John Brodge update

[Rob D]

Everyone at our house wishes and prays for a fast recovery for John. I don’t know him very well but he made me feel welcome to the OPC racing community when I started 4 years ago. I was in Texas by myself trying to back my 45 in the water, jump in, get to the dock and race with out help. Never asked him, never motioned to him but John and one of his crew guys helped me out. I’m sure that whatever John’s condition is for the future he will still be a large impact on boat racing and a model person in society.

That being said… Don’t get a big head from all this John and I still need some help on setting up my 120. Best of luck to you, your family and your crew.

Rob Dinic
#30

[racer121M]

John...you don't know me...I was the "old fart with the white beard" a few years ago just getting my start racing at the Top O. You always had a smile and time for my newbe questions in the pits. I was at Trenton last summer racing CSR and saw your great win there. Stay strong and I know your racing family lis looking forward to your return in '07.

Bob Hartman 121M

[Dew1us]

Any update on how John's surgery went?

[Corrina]

Here is the most current news from APR Superleague

July 28, 2006 John Broge Update John is currently recovering from surgery. He is doing well and not using the ventilator. Keep John, Lynn, the boys and the family as well as the Toner Tool team members in your thoughts.

[Brett L. Pruett]

The surgery went well. The doctors took bone from the pelvic area to rebuild the shattered vertebra. 5 1/2 hrs. of surgery. John still has no movement in the lower body, BUT the good news is the spinal cord was not severed.
Lets keep John, Lynn, & the whole Broge family, along with the other fallen racers in our prayers, you know it’s got to be a tough time for them & they all can use our strength.

[Jeff Brewster 59s]

Thanks, Brett...we've been wondering how the surgery went.

[Rob D]

From: Fred Miller

Hi All,

Latest words from John Broge and Bobby Briggs:

Talked to John this morning (8-2), was sitting on the side of his bed, with his feet on the floor. I assume he did not put them there himself. He is diligently working
on the planned move to the Craig Institute Hospital in the next few days. Lots
of details to be worked out, of course. Bill Toner remains the primary contact
person (734-637-5507), but feel free to call me if you desire.
Lots of support continues to pour in, many of you have asked what you can do?
First, Pray! Laurie Vidal is staying up with the situation and will be involved throughout the process. Other means of support are being discussed and we will
expound on some of that at the proper time. Special thanks needs to go to
Ron Pegram, who was pinch hitting for Laurie in Trenton and did just a Great Job!!!

Also talked to Bobby this morning, he was sitting beside a friends swimming pool, drinking ice tea, I presume. Has a doctor appointment Thur. to get an update on his situation. He's in a good mood and says he hopes to spectate at St. Louis. Things look good on that front!

Address' to send cards to are: John Broge, 504 Plum St., Wyandotte, MI 48192
Bobby Briggs, 26408 Glenwood Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551

Will try to give update Fri. or Sat.

Fred Miller

[Rob D]

August 4, 2006
Broge Update Tim Brehm, John's crew chief, spoke with Powerboat Superleague and conveyed the following information - John will be receiving physical therapy in Michigan (the Craig Center in Colorado had no openings). John, Lynn and the Broge family as well as the Toner Tool team express the thanks for the continuing support of their racing friends. Cards and letters can be sent to John's home address: 504 Plum street, Wyandotte, MI 48192-6556

[John Broge]

Hey Everyone! Second time in a wheelchair and I got my family to take me to some internet access. Wow! Thanks for all the support and I hope to be starting some rehab on Monday. It will be a long road but at least this is a path many have taken before me. Not quite sure what lays ahead but I will be working to be as self sufficient as I can ASAP. Hope to see you all soon. Thanks for the prayers.

[Tim Sidor]

John,Lynn & Family, Our prayers go out to you and wish you the best on a speedy recovery . If there is anything we can do , please let us know. John, keep that PMA and god will guild you on the right path.

The Sidor / Rykse Family

[Greenacre3M]

John
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Hope to see you in the pits soon. We will miss you at Top 'O.
Gene Greenacre & Family

[Rob D]

What's up with John??? Any new news??

Rob

[epellet123]

Johns Care Page at Rehab

Hi, John has a CARE Page at Michigan Rehab in Detroit. If you log on you can wish him well at Care Pages. His log in is "johnbroge67". Send him some mail today and cheer him up! Lynne would love to hear from you too Thanks to all who care about them.http://www.carepages.com/rimrehab

Elaine Pelletier

[Sharon Kerr]

John posted to his care page today about his progress in rehab.

[Rob D]

John's Care page update

August 23, 2006 at 05:09 PM EDT
August 23, getting around a bit easier now. I stil need help to get dressed and get ou of bed but I've been learning how to do those things. I'm getting stronger and that helps with all these things. The doctors seem to have lots of ways to disrupt progress and I'm supposed to go for a colonoscopy tomorrow. Should have gone today but I couldn't stomach the poison they said would clean my system out. I'm on the fourth different system flush now and at least I can swallow it. Have to drink a gallon by ten o'clock tonight. I don't drink a gallon of anything over three days so this is not easy. Anyway, I seem to be getting a little sensation back and even some small muscles are activating that are helping me sit and balance. I was able to lift my hands (while seated on the edge of a bed) and balance for about thirty seconds. This is much better than a couple days ago when I could balance for about seven seconds. Well, have to get back to work.