This is in response to the request from member Melanie Paul for Joe Hamm’s e-mail address. I felt it would be meaningful for our group to be aware of recent unfortunate events that have taken place in our friend Joe’s life.
I received two notes in the mail from Joe in recent days. One of which was personal, the other was a single-page open letter, if you will, that was dated April 12, 2019 and sent out to many of Joe’s well wishers over the past 4 months. Here is the tragic part…Joe is now a double amputee, having had portions of both legs amputated since he was hospitalized on January 9th of this year.
On January 12th circulatory problems were discovered in both of Joe’s legs that were determined to have been caused by, in Joe’s words, “a cardiac event that caused an ’emboli storm’, the release of micro-clots that destroyed vessels below both knees…”. Joe goes on to state…”In late February and mid-March, my left leg was amputated above the knee and my right leg amputated below the knee.”.
Here is Joe’s current address: Joe Hamm, Kindred Hospital Room 309, 1004 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. I know that he will greatly appreciate a card or note.
The bright side, if there is one, is that Joe’s open letter to his friends goes on to state that he is in physical therapy and will be receiving his new legs in a few weeks, as he has been fitted for prosthetics that will allow him to continue working with his daffodils. Friends and family are currently caring for “my beds at the barn and I will have bulbs dug in June and July which will be available for the schools, clubs, and individual people who requested them last year.”.
The final paragraph in Joe’s open letter is as follows:
“I have made up my mind to continue with my “Historic” daffodil studies and research and to adapt to my new way of life. Your support, love, and prayers have given me much encouragement throughout these past three months. I am sure that all of your support has been a great healer. Thank you for your friendship and care.”
Please join me in praying for Joe’s continued rehabilitation and for those who are caring for him during these almost unimaginable times. May God continue to bless you, Joe Hamm.
Regards to all of you on daffnet,
Ross
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