Bob Mizia Update

Bob Mizia, a former FB star at La Salle HS and Temple, and now a popular FB and basketball ref, is battling a health issue. Here are notes from Bob's sisters, Tina Dougherty and Adele MacDonald. Thanks.

UPDATE . . . Aug. 6, from Adele MacDonald

Bobby received a handicap van last week for his use. He started physical therapy this week. His family and friends take turns driving him to Magee Outpatient. He does believe it is the hardest he has ever worked and I have seen him push all his life. His positive attitude and faith will get him pass this difficult time.

UPDATE . . . July 16, from Adele MacDonald

Bobby came home from Magee Rehab on July 3 to celebrate his birthday on July 4. He did not want to miss another holiday.
He is thrilled to be home with his family. His friends gutted his garage, family room and bathroom for wheelchair accessibility. It is beautiful and comfortable. Bob is looking forward to beginning physical therapy next week as an out patient at Magee Rehab on Delaware Avenue.
Please check out the website www.friendsofbobbymizia.org.

UPDATE . . . June 11, 2008, from Bob "Notre Dame Harvey" Sumner

Here's a website dedicated to Bobby . . . www.friendsofbobbymizia.org

UPDATE . . . Feb. 12, from Adele MacDonald

Bobby is in Magee Rehab Center. He does physical therapy every day for at least three hours. Plus, Kathy has learned what to do and works with him because he wants to do more. He has been off the antibiotics for almost a week and is feeling much stronger. Bob’s arms are moving better. With a little contraption, he is able to read magazines.
We met with his surgeon on Monday and he is pleased with his progress. The doctor did remind us that it will be a very slow recovery and to be patient.
Bobby has been remarkable. We are so impressed with his mental state of mind and determination. He is extremely focused on physical therapy and working as hard as he can to get home. Yes, he will be in a wheelchair. But, he has all the time in the world to achieve his goal.
He sincerely appreciates and looks forward to us reading the many cards he has received from family and friends. At his request, he asks that you not visit….he simply is not ready. He gets very tired from talking and listening.
We pray and sprinkle him with holy water and oil every day. He does have great faith. Please continue your prayers for him….it is a great way to show you care.
-- The Mizia Family
Current Mailing Address . . .
Bob Mizia
Room 565
Magee Rehab. Center
6 Franklin Plaza
Phila., PA 19102

UPDATE . . . Jan. 26, from Tina Dougherty

Hi! Just wanted to let you know that with everyone's prayers, Bobby has been moved from Jeff to rehab. He is working very hard, apparently all day. I have not seen him. Only Kathy and his kids are there to feed him dinners. He has an extremely long road ahead of him. Thanks to all of you for your kind wishes. Hopefully I'll have something more to report next week. My Dad is doing well.

UPDATE . . . Jan. 18, from Tina Dougherty.

Just thought I'd give you a weekend update. Bobby's doing a really good job, he's starting to move his arms. He is getting ready for rehab. Also, he now can eat. Today for lunch Adele brought him macaroni and gravy and he ate some. Great Job!!! Bobby does have a blood-clot in his upper left leg which they expected and they have also changed his trach to a smaller one. His temperature fluctuates at times and they are watching that. Right now it is on the higher side. Bobby is extremely tired. In fact yesterday I was with him for about 2 mins. and we had to walk visitors out per his request. We know Bobby has a lot of good friends and people that love him very much but he is firm on the "NO VISITORS" rule. Just think: His own Mom can't see him and I think that's what he is working towards, seeing her ASAP.
I do know that your cards and letters are very uplifting to him. He has one of us read them to him. So BIG THANKS for that. Please don't forget your prayers, that is most powerful at this time. And there is a little shindig at MIZIA'S place Saturday night. You don't know how much all of you mean to our family. I will write again soon.
Fondly,
The Mizia family

UPDATE . . . Jan. 13, from Tina Dougherty.

Bobby's trach was capped. He can now talk. We are all very excited and I think Bobby is less frustrated. Bobby is a very proud individual and because of this he is requesting absolutely NO VISITORS. I hope everyone understands and respects his request. He wants to get on the road to recovery and rehab on his own terms. His whole family is there for him and in time, when he gets home, he will definitely need the help of friends. It will be a long haul, but his faith is extremely strong, just like him.

Please don't forget to keep him in your prayers. If you feel you need to support him go stop at "MIZIA's PLACE". God bless you all! I'll be back in touch.

Fondly,
Tina Dougherty and the Mizia Family

ORIGINAL NOTE . . . Jan. 11, from Adele MacDonald.

Bobby Mizia is in Thomas Jefferson University Hospital recovering from a staph infection that abscessed on his spinal cord. Because of the deep pressure, the abscess was surgically removed. The doctors feel the infection in under control and he no longer has a fever. On Thursday, the ventilator was removed and he was able to successfully breathe on his own. But, he will have a tracheotomy for a couple more weeks, until his lungs fully recover.

The staff at Jefferson Hospital has been outstanding with treatment, information and their wonderful care.

The family believes that Bobby will recover from this incident because of his physical and mental strength but most importantly, his faith.

As previously stated, Bobby has requested no visitors. He does realize that all the friends care and want to help and he has agreed to cards.

Please keep praying for him.

Thanks so much,
The Mizia Family