Gary Malkin Care for Gary Malkin

Dear Friends:



I came back from my India detox April adventure high as a kite, lean, juiced, and ready to take on the world! However, shortly after I returned, while planning a beautiful event at Grace Cathedral scheduled for May 24th, a gnawing pain in my SI joint started to bug me on May 18th. By May 29th, I was in full blown referred nerve pain from what turned out to be three herniated degenerated discs (L3-4-5/S1) and stenosis, inflaming the nerves in my spinal cord. I’ve been in debilitating pain, for the most part, since then. That’s 6 months of pain, and I’ve had it.



I’ve tried everything to avoid the surgery, But it’s clear that surgery appears to be the best option to remove the pain so that I can return to the lifestyle I’ve always enjoyed, when i can take at least 2-5 Rhythm/Open Floor classes a week, take hikes in nature, etc. I haven’t been able to do that since the end of May.(Note: The surgery will entail a laminectomy and a diskektomy at Marin General on 12/16 utilizing Dr. Brian Suu of Marin Orthopedic and Spine Center. . Please support my decision.  If you have a judgement or dissenting opinion about whether I should do surgery or not, I’d rather you keep that to yourself. I’ve had enough judgements of my own to contend with!)


So, while it’s hard for me to request for help, I realize that none of us is an island. And that if you asked me for support, I’d do my best to try to help, even if all it meant was to send love!  But if any of you might be able to drop off some food, provide a small massage,  or offer to take me to an occasional doctor or bodyworker - since I won’t be able to sit upright or drive for at least 2-3 weeks - then, tremendous!


It’s the holidays, a time to be with family,. Therefore, it’s possibly the worst time of the year to ask for assistance of this kind. That being the case, I’ll completely understand if you can’t help in any way other than to send me love! And that’s fine.I’ve swallowed my resistance to asking for help by letting you know what’s happening, and when.  If you live far away, I’m including you on this list because I want you to know that I’m reaching out to my community in this way. Whether you can help in material ways or not, I want you to know that this is happening because you matter to me!


Thanks to the generous time, encouragement and love from Sabrina Chaw, who offered to set up this Caring Bridge site. She’s one of the most extraordinarily generous souls I’ve ever known, and I’m so grateful.



So, no matter whether you can show up in any way or not, I’m grateful beyond words for your friendship and love. Sending holiday greetings to you all!


Love Gary
P.S. If you wish to send me anything by mail, my mailing address is 336 Bon Air Center, #143, Greenbrae, Ca. 94904. If emailing me, email to my personal email at garymalkin@mac.com. Mark PERSONAL in the RE slot.