Dare Mighty Things
- by Jim Hallett
It was Monday, May 17, 2021, and President Tim Hageman figuratively handed off the gavel to Herb Trachtenbergwho shared Teddy Roosevelt’s famous words from his speech, “The Man In the Arena,” challenging us with the words written on the Endeavour’s landing parachute: Dare Mighty Things……Rich Montgomery is amidst a series of five Council meetings about the budget and the disposition of incoming federal funding. Other issues include whether to extend outdoor dining and whether to take a stand on the pending attempt to recall DA Gascon……Sue Vogl organized recognition of the many projects led by Jan Buike to benefit seniors (assisted by Susan Adams, among 12 Rotarians and CERT volunteers), from multiple deliveries of goods and services to assuring the vaccination of 97% of our seniors……Unannounced guests included Jim Hunter’s wife Joanne and Norm Levin’s wife Claudia.
Patient Zero
President Tim and Jim Schlager took us straight to our guest speaker, Gregg Garfield, known as Patient Zero, starting with a video commemorating the journey of this early Covid patient. Hospitalized March 5, 2020, intubated March 7, he slept for 31 days, while internal organs failed and septic poisoning set in (he lost fingers and toes). He happily awoke, only to face very intense rehab, finally leaving the hospital May 8, 2020, accompanied by the cheers of over 200 personnel at St. Joseph’s in Burbank, the only local hospital he could find that would take him in during those early, fearful days, thus becoming Patient Zero. Gregg showed us that anyone is vulnerable to Covid—he himself was active, healthy, and athletic, skiing 75-100 days per year (he’s already back on skis), an entrepreneur from age 17. In the hospital, loneliness was intense and ICU psychosis took hold, but nurses were amazing caregivers. His goal is to give back, including forming Gregg’s Village, giving gifts to hospital personnel. AJ, his girlfriend at the start of this journey, was his rock throughout—and is now his fiancée.
Victim to Victor
Gregg Garfield described his experience as “Victim to Victor,” emphasizing that “it takes a village.” It is personal relationships that got him through. He learned humility. He suggested that what makes you happy is your mind set, telling us to be inspired, make a difference, and don’t forget to have fun. He didn’t want to seem opinionated, but he did tell us: If you won’t get vaccinated and won’t wear a mask, then stay home. Whereupon President Tim fittingly presented him with a certificate for 100 polio vaccines.