Posted this morning (10/7):

Recent Headlines
October 7, 2002

Gordon Lightfoot Update

Public Relations & Communications

Gordon Lightfoot is making slow progress in the Intensive Care Unit at Hamilton Health Sciences. He remains in serious but stable condition.

"We knew from the beginning that it would take Mr. Lightfoot some time to recover," says surgeon Dr. Michael Marcaccio. "It has indeed been slow, but he is improving."

Lightfoot continues to receive get well wishes from many fans across North America. His family says 'thanks!'.

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Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming, folks!

Posted this morning (10/7):

Recent Headlines
October 7, 2002

Gordon Lightfoot Update

Public Relations & Communications

Gordon Lightfoot is making slow progress in the Intensive Care Unit at Hamilton Health Sciences. He remains in serious but stable condition.

"We knew from the beginning that it would take Mr. Lightfoot some time to recover," says surgeon Dr. Michael Marcaccio. "It has indeed been slow, but he is improving."

Lightfoot continues to receive get well wishes from many fans across North America. His family says 'thanks!'.

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Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming, folks!

Annie,
Thanks for posting that update but the WatchMan is right. It's the same thing with a different date on it.
Bill

Might be the same old "fluff" but it could be a lot worse !

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The house you live in will never fall down if you pity the stranger that stands at your gate.

Might be the same old "fluff" but it could be a lot worse !

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The house you live in will never fall down if you pity the stranger that stands at your gate.

Sorry I bothered.

Sorry I bothered.

That's nice of you to posted it maybe it's news to someone i didn't know it would take him along time

That's nice of you to posted it maybe it's news to someone i didn't know it would take him along time

Annie, please don't be sorry. I am sure the vast majority of us appreciate you making the effort.
Thank you.
DCH

Annie, please don't be sorry. I am sure the vast majority of us appreciate you making the effort.
Thank you.
DCH

Don't be sorry, Auburn Annie. I appreciate your time.

precisely, notsocooldude
and thanks, annie
please do not allow the conspiracy theorists to influence any future updates. i for one appreciate any news on gord's condition.

precisely, notsocooldude
and thanks, annie
please do not allow the conspiracy theorists to influence any future updates. i for one appreciate any news on gord's condition.

thnaks for the update Annie.
Char

Thanks Annie,

This is the site that I check first for any news, so I appreciate that you took the time to post it.

Thanks Annie,

This is the site that I check first for any news, so I appreciate that you took the time to post it.

Why such thin skin? The initial replies to this medical update expressed thanks, then added harmless commentary. Nothing wrong with that. I'm grateful for the post AND interested in ALL reactions.

Why such thin skin? The initial replies to this medical update expressed thanks, then added harmless commentary. Nothing wrong with that. I'm grateful for the post AND interested in ALL reactions.

Hey Everybody Gord just wants you to.......

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" Stay Loose "

Hey Everybody Gord just wants you to.......

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" Stay Loose "

Y'all have the freedom of speech to write whatever you want, at least until a thread is deleted, so I'm not trying to tell anybody what they can or can't post.
I just have one question: since the family has the apparent right to keep a lid on any information other than whether or not Mr. Lightfoot is alive and in the hospital, is anyone accomplishing anything by complaining about the lack of new info. in the press releases?
Will all the whining in the world change anything?




quote:Originally posted by TheWatchman:
Same old fluff that we have been hearing.

Y'all have the freedom of speech to write whatever you want, at least until a thread is deleted, so I'm not trying to tell anybody what they can or can't post.
I just have one question: since the family has the apparent right to keep a lid on any information other than whether or not Mr. Lightfoot is alive and in the hospital, is anyone accomplishing anything by complaining about the lack of new info. in the press releases?
Will all the whining in the world change anything?




quote:Originally posted by TheWatchman:
Same old fluff that we have been hearing.

Annie,

I read your post. I said thank you for posting it. I meant "thank you for posting it". I am truly sorry if that somehow offended you. My comment, which was actually an agreement with that loveable teddybear The Watchman, was a comment on the hospital spokespeople that issued it. I think it was kind and thoughtful of you to have posted it. If I knew you I would hug you for having posted it. Let me say thank you again. If anything I have posted here has offended you please email and I will apologize again.
In fact if this post offends anyone because it is not directly related to GL please let me know and I will try and make amends. If this sounds sarcastic it is not meant to be. All I wanted to do by replying was to say "thank you" for posting it.
Sincerely,
Bill http://www.corfid.com/ubb/confused.gif

BillW,
May I ask that you (and everyone) please continue to post any commentary you may have about Lightfoot's medical condition. Whether or not we truly have been advised to cease and desist, as long as we do not yell "Fire!" in a theater, we ought to be free to openly express our opinions and concerns.

Annie,
Get your gun.

BillW,
May I ask that you (and everyone) please continue to post any commentary you may have about Lightfoot's medical condition. Whether or not we truly have been advised to cease and desist, as long as we do not yell "Fire!" in a theater, we ought to be free to openly express our opinions and concerns.

Annie,
Get your gun.

RE: "since the family has the apparent right to keep a lid on any information other than whether or not Mr. Lightfoot is alive and in the hospital..." It's not an 'apparent' right - it's absolute, at least in the US and likely in Canada as well, for all patients, not just public figures. See HIPAA regulations, excerpted:

Hospitals and health systems are responsible for protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their patients and patient information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated regulations that govern privacy standards for healthcare information. HIPAA regulations specify the purposes for which information may and may not be released without authorization from the patient.

As long as the patient has not requested that information be withheld, the hospital may release the patient's one-word condition and location without obtaining prior patient authorization.

Condition. For the one-word condition, the terms “undetermined,” “good,” “fair,” “serious” or “critical” are used.

Are celebrity cases different?
No. Celebrities, public figures and public officials are not subject to different standards than other patients when it comes to hospital policies for releasing information to the media.


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For an up-close idea of what it's like from the inside when dealing with celebrity hospitalizations, read "Entertainer seeks privacy --- and gets it ---
as she gives birth" (Madonna) at
http://www.medicalnewsreport.com/med9612.htm

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RE: "since the family has the apparent right to keep a lid on any information other than whether or not Mr. Lightfoot is alive and in the hospital..." It's not an 'apparent' right - it's absolute, at least in the US and likely in Canada as well, for all patients, not just public figures. See HIPAA regulations, excerpted:

Hospitals and health systems are responsible for protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their patients and patient information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated regulations that govern privacy standards for healthcare information. HIPAA regulations specify the purposes for which information may and may not be released without authorization from the patient.

As long as the patient has not requested that information be withheld, the hospital may release the patient's one-word condition and location without obtaining prior patient authorization.

Condition. For the one-word condition, the terms “undetermined,” “good,” “fair,” “serious” or “critical” are used.

Are celebrity cases different?
No. Celebrities, public figures and public officials are not subject to different standards than other patients when it comes to hospital policies for releasing information to the media.


******************************************
For an up-close idea of what it's like from the inside when dealing with celebrity hospitalizations, read "Entertainer seeks privacy --- and gets it ---
as she gives birth" (Madonna) at
http://www.medicalnewsreport.com/med9612.htm

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This is completely ridiculous folks! I do not understand the touchiness that exists among fans. This thread does sound like bickering and "us versus them." Could someone please respect those of us who simply are frustrated that there is a lack of information about Gord's condition. This is not disrespectful!!! We are fans. We are concerned. Yes, we pray. And yes, we are eager to hear what is going on. We want to know Gord is going to be OK. And if he is not, we want to know too. It's natural for us to be concerned. He has involved us in his life through his music. He is a public figure. I personally think that 99% of the posts in this bulletin board are tasteful. Any speculation presented has been supported with reasons and has been labelled as such. And the fear that Lightfoot's children may read this is simply not relevant. They know more about their Dad's condition than any of us. Once again, I will make my position clear. I do not want to know details, I just wish that the hospital releases would not sound like press releases from a company that is covering stuff up. I wish I didn't have these doubts that I have. Is that disrespectful? No! It's my emotional response to something that I feel emotionally involved with. And yes, I do take exception to intimations that I am a "conspiracy theorist" and that I am somehow dishonouring Gord by wondering what is going on. Can we please treat each other with respect???

By the way, I will not post any speculation about Gord's health unless it is not speculation so don't worry Char.

This is completely ridiculous folks! I do not understand the touchiness that exists among fans. This thread does sound like bickering and "us versus them." Could someone please respect those of us who simply are frustrated that there is a lack of information about Gord's condition. This is not disrespectful!!! We are fans. We are concerned. Yes, we pray. And yes, we are eager to hear what is going on. We want to know Gord is going to be OK. And if he is not, we want to know too. It's natural for us to be concerned. He has involved us in his life through his music. He is a public figure. I personally think that 99% of the posts in this bulletin board are tasteful. Any speculation presented has been supported with reasons and has been labelled as such. And the fear that Lightfoot's children may read this is simply not relevant. They know more about their Dad's condition than any of us. Once again, I will make my position clear. I do not want to know details, I just wish that the hospital releases would not sound like press releases from a company that is covering stuff up. I wish I didn't have these doubts that I have. Is that disrespectful? No! It's my emotional response to something that I feel emotionally involved with. And yes, I do take exception to intimations that I am a "conspiracy theorist" and that I am somehow dishonouring Gord by wondering what is going on. Can we please treat each other with respect???

By the way, I will not post any speculation about Gord's health unless it is not speculation so don't worry Char.

Considering her lifetime spent pathetically craving attention and adulation, Madonna is not the finest example of a public figure who deserves privacy.

Considering her lifetime spent pathetically craving attention and adulation, Madonna is not the finest example of a public figure who deserves privacy.

I appreciate that hfan. I too have spent countless hours worrying and speculating since that night in Orillia a month ago about things concerning Gord. It does no good to do so is the conclusion I have come to. I would dearly love more info but since it won't be coming my way any time soon I try to take the negative thoughts and make them positive by thinking of the next time I will see The Legend that is Lightfoot walk out on stage and how profoundly greatful we all will be. Even if the Lightfoot children don't ever look on the net for things about their father I would like to uphold the families' wish for privacy. Whether I agree or not - it is their wish. I would only hope the same would be done for me if circumstances were switched.
My thoughts also go to the EMP folks (Barry and Anne)and of course the boys in the band.
Stay strong and keep the faith.
Char

Hi folks. This is my first visit to an internet talk site (jargon unfamiliar). BUT my concern for Gord forced me here and now i find a lot of loyal fans who are real tight about this situation. I am ashamed to have come here now, but he is an icon that we all obviously are not prepared to part with as yet. When leaving here now the only thing i wish to identify with in regards to Mr. Lightfoot is the great concert and jamming good time we had together during this summer at the Highland Theatre in Akron...hope you all have a great past memory, too. Please, hold on to it. Please pray for us all, especially gord. It is great to know so many people care. You're swell sensitive people.

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gwen

Hi folks. This is my first visit to an internet talk site (jargon unfamiliar). BUT my concern for Gord forced me here and now i find a lot of loyal fans who are real tight about this situation. I am ashamed to have come here now, but he is an icon that we all obviously are not prepared to part with as yet. When leaving here now the only thing i wish to identify with in regards to Mr. Lightfoot is the great concert and jamming good time we had together during this summer at the Highland Theatre in Akron...hope you all have a great past memory, too. Please, hold on to it. Please pray for us all, especially gord. It is great to know so many people care. You're swell sensitive people.

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gwen

Hi folks. This is my first visit to an internet talk site (jargon unfamiliar). BUT my concern for Gord forced me here and now i find a lot of loyal fans who are real tight about this situation. I am ashamed to have come here now, but he is an icon that we all obviously are not prepared to part with as yet. When leaving here now the only thing i wish to identify with in regards to Mr. Lightfoot is the great concert and jamming good time we had together during this summer at the Highland Theatre in Akron...hope you all have a great past memory, too. Please, hold on to it. Please pray for us all, especially gord. It is great to know so many people care. You're swell sensitive people.

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gwen

Hi folks. This is my first visit to an internet talk site (jargon unfamiliar). BUT my concern for Gord forced me here and now i find a lot of loyal fans who are real tight about this situation. I am ashamed to have come here now, but he is an icon that we all obviously are not prepared to part with as yet. When leaving here now the only thing i wish to identify with in regards to Mr. Lightfoot is the great concert and jamming good time we had together during this summer at the Highland Theatre in Akron...hope you all have a great past memory, too. Please, hold on to it. Please pray for us all, especially gord. It is great to know so many people care. You're swell sensitive people.

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gwen

Hmmm... Perhaps now we can debate the potential interpretations of Gwen's somewhat cryptic post.

Hmmm... Perhaps now we can debate the potential interpretations of Gwen's somewhat cryptic post.

Agreeing with Char and thanking Annie.