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June 4, 2006

Hi all -

I wanted to give you all an update on how Dirk is doing. Dixie, Ruby and I are here in Honolulu with Kelsey and Dirk. His parents also arrived last night. I also asked Kelsey if it was ok for me to send out this email - therefore I will give you all the latest update. Feel free to forward this email to the countless people sending great vibes and love to our friend. I definitely forgot many.

First - WHAT happened? Dirk at mile 20 of the race got off his bike complaining of headaches, loss of vision and partial left side paralysis. He was immediately received by race officials and then brought to medical after becoming unconscious. After being unconscious for 45 minutes he was found in the med tent by Kelsey and Dixie - at which point the proper steps followed by getting him to the hospital etc. At the hospital the catscan (after several other tests) determined preliminary what was called a brain aneurysm. There was swelling and bleeding and Dirk was still unconscious. There were many questions unanswered and we (Dixie and I got there soon after the race) were all very confused & concerned. Stable but in critical, life support he was flown via Hilo to Honolulu. Kelsey was at his side the whole way. Here in Honolulu things were up and down for a bit. He was now in the proper hands and neurosurgeons were able to give the first specific assessments: Not quite an aneurysm, but an AVM - a malfunctioning artery that was leaking blood in his brain stem (PLEASE forgive me if I am describing wrong - this is how it was explained to me). Brain stems are complicated and we were all extremely concerned - especially since the Dr's. were telling us the importance of this first 24-48 hours. We were concerned for Dirk's life. Dirk being Dirk is a fighter. Although he is on life support - the fluid is being drained from his brain slowly - he has been showing signs this morning of improvement. Not only did Dixie and I leave last night to the hotel and he just completed a 'session' of activity where he was asked to give a thumbs up - and did! - but this morning he was more responsive to other demands in his 'sessions'. Such as lifting a leg, wiggling a toe, and tracking (albeit slow but still…) with the eyes. These little signs are so important. Trying to take tiny steps forward in responsiveness and recognition. THEN - just 30 minutes ago Dirk did EVEN BETTER - While his parents were with him he opened his EYES, he responded YES & NO to nurses requests - AND did his best Richard Nixon impression - holding up two victory signs with his fingers. He had to be restrained and is back out of consciousness but another hopeful sign. We are not even close to out of the woods yet - but he is fighting - like we all know Dirk does. And he is taking those small steps forward. Just 12 hours ago he was completely in a different state.

I know he hates all this hoopla - BUT keep praying, keep sending you warm, loving thoughts and let us continue to help get our buddy through this. He needs all of it - over the next few days. He will have more tests and possible brain surgery tomorrow. There are many avenues and options and treatments that are happening in the next few days and he needs to get through them all well so that we can move to the next chapter. For today Dirk is under observation, waiting for the swelling to go down in his brain and for the remaining blood to be drained from that area in his brain.

I have my cell phone here and will gladly pass on any message to Dirk, we talk to him a lot - and we know he is hearing us. I know he would love to hear from any of his training buddies.

Lastly - know that there is no prognosis at this point - way to early for any type of these assessments. Just continued small steps forward - only forward.

More to follow.

Chris

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