Russell

[Marion]

Russell's family wanted the climbing community to know that he is in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City following surgery last week to remove one lung.  He is currently on a ventilator in an induced coma fighting as hard as he can to overcome a secondary bacterial infection that caused his remaining lung to collapse a few days ago.  The family asks for your thoughts and prayers for Russell, and also for your understanding of their need for privacy at this time.        

[frank]

We're pulling for you Russell!

[mattking]

Oh Russell my heart is so heavy for you right now.  You are such a wonderful man and friend. You don't deserve any of this.   We all love you very much are banging on God's doors to demand that he hears our prayers.  You're going to pull through this Corndog!  I can just see you running laps at Lost Dome and running in Imogene Pass Trail Run with one lung.  Stay strong Brother!

Love,

Matt and Michelle King

[berkly]

Well said matt.

Stay strong Russ. We all know you can pull thru


Chris marks

[spacemonkey]

Russell, Trisha and I are praying for you.  You are one of the greatest guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  You are strong person, and I know you will pull through this.  Keep fighting the good fight man.  We love you.  I need you to get me back out to desperate reality.  Ive been holding off to do it with you.

Your friends Ryan and Trisha Ray

[BASE104]

I just saw this. Man. Russell is just so strong inside and out that I can't imagine him not pulling through.

I am sending all the good vibes his way. At a loss for words for once. He is just so much the hub of the wheel.

[Superdiamonddave]

Kris and I are keeping you in our prayers, Russell. I feel so bad for you to have to go through all of this crap time and time again. You are such a great person and you don't deserve any of this.You are an inspiration to us all the way you keep up the good fight.

I don't go to church anymore, but I still believe and I pray that the power of Jesus will come into your body and heal you so you can move on with your life...and a healthier, happier, and a pain free life at that. Don't give up, Russell. You have so many great friends and family members that are pulling for you, and none of us are going to give up on you!

All of our love,
Dave & Kris

[dayspringgirl]

Hey Russell, We all missed you this weekend.  We are all praying for you and your sweet family.  I pray for you everyday and my heart thinks about you and Kelly everyday!  (and that sweet boy of yours).  Keep up the tiny milestones, we all love you!
Loran

[SAM]

HEY RUSSELL HANG IN THERE BROTHER. THINKING ABOUT YOU. I HOPE YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY. I KNOW WITH YOUR STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION YOU'RE GIVING IT ALL YOU GOT. WITH A LUNG MISSING YOU'LL STILL OUTRUN 99.9% OF THE POPULATION. YOUR AMAZING.

SAM & SON, JONATHAN
WICHITA FALLS

[Marion]

Great news!!!  Tony just called and told me he spoke with Kelly this morning and Russell is sitting up in a chair writing.  His breathing is still being assisted by a ventilator, but he continues to improve and they are working toward having him breathing on his own in the next week or so.  Russ, you're amazing.  Hope to see you home real soon.   

[lori mayse]

   ha ha Marion.  I had just asked Kelly if I could post this and you beat me to the punch!!!  Anyway Im so excited for him, and them, I can barely sit in my chair...GO Russell! 

[spacemonkey]

awesome, such great news.  Stay strong buddy.  I cant wait to see you again.

Ryan

[Lefty]

Please get well Russell. I was thinking of all the people I know and I don't know a single person who is less deserving. Bless you brother and get well. we're really pulling for you.

Mike Hankins

[Superdiamonddave]

I think Russell is home now because here's an email that was forwarded to me last Tuesday from one of his co-workers:

Russell Hooper  has been away from us on sick leave for a very long time. He originally thought it would be a two week recovery after his surgery.  He had setbacks following complications after surgery. He was in grave condition for a time. He has been through rehab and  will finally be going home this Saturday.  This is awesome news.  We continue to pray for a good recovery at home and that he will be back with us soon.

I hope you are doing well, Russell and I hope you are back home now too.

[spacemonkey]

Trisha and I are still pulling for you and praying for you.  I hope your doing better and I cant wait to see you posting on here again...and definately out on the rocks again...You will remain in our prayers my friend.

Ryan