mendy328

HERE'S THE LATEST ON MARTY FROM JOHN: Marty had a rough evening and is struggling today. They put him back on the respirator. Doctors are still very positive and keep saying that sometimes you have to take a step back in order to take two forward. They are not allowing any visitors today and probably not tomorrow. So, keep sending positive energy and prayers!

Enjoy!

Repost- from John Wooton: Just saw Marty. Really great news... Paulette, his wife, Jimmy, his brother, Ray Franscen, local drummer, and myself went into the room. I brought a drum stick. He was holding a stuffed bunny with his left hand. I ...put the stick in his hand, matched grip, and asked him if he knew what that was. He started squeezing over and over. I asked him if he wanted me to read the hundreds of facebook messages and he shook his head no. If you know Marty, you know that he doesn't like a fuss. So, that was an expected reaction. I asked him if he wanted me to leave the drum stick and he shook his head yes. I then asked him if he wanted to hold it matched or traditional. He was holding it matched and let go of the stick. I put the stick in his hand traditional grip and fixed his hand on the stick. He even pulled his pinky back and middle finger straight. He then tapped the stick on his leg. He now won't let go of the stick. It was a beautiful moment. It was a Cooperman, I should have put a cheaper stick in his hand cause I don't think I am going to get that one back.

I wonder how much an 'entertaining' year truly has to do with this. If you are an alumni or drum corps die hard, you are going to see 'your' corps no matter what. Does the rest of the audience ('fringe' crowd) actually hear whether or not the year is good/bad and make the decision to attend based on that? Just wondering. Instead of marketing to non-corps/band/music folks in Indy alone, would it be better for DCI to market more to alumni? Many that I know hadn't been in years, myself included, but regained interest upon return. Just some thoughts. Also, as a member, I loved going to new and exotic locations every year for finals (Montreal, Miami, etc.). I can imagine that Indy might get old for those that march many years, especially coming from California. It would be interesting to hear from some of those members. Not having been to a show in quite a while, I was surprised to see how small the crowd was this year compared to the 35,000 I used to perform for. I'm glad DCI is working on this and I hope they never die! It's a wonderful activity!

Here's the address: Tulane Medical Center » 1415 Tulane Ave New Orleans, LA 70112 » Room 4405 Let's flood him with cards! What a boost that would be for his spirits. He's a fighter. ;)

Cards would be wonderful. I'm working on getting the address. He's at Tulane hospital in New Orleans.

Per John's request, I will continue to post updates for those interested in Marty's condition. Please keep him in your prayers. John Wooton I have some good news!! Marty moved his left leg today and held up two fingers when asked to. At times he is able to answer yes and no with head movement. He made eye contact with his wife, Paulette, and got a little choked up with a chin quiver when two students from Brother Martin came by to let him know how much they missed him and that his new street beat was awesome! Thank you for all your prayers and flam paradiddles. It is overwhelming.

Another from John's Facebook page (with his permission): <li id="stream_story_4e4946f2b01774472507059" class="pvm uiUnifiedStory uiStreamStory genericStreamStory uiStory_785990851299 aid_Array uiListItem uiListLight uiListVerticalItemBorder" data-ft='{"evt":4,"src":9,"sty":22,"actrs":"42811119","nactrs":1,"targets":null,"pub_time":1313419680,"fbid":"785990851299","qid":"","s_obj":11,"s_edge":1,"s_prnt":11,"ft_story_name":"StreamStoryCreateGeneric_StatusStreamContent","mf_objid":785990851299,"object_id":785990851299}'>[/url] John Wooton I understand that the last post about Marty is maxed out! That says something about how many people this man has touched. Waiting for MRI results now. Keep the comments and prayers coming. I will read them all to him. Thank you everyone. Post more here...

From John Wooton: "The stroke was in a major artery in the back of the head leading into the brain. I have been visiting him in ICU and is able to squeeze his left hand. Still unconscious but reacts mostly to humor. I told him "now off the right!" He refused and continued to lead off his left." He is at Tulane Hospital.

I thought the exact same thing...flashlights? Next step might be those massive spotlights that twirl around a large venue...

I applaud your desire and ambition. I had the same feelings 31 years ago when my dream was to march Phantom Regiment. My parents asked me to put together a pros/cons chart and study it. I did that, then presented it to them (which included how I would pay for everything myself). I marched french horn '81-'83 and those are some of the best memories of my entire life. Your parents know what is best and you should respect their wishes. However, come up with some valid arguments and see what happens. I wish you the best!

It would be wonderful if DCI would make announcements at the beginning of the show and at intermissions regarding the above suggestions...just like at a live theatre. Some of the audience are just newbies/parents that are so excited for their kids and don't know the proper etiquette, but would probably oblige if instructed.

Marty has been able to respond some via squeezing John's Wooten's hand. That's good news, I think!

Phantom Madison Boston Crusaders

Just want to be clear...I'm not blaming anyone or pointing fingers. PR is just trying to get something secured themselves so the kids can relax and focus on what is most important. As of 55 minutes ago, about 10:45 a.m. CST, they STILL do not have housing. PLEASE. Does anyone have connections or know of someone they could contact? It would be a huge service to the community and much appreciated by the Regiment! SUTA! :)