The worst dayof my life....Lyn needs your help!!
Yesterday morning I could not wake Lyn, after a listless day she had a troubled night with high pulse and temperature. When I couldn't rouse her I got onto 000 and they took her to Atherton Hospital. I went in shortly and they had her in ICU and Doc said she was very ill and probably Meningitis. They had induced her into a coma and had ventilator down throat and a miriad of tubes etc. Shortly after she was transferred by chopper to Cairns base hosp. I drove down to Cairns and they were continuing with tests etc.
I stayed the night with Bob Franklyn and this morning they had inserted tubes into her legs. By 11.30am they had her on dialyses machine because her kidneys had given up. I notified her family that things were desperate and they should come.
I was able to talk to many Docs, but none could put there finger on the sepsis she is suffering. Everyone was extremely interested and all wanted to help, but it was always "we will just have to wait and continue testing. At 4pm the staff wanted to roll her over an rub her back etc. when yet another specialist turned up to have a look. I left and came down to Bob's and just arrived when this Dr rang and told me that she has a diseased heart valve and they were preparing her for a plane to Townsville and could I come and see her before the trip. Naturally I went back up and by 8pm she would be airborne and probably have open heart surgery tonight. Her son is flying to Cairns tonight and we will drive to Townsville overnight.
Lyn and I have been soul mates for nigh on 40 years. She was always a keen sportsgirl, competent water skier and 25 yrs a windsurfer. The best thing that happened to me was when Lyn came into my life. (now with all this I feel a bit betrayed) . She has many friends among you and now she really needs your support/ best wishes/ prayers. Any help will be appreciated.

Very sad to hear Herb, Lyn has been an inspiration in windsurfing, and it was always fantastic to see her get PB's!! You guyz were among the first to support the GTC, and I know many people in the GTC have very fond feelings about yourself and Lyn.

Please let us know if there is anything specific anyone can do do help?

Dear Herb, I am sorry to hear your sad news. What a terrible shock for you. Thankyou for sharing your pain with us. It is good to know you feel you are among friends here.
I had a friend go through a similar experience (as Lyn) a few years ago. He was in intensive care for some weeks but made a full recovery. Don't give up.
May God bless you both and bring you peace and healing.
With love, Anita

Herby mate, I know all of us here are feeling utter shock at your news. We are all thinking of you both and pray that Lyn can get through this. Anything I can do please just ask. Take care and give our love to Lyn when you see her. Have strength my friend

That is terrible news Herby, it amazing what the surgeons can do these days. Love and positive energy to you and Lyn from all of us down here.

Herb and Hoppy, for Lyn when she is fit enough to look and get a laugh.
As Mark indicated, all best wishes and thoughts from the Pinnaroo mob.
Glad to see she has improved over night. Keep us all up to speed.
(image taken from Gorgo upload)
Mike n Joan

Terrible news Herb. Your in good hands in Townsville, my dad had a quad bypass last year and the crew there were awesome.The family and i are sending all good vibes / love and prayers to you and Lyn. I will make sure the kids say a special prayer for you two tonight when they go to bed. If there is anything we can do for you let us know.

Just spoke with Simmo and he has also asked that i send on his families prayers to Lyn and yourself.

Love from
Paul, Marie, Eryn, Erika and Kai
Darren, Adrian, Emma and Kayla

UPDATE ON LYN

Herb rang and said Lyn was operated on from 11:30 am to 5 pm today replacing the faulty valve with a metal one. The doctor said all went well and that he felt she has a good chance of recovering.

Good news Hoppy. Pass on our best again as she recovers.
Mike n Joan

Thats great stuff Herby the inspiration you and Lyn give the whole GPSTC is impossible to put in words. We always look forward to your posts and feel like we are 'Living The Dream' with you. Wishing Lyn and you all the best for a full recovery.
Ian (Johno) and your Southern windsurfing family Tassie Speed Seekers.

Geez Herb, sorry to hear this and hope everything pans out well for you and Lyn.
Best wishes from all of us here at Surf Fx.
Michael

I,m overwhelmed by your responses, what a wonderful team of people. I will keep you all updated. just hope Lyn can beat it and one day I can show her.
At 7am this morning the ICU crew said she is holding her own, but still critical.

Rest in Peace About 5.30 pm yesterday Lyn lost her battle.

I held her hand while she peacefully slipped away forever. I am so proud to have been part of her life.

SO sad to hear the news Herb, hard to find the words to comfort you. These things are out of anybodies control, try to stay strong. All our prayers are with you & family.

Oh Herb, I'm so sorry.

Tragic, so sorry to hear!!