the respirator, they lowered the intensity of it, to allow him to breathe more and more on his own. One nurse witnessed him yawn, and even swallow on his own. She said that's a positive sign.

Visitors today said he is responding to commands such as open your eyes, give a thumbs up, and he also nodded his head up and down when asked yes or no questions. He gets worn out easily, but that is to be expected. All in all, a good day.

Brad

[Bill Gardner]

Thanks for the update Fred!!!

[Charles Nungester]

Thank you and keep us posted when you can Fred and other reliable sources.

My prayers are with Marty and responding and actually performing comands are a very possitive sign.

I hope and pray for a full recovery.
Chuck