The Continuing Saga of Our Rock Star, Skip Wilcox

Here is the latest update concerning Skip. This message is from Jamie so is accurate. She wants to make sure that everyone understands Skip at this time cannot have visitors. He may be our very own "Rock Star" but this much loved man needs to be able to recover and get back to Bayview,


October 26, 2012

Skip is no longer in CCICU and has moved to the Rehab Unit at the hospital. All tubes are out and he is eating soft foods. He has lost a lot of weight, but is trying to put it back on. His therapy is intense and makes him very tired as he does it three times per day to include riding a bike. His heart is doing GREAT! After being in bed since the last week of September and not being able to eat for 5 weeks, I am sure you all can understand how important his therapy is at this time. It is all about putting on weight and getting his physical strength back. His mind is as sharp as ever and so is his sense of humor.

Per his doctor's orders, he still cannot have visitors even though he is out of Critical Care. Family is only allowed to see him after 5:30 in the evening at this time. It may be possible that he will be able to start having visitors on Saturday, November 3rd; however the family will keep us posted and I am told that nursing staff will monitor how many can visit and when. There will also be a sign on the door stating "Do not disturb if sleeping." Visits will be very short to begin with and only allowed on Saturday and Sundays so his therapy is not compromised. The cards and letters are very important to him, so please keep them coming as well as your thoughts and prayers. The addresses is still the same as below but indicate "REHAB UNIT so he will get them in a timely manner.

Donald "Skip" Wilcox
C/O Kootenai Medical Center - Rehab Unit
2003 Kootenai Health Way
Coeur D'Alene, ID 83814

October 203,02012

Alex and I had the opportunity to speak with Skip on the phone Sunday morning. He sounded good considering how sore his throat has been. He has a voice kind of like Rod Stewart right now. After all he has been through, he is a Rock Star in my honest opinion. He wanted me to let everyone know that he "hopes to be back in the neighborhood very soon" and wanted to "thank everyone for all the cards and letters." Keep them coming as it really helps the healing process and he is decorating the walls in his room with them. He also wanted to "thank everyone for taking care of his house and boat." He appreciates all that has been done on his behalf. According to one of his daughters, he is walking around the nurses station on the CCICU. The family has still requested no visitors at this time, but will keep me informed as to when that will be possible.

Keep up the thoughts and prayers along with the cards and letters. I will inform everyone when he is off the CCICU so any mail can get to him quickly.

Jamie Berube

Norma Jean