Hi Gang,
I just got this update from Don's wife through the grapevine and wanted to pass it along.
Note the new mailing address -
DON MARKSTEIN UPDATE: edited letter from his wife to a friend
Friday, November 25, 2011 12:01 AM
Thank you for your concern about Don's situation. It means so much to Don to have people remember him. It's been very rough for Don. After his stroke in late March, he suffered from every hospital borne infection imaginable. He has some very low-end insurance so he gets minimal care. After a series of hospitals and rehab centers he now resides at Capri at the Point, 1501 E. Orangewood, Phoenix, AZ. Room #104.
Don Markstein
Capri at the Point
1501 E. Orangewood,
Phoenix, AZ 85020-5130
He is lucid but completely paralyzed on his left side. He is breathing through a hole in his throat and being fed by tube directly into his stomach. His spirits are surprisingly good for someone who has so few ways to alleviate the boredom. He can talk with great effort when they have a speaking valve in place but it causes him troubles and they don't like him to use it very much and pretty much only when he has visitors.
I visit and read to him. Current reading is Wicked, the story of the wicked witch of the west. I'll be ordering the sequels for Christmas. He likes to listen to the classical music stations and he delights in visits from his grandchildren.
The realization he could no longer continue contributing to the Toonopedia site has been difficult.
Cards and letters from old friends would be greatly appreciated.
Again, thank you for your concern. If his situation changes I will let you know.
Best regards.