During this very busy time of the year, shopping for gifts, visiting friends and relatives and planning family get-togethers, we sometimes forget those who are not as fortunate as us. Yes, we have our own personal problems to deal with, but I think it's good to remember those who are home-bound or in hospitals. One of those is our good-friend Bob Mera. I spoke to Bob on the telephone this morning. He is still hospitalized in Philadelphia and is about to undergo his third bone-marrow transplant in two weeks. He will be in the hospital for at least the next five weeks, during what should be, for most people, a very festive occassion in their lives. Bob's hospital insurance has now exceeded the $500,000 maximum and Bob is grateful to those who have donated to his cause in the past. I think that Bob would appreciate a truckful of get-well wishes and Happy Holiday sentiments from the many chippers who read this bb regularly. He says that he feels fine, but that his white cell count is down to 1/10th of a percent. Infection is his worst fear; so much so, that he is afraid to scratch an itch. If you would care to drop Bob a card expressing your get well wishes, or simply to wish him a happy holiday, (yes, it will be a happy holiday for Bob as long as he is still breathing) here is the address:

Mr. Robert Mera
Jefferson Hospital
Pavilion Building
Room 1402
125 So. 11th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107