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Dear Family and Friends,

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 around six years ago. At the time, Barbara and I were living in the mountains of the American West. I went into immediate denial. The more I learned about this condition the deeper into denial I went! That didn’t last. At the time I was only mildly out of breath. I could still hike the mountain paths, beat others ‘to the puck’ in hockey, and ‘to the ball’ in soccer, but once I got there I was spent. Even then, I would still find something else to blame it on. Finally, I had to face the truth…I was becoming disabled.

Updates (24)

April 14, 2015

Today I am 6 mos. and 12 days out from transplant. YAY!! My new left lung is merrily ensconced in my chest which I continue to rebuild with muscle tissue, lost during 5 years of slowly stalling. My "native" lung is at peace with it's new neighbor and takes care of it's work, as it can. I'm proud of them both. Together, they function as my oxygenation center marvelously - with out me even thinking about it...as it should/used to be!

My weekly lab tests are going on schedule. I see the lab draw people Mondays (usually). My bronchoscopy is now a bi-monthly event. We will miss our friends at the hospital more and more - even as we see them even more than our families!! A person can't help but to resonate with those talented and giving people. Barbara is going on an all-girls trip to Colorado for three nights...just long enough to miss her, not long enough to get bored. If there are interested women out there, I'll be at home. Alone. Just me. Alone.

February 22, 2015

Hello Friends - Here's the next issue of: Surviving a Miracle Without Going Crazy!!

Step 1: Have a terrific support system.

Step 2: Trust in the Divine.

Step 3: Eat your vegetables.

It's as simple as that.

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Guestbook

November 11, 2014

ok, rick, i am officially joining you on your path by signing your guest book! you sound amazing, look amazing (as does barb in a lovely picture olivia texted me) which should not surprise me because you ARE amazing!!! you are one of the few people i don't have to remind "don't forget to breathe" :) the adventure begins! xoxoxoxo

beth kepple

November 4, 2014

Dear Rick and Barbara,
Tomorrow I travel to Columbus to serve on "Team Ricky"! I can't wait to see you without your oxygen tank drag-along and will be glad to give you and Barb some respite, friendship, and lots of laughter. We have much to be thankful for this season of gratitude!

Olivia Walker, Long Beach, CA

March 16, 2013

Ricky!! The Radeks are here for you! We love you so much and will do everything we can to help!! Keep posting and giving us updates, Hi to Barbara!! and much love and positive energy being sent your way!! xoxoxoxooooo Tracey

Tracey, Dillon Colorado