NEWS: Minister of Complex Music Seriously Injured
May 23
Our minister of complex music, Andrew Kariger
(also known as Zappafrk), was involved in a motorcycle accident. He was in a coma for a
while and most recently in the intensive care unit after doctors surgically removed a
blood clot from his brain. Andy was in severe trauma and for a time he could not speak or
move the right side of his body.
June 6
Andy has since been moved out of ICU and into his own room. His speech is still
limited to only one or two words at a time but he taps his fingers to Frank Zappa music
and is able to spend some time in a wheelchair.
June 12
Andy's voice and speech is coming back more than before. Getting feeling back in right
side. Doing well through rehabilitation program. His father is working on getting him back
online. We are still in desperate need of a loaner laptop with modem so Andy can get back
onto the 'Net.
June 24
John is Andy's father and The following is a note he sends:
Andy I progressing every day. His voice is more clear and his endurance is much better. He is anxtious to get back on-line in the evening after all the rehab etc. is over and friends and family have gone home. Thanks for all the help and best wishes. It has been comforting for Andy to know his friends care and it has helped his spirits greatly. I will keep in touch as much as I can until Andy can do it himself.
John Kariger
June 27
To: All NOM ministers,
I have recently gotten online and would like to report Andy's condition. He was
involved in a motorcyle accident on May 21st and suffered a brain hemorrhage. Andy is in
recovery and is doing very well. He is speaking quite well considering he had a breathing
tube stuck down his throat. After the accident, he had a blood clot removed that affected
the right side of his body. For the past couple of weeks he has been going through acute
rehabilitation. At this point he cannot feel much on his right side, nor can he move it.
His attitude is very good. He has been cooperating with his treatment and is progressing
at a very fast pace. It is still difficult for him to communicate since he has some memory
loss. He remembers much and understands extremely well. It is just hard for him to find
the right word sometimes. I have that problem myself. His sense of humor is real good and
he smiles often. I am very proud of his ability to cope with his situation and his resolve
to make connection with those parts of his body that are not working.
Until Andy is able to get back online I am taking care of his messages. If
you have any messages for Andy please send to me jkariger@ix.netcom.com. I will relay any messages to
him. I am very open minded, so you can say anything you like. I am sure he would like to
hear from any of his friends and can reply through me. Andy will probably be online
himself in the near future so you may soon hear from him directly. Until then feel free to
post to my address any message. I will be sure to get it to him.
Thanks to those who have already sent Andy cards, letters, gifts and well wishes. It
has given him great pleasure to receive them.
I am posting this letter to everyone on his mailing list. Some of you may not be aware
what has happened to Andy and this is my way of letting you know.
Sincerely,
John Kariger
Plea:
Andy has been a huge contributor to these NOM web pages, and his photo is the only one
that was submitted for our Minister Mugshots page. Andy does not have access to a computer
in the hospital, but we are looking for people who might be willing to loan out a laptop
with a modem so he can get back on the Internet (one of his favorite pastimes).
Would you also please send a letter or card with encouraging words to the address or number below as it may help Andy and his family through these tough times.
NEW ADDRESS!
Andrew Kariger
c/o Sacred Heart Hospital
900 W. Clairemount
Eau Claire, WI 54701