Ray Rhinehart

Dear Friends of Ray:  Ray had a hemorrhagic stroke on Friday (12/20) afternoon and is at the Howard University Hospital ICU.  He has quite a bit of cognition, memory and ability to communicate, though he will need rehabilitation to regain them completely.  He also has significant weakness on his right side that will also require intensive rehab.  He has shown regular improvement since Friday and continues to make progress.  Numerous scans confirm that there is no ongoing bleeding or identifiable underlying issue. PT/OT/Speech staff are already working with him and are optimistic about his recovery.  Once he is released from ICU and is ready, we hope he will enter an intensive rehabilitation program.  He already has the preliminary go ahead which is a really good sign for his prognosis.  We have created this Caring Bridge site to give everyone a place to get and give information about Ray's health and sign up to help.  While Ray remains in ICU, family and friends are needed to spend time with him at the hospital so Walter can get some sleep and manage day-to-day stuff.  Most helpful are people who can volunteer time between 9am to 9pm in blocks of 2,3,4 hours or more!  If by chance you can spend a night shift, bless you!  The Planner (located under “ways to help”)on this site lets you sign up for hospital sitting and will identify what is needed and provide additional information as things change.  Feel free to let others know about the site; they can ask to be added through the site.  Also, if you have messages for Ray or Walter feel free to leave them in the "Well Wishes" section.  Thank you for your prayers, chants, good vibrations and any time you can spare.  Ray, Walter and those who love them are most grateful!