OK, soaring pilots and fans: one of the most-beloved figures in
soaring, Charlie Spratt, needs some help from his friends...and at a
time of year when most of us are caught up in our own holiday
celebrations.

I assume there's some behind-the-scenes plan being mobilized right now
but it might help KS, UH, and the local folks in Charlotte if they knew
what they had to work with. Whether it's Charlotte-area people to help
provide care or act as host (I assume Charlie should not be too far
away from the hospital), or fund raising, let KS or UH know what you
can do to help. This sounds like a case where we need to cast the net
pretty widely.

And KS/UH, let us know whom we should contact to offer help. It would
be great if one person could play a coordination role.

Chip Bearden
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Charlie's sister called yesterday with an update. Before the doctors
can install a new shoulder there needs to be some natural bone healing,
and that requires some weeks. Charlie is anxious to leave the hospital
and the hospital believes some sort of assisted care is required.

Townley (sister) said she could do some of the care, such as the
once-a-day hook up of the dialysis equipment, but she works and Charlie
will need help with other activities throughout the day. What form this
takes hasn't been worked out.