Just Wanted To Thank You From Many OF Members

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As some of you know, I had a stroke on October 31st, 2024. The stroke was caused by a bacterial infection. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how ill I was and I ended up in the hospital and then a rehab facility for about eight weeks total. Happily, I am doing much better now. I have some aphasia and memory issues, but it could have been so much worse. Sometimes a bad thing becomes a blessing in disguise. When I was in the hospital, my doctors discovered that I have been living with a dangerous heart issue that I've had since I was born. That's going to be corrected in a few months with surgery and I'll be fine. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that I'll be fully recovered in time to put together the 5th 2025 Annual Mid-Atlantic G2G in Baltimore and I'll be writing to our members about this soon. For the moment, what I really wanted to say was thank you for the many OF members who wrote, texted, emailed and even a few showed up to see how I was doing when I became ill. I hope that I'll be able to remember all of them because I really do want to write a personal thank you note to each of you. Many others have said that OF is a lot more than just a watch forum -- and it's true. There are a lot of good people here. Thanks, all. --Greg
Edited:
 
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Great to hear you're on the mend and doing better, and that the heart issue was found in time to do something about it.

When I read about things like this I remember that lot of men do have a problem with not going to seek medal care until they're in a really rough state or on death's door, myself included, we all probably need to have more regular checks done with a general practitioner and be getting on top of things early as like the heard issue you mention, it has to be far better dealing with it now rather than putting it off until it becomes a bigger deal.
 
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Glad you are on the mend. My GP of 25 years just retired and I already feel lost without her. She has been on my ass for years about my crazy global jobs, my weight, my type 2. Under control now but I owe her a great deal, for which I thanked her. I hope the new guy is just as thorough but medicine is changing.
 
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Was not aware of your illness, but best wishes for a complete and permanent recovery after your surgery.
 
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Was not aware of your illness, but best wishes for a complete and permanent recovery after your surgery.
Likewise. I also was unaware of your illness. A stroke and heart problems is kind of a double whammy! Our thoughts are with you as you anticipate your heart procedure.
 
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Hi Greg,
Like others, I had no idea that you were unwell but am very pleased to hear your prognosis and wish you a speedy and full recovery. Robert
 
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Best of luck with your surgery Greg.

You are certainly one of the most compassionate and considerate OF members.

Examples:

You led the Go Fund initiative that raised over $10000 for Alex. That was all you.



You traveled to Detroit to make our 2023 GTG a success… and bought 2 or 3 pieces of expensive cake for a starving OF celebrity.



You regularly checked up on the status and well being on my mother in law, and sent me some very cool and useful Omega coffee mugs that are part of my daily routine.

Your recovery is already evident and I predict a 2026 Baltimore GTG.

Your Canadian friend.
 
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Great to hear you are doing much better Greg and i hope the surgery and recovery will go in the best possible way !!
 
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Greg, it is good to hear that you are on the mend. I hope you have a smooth heart surgery. Please keep us posted.
 
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G - Like most of us, I was totally unaware of what you were going through, but I hope you are well and wish you a speedy and complete recovery. The silver lining - if I may call it that - was the discovery and treatment of the other hidden ailment. Couldn't agree more with the sentiment expressed above that we men should give our health more priority and try and catch things before they become bigger issues.
 
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You are a great part of OF and your work to help Alex was truly inspiring. Good luck with everything Greg.
 
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From a new member, I'm wishing you a speedy recovery, Greg, and best wishes on your upcoming surgery. 🙏
 
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Best of luck Greg. Thought something was a bit off in the forums the last few weeks.
 
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Oh wow, didn’t know. I surely wish you well! Best of luck!
 
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Hi there, Greg! This is Martha, still doing the typing for Alex, but relaying the message that he wants to send.
First off he says thank you again for putting the GoFundMe together when he had his stroke. It was incredibly generous and helpful. He knows what it’s like to suffer a brain injury and wants to wish you all the best in your recovery.
Alex is still dealing with aphasia but he continues to make progress with his speech. We both wish you continued healing and health and good luck with your surgery.
Sorry to hear that the G2G won’t be happening this year, but if it comes together for next year I (Alex) might even be able to do it!
Alex (and Martha)
 
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Hi Greg, really sorry to hear your news - and I really hope you have a good recovery.