Prayers for Danny
www.myspace.com/evesreflection
A few years back, I met this guitarist on the internet who was looking to start a band. We met up (I was singing at that time and playing rhythm) and immediately hit it off. We ended up not clicking on the music side, but we became good friends. His name is Danny (aka Zakk Halen)
I introduced him to some other musician friends of mine, a drummer and another guitarist, and they sort of rounded out the band themselves. The other guitarist ended up leaving a bit later, so they continued on as a 4 piece.
They are quite talented, and recently won a radio contest here for local bands to get airplay and recording time. They were playing on Halloween night at a local bar when tragedy struck.
Danny was complaining of a headache, but was trying to "power through it" as he said. About half an hour into their set (they were headlining) he suddenly stopped playing, set down his guitar and walked off stage. Now this is the most dedicated musician I have ever known, so this was totally out of character for Danny.
At the end of the song, they went to check on him, and he was not doing well. They took him into the hospital, and a bit later he was rushed into Calgary Foothills hospital by ambulance. I mean RUSHED.
It turns out that he had an aneurysm burst in his head, and he also had a clot pressing against his cerebellum. They were able to relieve the pressure in his head, and remove the clot, but apparently the source of the bleeding cannot be located yet.
He woke up last night, and was somewhat responsive. Wiggling fingers and toes was ok, and he held his wifes hand. He as unable to speak due to the ventilator, and they've got him pretty dosed up right now.
We managed to get there last night and see his wife, so we spent some time at the hospital with them (we werent able to get in to see him, he's really in bad shape still), but we are going back today so hopefully we'll be able to .
In the meantime, the doctors have said that he may never play guitar again, because of the possibility of brain damage from the pressure, the surgery, or complications.
He's an amazingly talented musician (the most dedicated I've ever seen), a husband, and a father to a 3 year old daughter. I'd like to ask you all to please pray for Danny and for his family. The link I posted at the beginning is to their myspace page. Have a listen to their music, they are really great.
I know that if Danny makes it through this but loses his ability to play guitar, that would really destroy him too. Prayers and thoughts are appreciated!
Thanks so much everyone!
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