[Dhsbb-jazz] Ryan Shickman

[Kathryn Shickman]

Hi Jazz Band Families,
 
Our family has been on a wonderful vacation in Spain.  We toured Barcelona and spent a few days at a very lovely beach town called Tossa de Mar.  We were here to see Spain win the world cup soccer games and then when we arrived in Madrid, we and 2.5 million other people attended a parade for the team.  Ryan was very excited to see all the players in person.
 
However, that night Ryan fell ill.  His lung partially collapsed and he has spent the last 4 days in a hospital in Madrid.  (This is the same thing that happened to one of our other jazz band members, Richard O´Brien when the bands traveled to San Diego a year ago). My understanding is that this spontaneous occurance is not unusual in thin, young men.  A tube was inserted to reinflate his lung and he is responding well to the treatment.  If all goes well tonight he will be able to leave the hospital tomorrow morning (Saturday).  We will then need to stay in Madrid a week longer so he can gain his strength and be fully healthy before flying home. 
 
Needless to say this has all been very challenging especially happening in a foreign country. But Ryan is being a real trooper and is practicing his spanish and joking with the nurses and medics.  His mother wasn´t doing quite as well at first but is coping much better now.  
 
Ryan would love to hear from any of you.  Please feel free to email him or even call him on our cell phone (916) 529-2693.  Please realize that we are 9 hours ahead of you in time.  This email address is easiest for us to check, kshickman at sbcglobal.net .  But you may also send messages to rshickman at sbcglobal.net.
 
This will keep him from playing his saxophone for awhile.  I guess he will be playing more guitar for a month or so.
 
Thank you all for your good thoughts.

- Kathryn Shickman
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