Mr Info Posted April 15, 2015 Posted April 15, 2015 This post is a shout out to long-time Bills fan and board member Rick Schibetta aka TheMadCap http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/user/411-themadcap/ . Many of you have interacted with him on threads here and on TSW. Rick is originally from Fredonia and many of his family are still in WNY. Work eventually brought him to the Richmond area and he has been working here professionally for a while. Last year he became ill and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL) and treated at the VCU/MCV Medical Center. As one might expect, chemotherapy took its toll and weakened him considerably. He went into remission and was able to remain home for a bit with his wife and two young children. However, he slipped while attending a conference at his children’s school and broke his hip. This landed him back in the hospital and tests later revealed ALL had returned earlier this year. He was treated aggressively with a drug in a clinical study that previously had only been used on children. Unfortunately, this drug induced transverse myelitis (spinal cord inflammation) which resulted in paralysis which spread to his chest. The study medicine was stopped and he has been placed on steroids in the hope of reducing the inflammation. Rick is undergoing PT at the University Hospital for his arms and hands and being monitored (MRIs) for inflammation reduction of his spinal cord. Obviously, this has been difficult for him, his wife, and their two young children but I have never heard Rick complain and that tells you a lot about the guy. In spite of everything, he is always positive and we also talk Bills football and he is really excited about the 2015 season. I know that Rick still checks the board periodically and I expect he would appreciate hearing from anyone. He may not reply for a bit until better functionality returns to his arms and hands. Rick is currently in VCU North Hospital, floor 1, room 42.
Beerball Posted April 15, 2015 Posted April 15, 2015 With you in spirit Rick. Keep up the fight; thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
mead107 Posted April 15, 2015 Posted April 15, 2015 Thanks for the info. I knew he was sick when we last talked. Have not talked to him in some time. Prayers on the way.
BringBackFergy Posted April 15, 2015 Posted April 15, 2015 Thanks for this post. Rick - I never interacted with you here but you sound like a great guy and a strong man. I'm saying a prayer for your recovery. God Bless!
Nanker Posted April 15, 2015 Posted April 15, 2015 Oh my. Hope and prayers for his full recovery. Cancer research is advancing greatly in this age. I hope it can cure him.
Gugny Posted April 15, 2015 Posted April 15, 2015 Prayers sent! Kick it in the ass, Rick!! And thank you for sharing, Mr Info.
Rob's House Posted April 16, 2015 Posted April 16, 2015 Madcap's a good dude. Fingers crossed for a full recovery.
Mr Info Posted April 16, 2015 Author Posted April 16, 2015 I was unable to see Rick yesterday because he was too sick but saw him today. He was getting a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin but was in good spirits. He was able to view this thread and appreciates the support. I met Rick through this board when I relocated to this area and consider myself fortunate to know him. He and his wife, Brenda, and their two sons, Zach (6) and Owen (2) do not have family in the area so if you would like to send a card, send a meal from a local eatery to his family, or bringing a meal over (locals), then send me a PM and I will get you in contact with Brenda, get you their address, etc. I am sending them a meal from Capriccio's tomorrow night as I know the boys like pasta. Thanks to Paul, plenzmd1, for a quick PM to help out. Rick would be pleased by a visit from any local Bills fans. He is at the VCU North Hospital. 1st Floor, Room 42.
Guffalo Posted April 16, 2015 Posted April 16, 2015 Stay strong Rick, Prayers out to you and your family.
stevewin Posted April 16, 2015 Posted April 16, 2015 Wishing the best for you in your fight - from a current RTPer to a former one.
Dante Posted April 16, 2015 Posted April 16, 2015 Damn I don't know the fella but it still makes me very sad. The best of luck!!
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