What can we do for Sheldon?
02-06-07, 08:36 PM
#1
My bike's better than me!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 2,041
Bikes: (2) Moots Vamoots, (1) Cannondale T2000 tourer, (1) Diamondback Response Comp mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
What can we do for Sheldon?
As I mentioned in another thread, I stopped by Harris Cyclery a few weeks ago and met/chatted with Sheldon.
He's in a rough spot, Folks. I'm hoping there's some way that our community can reach out to him as a gesture of recognition for all he's done for us, collectively, if not individually.
I didn't get the impression that there were financial pressures. He indicated good insurance. He seems to have fairly good local support systems, too. Financial would clearly be the easiest and fastest, if it would help--whether by individual donations, an organized ride (harder, obviously), or ....?
But ... in my experience ... there's something that somebody in his situation cannot do for themselves. He talked of maybe having to sell his home (forgive me, Sheldon, if any of this was NOT meant to be shared) and move into something more 'accessible.' Maybe those who are local could physically help, if it comes to that, while others of us could fund the truck, pizza, drinks, etc., remotely.
Any ideas?
SHELDON: I know you frequent this site. I'm the lanky guy who came in about 1/10, sporting a new $8,000 pair of contact lenses for MY health issues. I told you that I'd do what I could to help, and that I was sure others would, too. Can you think of any way that we can reach out to you?
All the best ... everybody.
Neil
He's in a rough spot, Folks. I'm hoping there's some way that our community can reach out to him as a gesture of recognition for all he's done for us, collectively, if not individually.
I didn't get the impression that there were financial pressures. He indicated good insurance. He seems to have fairly good local support systems, too. Financial would clearly be the easiest and fastest, if it would help--whether by individual donations, an organized ride (harder, obviously), or ....?
But ... in my experience ... there's something that somebody in his situation cannot do for themselves. He talked of maybe having to sell his home (forgive me, Sheldon, if any of this was NOT meant to be shared) and move into something more 'accessible.' Maybe those who are local could physically help, if it comes to that, while others of us could fund the truck, pizza, drinks, etc., remotely.
Any ideas?
SHELDON: I know you frequent this site. I'm the lanky guy who came in about 1/10, sporting a new $8,000 pair of contact lenses for MY health issues. I told you that I'd do what I could to help, and that I was sure others would, too. Can you think of any way that we can reach out to you?
All the best ... everybody.
Neil
02-07-07, 08:49 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 4,454
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Originally Posted by na975
whats wrong with him?
__________________
"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
02-07-07, 09:07 AM
#4
Bikaholic
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Western, Michigan
Posts: 1,461
Bikes: Trek Fuel 90, Giant OCR, Rans Screamer Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would jump at the chance to help Sheldon in any way that I can. Let the ideas flow and keep us in the loop here. That is of course in addition to prayers and notes of support I've sent.
02-07-07, 09:50 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 7,085
Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 478 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 87 Times
in
67 Posts
By accessible, it might mean he lives in a 2 story home and really needs a single story, wheelchair accessible. To make it accessible means to knock down some walls, widen the doorways, do a walk in shower with no doors and slanted shower floor.
Sounds like he would qualify for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Try calling them to see if they would re-do a place for Sheldon.
Sounds like he would qualify for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Try calling them to see if they would re-do a place for Sheldon.
02-07-07, 10:37 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is depressing. My dad had a rare form of ALS that moved much more slowly than usual. Even the Clevland Clinic had a hard time identifying it. The only thing I can offer is that you are in our prayers.
02-07-07, 11:43 AM
#7
Bikaholic
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Western, Michigan
Posts: 1,461
Bikes: Trek Fuel 90, Giant OCR, Rans Screamer Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Garfield Cat
By accessible, it might mean he lives in a 2 story home and really needs a single story, wheelchair accessible. To make it accessible means to knock down some walls, widen the doorways, do a walk in shower with no doors and slanted shower floor.
Sounds like he would qualify for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Try calling them to see if they would re-do a place for Sheldon.
Sounds like he would qualify for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Try calling them to see if they would re-do a place for Sheldon.
02-07-07, 12:18 PM
#8
Non Tribuo Anus Rodentum and off to the next adventure (RIP)
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 9,161
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I agree Sheldon is one of if not the greatest asset to have ever come to the grassroots cycling community. Just think of the thousands of people his contributions have helped improve their cycling expierence. So many people shouting out "Hey Sheldon!, Can you help me?!"
I agree that we as a community should, in some way, do something to give back to Sheldon.
Might it not be prudent to ask Sheldon what he would like us as a community to do for him?
I agree that we as a community should, in some way, do something to give back to Sheldon.
Might it not be prudent to ask Sheldon what he would like us as a community to do for him?
__________________
02-07-07, 12:19 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 80
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Garfield Cat
Sounds like he would qualify for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Try calling them to see if they would re-do a place for Sheldon.
I will look into stair - chair lifts.
02-07-07, 12:25 PM
#10
Bikaholic
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Western, Michigan
Posts: 1,461
Bikes: Trek Fuel 90, Giant OCR, Rans Screamer Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Stacey
Might it not be prudent to ask Sheldon what he would like us as a community to do for him?
02-07-07, 12:40 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 61
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Garfield Cat
Sounds like he would qualify for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Try calling them to see if they would re-do a place for Sheldon.
02-07-07, 01:01 PM
#12
Non Tribuo Anus Rodentum and off to the next adventure (RIP)
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 9,161
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by trout_smith
This sounds like a brilliant idea! Just the sort of thing it seems that they look for. Does anyone know how to get the ball rolling with the people at Extreme Makeover?
Hi, we're from the government, and we're here to help you.
__________________
02-07-07, 01:05 PM
#13
Non Tribuo Anus Rodentum and off to the next adventure (RIP)
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 9,161
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by blamp28
Of course! but let the ideas flow for a while first. I really want to do something but lets see what "jells" first.
I'm of the opinion we should shut down the think tank untill we hear of Sheldon's wants. I also believe that since OP picked up the ball, they should run with it and talk to Sheldon. Then report back.
You don't help someone by doing for them what you want to do, you help them by doing for them that which they want you to do.
This is just the voice of this cancer patient.
__________________
02-07-07, 01:09 PM
#14
It's a moral imperative
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Live Free or Die
Posts: 43
Bikes: 2006 Redline Monocog 29, 2001 Jamis Durango (Mod SS), 2005 IBEX Aprisa custom build
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
https://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/casting.html
im pretty sure we have the capacity to bombard (in a civil, legal manner) abc with requests for sheldon's place
im pretty sure we have the capacity to bombard (in a civil, legal manner) abc with requests for sheldon's place
02-07-07, 01:23 PM
#15
My bike's better than me!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 2,041
Bikes: (2) Moots Vamoots, (1) Cannondale T2000 tourer, (1) Diamondback Response Comp mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Stacey wrote:
I'm absolutely with you. That's why I included the "note" to Sheldon in the original post. It's TBD whether he'll want to help us help him.
As you likely know, that's not the easiest thing in the world to do.
I also like the idea of the Extreme Makeover show. More disclosure of--hopefully not confidential--information: Sheldon mentioned that a relative (nephew?) is an architect who works with accessible housing design. There's an "in" there.
I agree that we ought to turn to Sheldon--in gratitude, love, kindness, and compassion--and ask him how we might help him ease this most difficult of times.
You don't help someone by doing for them what you want to do, you help them by doing for them that which they want you to do.
As you likely know, that's not the easiest thing in the world to do.
I also like the idea of the Extreme Makeover show. More disclosure of--hopefully not confidential--information: Sheldon mentioned that a relative (nephew?) is an architect who works with accessible housing design. There's an "in" there.
I agree that we ought to turn to Sheldon--in gratitude, love, kindness, and compassion--and ask him how we might help him ease this most difficult of times.
02-07-07, 01:46 PM
#16
Technically Canadian
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 829
Bikes: Spec. Enduro/Santa Cruz Chameleon/Franken Road Bike w/ Dura-Ace+Ultegra
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by trout_smith
This sounds like a brilliant idea! Just the sort of thing it seems that they look for. Does anyone know how to get the ball rolling with the people at Extreme Makeover?
BTW, I am *TRYING* to read what happend to Sheldon, but my sorry @$$ work here blocks his journal page... could someone please cut and paste his journal entry??? I would greatly appreciate it
__________________
Cant we all just ride along???
Cant we all just ride along???
02-07-07, 01:55 PM
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here is Sheldon's latest entry:
February 6, 2007
February 6, 2007
Neurologist #3 is going to schedule me for another lumbar puncture (spinal tap) see what that does. I really don't mean to be gloomy.
In most ways my life is a dream: after 27 years of marriage, my wife and I are still very much in love.
We've got two great kids, both of whom are doing well in graduate school and appear to be on track toward happy, productive, independent lives.
We live in a comfortable house in a safe neighborhood. I have work that I love and a kind, understanding boss who values my contribution, even though it only comes over the computer keyboard these days, sometimes at the shop, more often from my home.
My condition is a major inconvenience, but doesn't appear to be life-threatening, and there is no pain involved, so I really consider myself a very fortunate person in general.
In most ways my life is a dream: after 27 years of marriage, my wife and I are still very much in love.
We've got two great kids, both of whom are doing well in graduate school and appear to be on track toward happy, productive, independent lives.
We live in a comfortable house in a safe neighborhood. I have work that I love and a kind, understanding boss who values my contribution, even though it only comes over the computer keyboard these days, sometimes at the shop, more often from my home.
My condition is a major inconvenience, but doesn't appear to be life-threatening, and there is no pain involved, so I really consider myself a very fortunate person in general.
02-07-07, 02:02 PM
#18
Technically Canadian
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 829
Bikes: Spec. Enduro/Santa Cruz Chameleon/Franken Road Bike w/ Dura-Ace+Ultegra
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks but what does his ORIGINAL post say???
__________________
Cant we all just ride along???
Cant we all just ride along???
02-07-07, 02:07 PM
#19
My bike's better than me!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 2,041
Bikes: (2) Moots Vamoots, (1) Cannondale T2000 tourer, (1) Diamondback Response Comp mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Neccros
Thanks but what does his ORIGINAL post say???
April 23, 2006
Summary
I have not chosen to bore people by whining about every ache and pain of my 62 year old body on my Journal/Blog , but a major problem has been gradually developing over the course of about the last 3 years that can no longer be ignored, because it seems to be forcing a major change in lifestyle on me.
I have developed a gradual nerve deterioration (motor neuropathy) in my legs, which is accompanied by muscular atrophy. The first symptoms were general clumsiness and a number of trips/falls. At first I thought this was related to balance issues, but it turns out to be more related to incoordination of my legs, particularly my right leg.
Although the onset of this has been very gradual, it started getting noticeably more severe in the autumn of 2005. I was very grateful to have made it through the run of the Christmas Revels without falling down on stage. Since then the condition has worsened, and I'm now just barely able to walk without assistance.
I haven't been able to ride a bike since early September, 2006 though I can still ride my Greenspeed trike, very slowly. Getting on and off and getting clipped in to the pedals is a bit of a challenge.
I've been seeing a neurologist since October, 2005 have had 11 MRIs, one CT scan and a needle EMG test. The description is "polyradiculoneuropathy", but the cause has still not been determined.
The worst for me was February 2006, when I was very much afraid that it was ALS ("Lou Gehrig's Disease".) Fortunately, the needle EMG and the fact that the symptoms are confined to my legs seems to have pretty much eliminated that as a possibility.
Fortunately, the nerves involved are strictly "motor" nerves, so I am not in any actual pain or discomfort.
October 25, 2006: The neurologist I've been seeing for the past years appears to be stumped, and he referred me to a neurologist#2. He told me that my problem is most likely multiple sclerosis, of the fairly uncommon "primary-progressive" variety.
A friend who is a retired MD referred me to neurologist #3, very highly recommended. He isn't convinced of the MS diagnosis, had me treated with IV Immunoglobulin, but that doesn't seem to have helped...
Summary
I have not chosen to bore people by whining about every ache and pain of my 62 year old body on my Journal/Blog , but a major problem has been gradually developing over the course of about the last 3 years that can no longer be ignored, because it seems to be forcing a major change in lifestyle on me.
I have developed a gradual nerve deterioration (motor neuropathy) in my legs, which is accompanied by muscular atrophy. The first symptoms were general clumsiness and a number of trips/falls. At first I thought this was related to balance issues, but it turns out to be more related to incoordination of my legs, particularly my right leg.
Although the onset of this has been very gradual, it started getting noticeably more severe in the autumn of 2005. I was very grateful to have made it through the run of the Christmas Revels without falling down on stage. Since then the condition has worsened, and I'm now just barely able to walk without assistance.
I haven't been able to ride a bike since early September, 2006 though I can still ride my Greenspeed trike, very slowly. Getting on and off and getting clipped in to the pedals is a bit of a challenge.
I've been seeing a neurologist since October, 2005 have had 11 MRIs, one CT scan and a needle EMG test. The description is "polyradiculoneuropathy", but the cause has still not been determined.
The worst for me was February 2006, when I was very much afraid that it was ALS ("Lou Gehrig's Disease".) Fortunately, the needle EMG and the fact that the symptoms are confined to my legs seems to have pretty much eliminated that as a possibility.
Fortunately, the nerves involved are strictly "motor" nerves, so I am not in any actual pain or discomfort.
October 25, 2006: The neurologist I've been seeing for the past years appears to be stumped, and he referred me to a neurologist#2. He told me that my problem is most likely multiple sclerosis, of the fairly uncommon "primary-progressive" variety.
A friend who is a retired MD referred me to neurologist #3, very highly recommended. He isn't convinced of the MS diagnosis, had me treated with IV Immunoglobulin, but that doesn't seem to have helped...
02-07-07, 02:07 PM
#20
The Improbable Bulk
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Posts: 8,379
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I would want Sheldon's permission before posting his health blog, since he could do it himself if he wanted it to be available here...
However, a summary... Sheldon is suffering from a neurological issue impacting only his legs, and it has been progressing for a couple of years.
He is on his third neurologist and the doctor is running out of ideas, so a fourth may be on the horizon.
Fortunately there is no pain associated with the disorder, but unfortunately it has impacted his ability to ride a bike or walk without assistance.
My thoughts and prayers are with Sheldon, as he has helped the community regularly, including myself.
However, a summary... Sheldon is suffering from a neurological issue impacting only his legs, and it has been progressing for a couple of years.
He is on his third neurologist and the doctor is running out of ideas, so a fourth may be on the horizon.
Fortunately there is no pain associated with the disorder, but unfortunately it has impacted his ability to ride a bike or walk without assistance.
My thoughts and prayers are with Sheldon, as he has helped the community regularly, including myself.
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
02-07-07, 02:10 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,013
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Stacey, I agree 100% with your sentence "You don't help someone by doing for them what you want to do, you help them by doing for them that which they want you to do. " So few people understand that, it seems. They want to do what makes *them* feel better by appeasing their conscience that they did something good for someone in need...
02-07-07, 02:12 PM
#22
My bike's better than me!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 2,041
Bikes: (2) Moots Vamoots, (1) Cannondale T2000 tourer, (1) Diamondback Response Comp mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Little Darwin
I would want Sheldon's permission before posting his health blog, since he could do it himself if he wanted it to be available here...
Sheldon's an exceptionally intelligent guy AND a web designer. I'm confident that he well knows this.
02-07-07, 02:40 PM
#23
Making a kilometer blurry
Originally Posted by rykoala
Stacey, I agree 100% with your sentence "You don't help someone by doing for them what you want to do, you help them by doing for them that which they want you to do. " So few people understand that, it seems. They want to do what makes *them* feel better by appeasing their conscience that they did something good for someone in need...
"I'm going to the store, can I pick up your groceries for you?"
"I made an extra batch of Calzones and I wanted to drop them off for your family. What would be a good time?"
"I'm taking my dogs for a walk tomorrow morning, can I take yours out too?"
02-07-07, 02:56 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,013
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That works for my grandparents too. We visit them every weekend for an hour or so and before we leave my wife says "Where is your laundry basket? I'll take it with me and drop it off tomorrow." If she were to *ask* them if she could do it, they would (and have) said "Oh no, don't worry, we can do it."
02-07-07, 03:11 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,845
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,822 Times
in
1,541 Posts
My best thought is to continue to show encouragement and appreciation (and maybe bad jokes). I think Mr. Brown aka the Sheldon godlike bicycle guru, knows he is appreciated, but it is always nice to hear.
On a maybe practical side, is anyone a medical professional who knows of a neurologist who might be able to look at the blog and throw some ideas out? Not to disrespect any of Sheldon's doctors, but yet another set of eyes might see something from a different angle.
On a maybe practical side, is anyone a medical professional who knows of a neurologist who might be able to look at the blog and throw some ideas out? Not to disrespect any of Sheldon's doctors, but yet another set of eyes might see something from a different angle.