August 28th,  John was  in Quebec City being interviewed live in the National Assembly for “Memoirs” of his career to be aired on TV.
Prior and during the interview John’s blood pressure must have risen quite high which caused his aorta to rupture in half.   Fortunately, he  got immediate medical attention
which saved his life.  He was taken to Hotel Dieu Hospital and when they realized how grave the situation was - he was transferred to Hôpital Laval - where Dr. Francois
Dagenais - a valve specialist operated on him.  We were both so impressed with Dr. Dagenais’ surgical skills which are miraculous (all doctors that have heard of John’s
surgery could not believe he is still alive).
Eleven days of agony - in the intensive care with tubes coming out of every orifice.  Pretty scary stuff.  After two full weeks in the hospital I took John back home where is now.
He has had to learn how to walk again - he is very feeble - has  difficulty breathing in bed  - so he has been sleeping on an armchair. He is  walking better - his appetite is slowly coming back. He needs and will need close medical attention and follow up from now
on and thanks to Donat Taddeo he has seen Dr. Jacques Genest, Chief of Cardiology at RV Hospital. He was incredibly efficient which was reassuring.  John is seeing him again next week for another battery of tests.
He is still not strong enough to see anyone for any period of time - but he would probably love to hear from some of his friends.  It would also be good for him to know people care.

The Chairman Of Wednesday Night

to

John, The Ciaccia

Greetings:

Whereas, with the approval of the assembly of Wednesday Night Wise Persons, we are pleased to appoint you honourable recipient of the Order of Wednesday Night

By these presents we do appoint you Honoured Companion of said Order and authorize you to hold and enjoy the dignity of such appointment together with membership in the said Order and all privileges thereunto pertaining

In recognition of his political, but not always politically-correct wisdom, his deep understanding of and ability to interpret multicultural issues and his abiding sense of justice and fairness in defense of the victims of the Chairman of Wednesday Night

Given at 33 Rosemount in the former and future City of Westmount under the Seal of the Order of Wednesday Night this Wednesday 11th day of December, 2002

By the Chairman’s Command

click for Me John Ciaccia the OKA story | on the Water board
the OWN list to Dec 2003 list | click for a printable version | find -

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