Wayne Hawkins at the Amen Clinic
Wayne Hawkins has been fighting a losing battle with dementia and his wife, Sharon, finally got him in to the Amen Clinic recently. When she read Larry Kaminski’s recent post about his visit, Sharon sent us an e-mail about Wayne’s visit. She graciously allowed us to share this with all of you. Our thoughts are with you and Wayne, Sharon!
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Hi Dave,
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I just read Larry Kaminski’s story of his experience at the Amen Clinic.
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Wayne and I spent last Wednesday at the clinic.
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Wayne’s results were dismal. The doctor told Wayne if he keeps living the lifestyle he has been following, he won’t live very long! I am so happy we went to the clinic. Now we have the wakeup call and a new path to take to hopefully heal parts of Wayne’s brain.
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I asked Dr. Amen to videotape our consultation so Wayne could see it daily otherwise he would never remember any of it. They did this and Wayne is always shocked to see himself with the doctor, asking “Who is that?!!”
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His temporal lobes are severely compromised to the degree there is no electrical activity! His frontal lobe is severely impaired from physical trauma (three Class III concussions including one 12-hour coma!) thus his lack of short-term memory, executive skills and lack of self-control. He forgets information literally from minute-to-minute, yet his recall of the past remains fairly good. He scored only 30 out of 100 on the verbal, recall MCI test and he was unable to do the computer test.
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Recommendations for him: Attend a week at an alcohol detox facility, begin to use the sleep apnea mask again, weight loss of 50 lbs. to start, then 40 more lbs., on the Medifast Diet, then in a few months, a knee replacement.
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So I have a mountain to climb taking care of him through these steps. I’ll do it slowly and in small steps. It has just been so tough with his dementia issues.
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He is anxious and that showed in his brain scan, yet because he is so good natured and calm, I never know when he is anxious.
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So that’s the news about Wayne’s Amen Clinic experience. The supplement program has me full of hope that I will see some improvement in his ability to recall.
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Thanks, Dave, for your “ear”.
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Kindest Regards,
Sharon, on behalf of Wayne
Oakland Raiders
1960 -1969
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Dave Pear
March 26th, 2010 at 9:08 AM #
Dear Roger,
Wayne Hawkins is another example of how the NFL leaves their retired players in a lurch once they become disabled while the owners make billions and billions of dollars along while paying their Commissioner $12,000,000 annually.
The current NFL disability debacle that was designed, created and perpetuated by the Groom Law Group continues to destroy players and their families!
The NFL’s Dr. NO Ira Casson is a perfect example of a medical doctor that is paid not to understand irrefutable logic and evidence showing repeated blows to the head cause brain damage and early onset dementia.
The real issues for retired players are:
1) Pension/Disability Reform: (PENSIONS: match Major League Baseball and DISABILITY: plan that is tailored to the unique business of football. Football is a collision sport and the players will receive serious life changing disabilities!
2) Medical after Football: Retired players should fast forward 5 – 10 – 20 – 30 years after football. Nobody will insure them! This medical cost will drain the players’ savings and inevitably force bankruptcy.
When will the NFL make these real changes?
So far ALL that retired players and their families have received is broken promises by the NFL PR machine.
Playing football is hazardous to your health. (Just like smoking cigarettes!)
When will this fraud cease and REAL benefits begin?
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Irv Cross
March 26th, 2010 at 11:34 AM #
Sharon:
You and I remember Wayne when he was a real stud for the Raiders. Let him keep those memories. I’m adding you two to my prayer list.
I know we’re going to get someone to listen to the voice of retired NFL PLAYERS who have had their brains and bodies destroyed for the glory of the NFL! We played the way we did because we loved the game. I guess we were all naive believing that the passion and commitment we had for the game was shared by those who “own” the game. I am sick and tired of hearing about the money in the game and who is making what! Anyone with an ounce of common sense can see the damage done to our football heroes. We cheered on Sunday when Hawkins played for the Raiders during the “Roaring ’60′s”. Where is that support today? Forget about the Management Council, the NFLPA or retired players issues. We have a situation where we as reasonable human beings are willing to sit by and let our brothers suffer. STOP IT! We can fix the pension, disability and life after football issues by simply caring for one another. We (the NFL, NFLPA and retired players and our friends) can solve all of these issues by being responsible, reasonable human beings at the bargaining table. We do not have to look anywhere else beyond our own noses.
Wayne Hawkins and I came into the league about the same time. I know how strong and tough he was. If any active players are reading this tirade, though you may be swift and strong today, 40 years from now you will be standing in Hawkins’ shoes. Let’s fix these problems now! Is it too much to ask the NFL and the NFLPA to act as responsible, reasonable people and solve the biggest issues of our game? Pensions, Disability and Life After Football. Do IT!
I also had Dr. Amen scan my brain as well and I, too, have some issues.
Sharon, have you contacted the Gay Culverhouse Outreach Program? If not, start there. You and Wayne are not alone.
If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Irv Cross
Philadelphia Eagles & LA Rams
1961 – 1969
Ken Valdiserri
March 27th, 2010 at 8:08 AM #
You can also contact Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. We have contributed $2M in financial grants and pro bono medical assistance to retired dire need players.
We have a simple application process and will do our best, like Gay, to accommodate those who have dire need situation.
Thanks and best to all retired players!
Ken Valdiserri
Gridiron Greats
Brandi Winans
March 27th, 2010 at 11:43 AM #
Sharon you are one of my “Angels”. So glad you got to get down to see Dr. Amen. Jeff is looking forward to his visit which we are trying to schedule now.
You and Wayne are always in my prayers.
Luv ‘n hugs,
Blessings, Brandi
Tweets that mention Wayne Hawkins at the Amen Clinic - Dave Pear's Blog -- Topsy.com
March 27th, 2010 at 8:45 PM #
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by RobertinSeattle. RobertinSeattle said: Wayne Hawkins at the Amen Clinic: Wayne Hawkins has been fighting a losing battle with dementia and his wife, Shar… http://bit.ly/apsuxB [...]
Dave Pear
March 27th, 2010 at 11:22 PM #
Hi Brandi,
Please tell Jeff that we’re glad to hear that he’ll be going to the Amen Clinic for a brain scan!
Every football player must have a brain scan along with a cognitive test: (NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION REPORT) in order to determine A BASE LINE for the actual damage football will do to your brain.
NOTE* Please make sure this doctor is a licensed M.D. from a school here in the USA and the doctor must have NO ties or connections to the NFL. The NFL will try to tell you that these tests are not necessary and League doctors like NFL quack Dr. “NO” Ira Casson will make the assertion that repeated blows to the head do not cause brain damage or early on set dementia but they are NOT being truthful!
Their paycheck depends on them currying favor with the NFL along with their Super Bowl tickets.
Please press on Brandi and make sure that Jeff gets on that list for a brain scan as soon as possible.
Keep us posted!
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Irv Cross
March 28th, 2010 at 8:48 AM #
Ken:
Thanks for letting everyone know about the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. I know your organization has taken a lead role for a long time in supporting retired NFL Players. Sorry about the oversight and no sleight intended. This is a good time to alert everyone with Non-profits who are set up to work with retired players, or if you have resources or contacts who can help in any way; make yourselves known through this site. I know their are a lot of resources available, so let’s put them all to work by linking through one source. I also understand many of our colleagues do not have access to the internet. If you know of anyone who needs to be contacted, just send their names to Gay Culverhouse’s Players Assistance, Gridiron Greats or any other organization or resource who can help. Let’s get their names in the pipeline.
Ken, thanks for the reminder, and thanks for all the GridIron Greats Assistance Fund does for retired players. I would also like to wish you – as President of the Chicago Rush and the Arena Football League – great success! You and I go back a long time, and I know the Gridiron Greats have been staunch supporters of retired players. THANKS!
Irv Cross
Philadelphia Eagles & LA Rams
1961 – 1969
Larry Kaminski
March 28th, 2010 at 4:13 PM #
Sharon,
I’m so happy that my story inspired you to schedule a visit to the Amen Clinic! Needless to say I had a chance to watch Wayne on film many times being a center on the Broncos. He was a tough, dedicated competitor. My prayers are with the two of you. Let Wayne know that I gave up all alcohol 18 months ago and after breaking a habit, I have no issues or problems. I drink the hell out of green tea! I’ve been on the supplements for a week now and working on my weight also.
Keep the faith and as hard as it may be, you’ll inspire others and help Wayne get back a little of his life.
Best to you,
Larry Kaminski
Denver Broncos
1966 – 1973
Harvey Myers
April 1st, 2010 at 12:20 PM #
Though I appreciate your clinic and that you can use high profile athletes to get your story out, how about a Joe Blow like me. I had a head injury from a fall 15 years ago. NeuroCranial Restructuring started me on a path to recovery that’s allowed me to figure out a lot of the difficulties I have left.
The Amen Clinic is wonderful and I learned about it from a PBS fundraiser but as a person who was overlooked by disability, by people, family and friends and treated almost like a malingerer, I represent a lot of people who will never be able to afford corrective treatment, education and evaluation like what is offered by the Amen Clinic.
I do wish you luck in all your good work – eventually it might filter down to the common man like myself. I have not only corrected most of my problems, but I have helped others in a grassroots effort through dailystrength.org, including telling them about the Amen clinic, but the issues I still have assure that I’ll never make the kind of income I did before I was injured and therefore make it unlikely that I or others like me will see this kind of benefit.
My sincere best to you. Just trying to inform you of the existence of people like me.
Harvey Myers
Mrs Marissa G. DiBartolo
April 5th, 2010 at 4:16 AM #
April 2010
Hi Sharon,
You are doing the right thing for your family and husband. Getting professional help which acknowledges the injuries is the first priority. It can stabilize a household and save relations. You are in my prayers and I respect the determination it took to get your family this far.
My son has similar problems and makes the rounds with girls and friends. He can’t figure why they advance and he struggles. He was an honor student and it’s going to waste. No planning, can’t remember simple things, is easy-going and “This is me now”. I get desperate and financially depleted.
Thank you for sharing. This gives hope there are families with struggles and they make it. They do get the medical help they need and deserve. You are an angel.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Marissa G
Carol Kimble
April 7th, 2010 at 6:45 AM #
Hi Sharon:
I worked with Wayne (Gentry Homes) at Waialae Iki. We had a lot of fun and I remember his dog (Wippet?). I wondered what happened to Wayne when you moved from Hawaii. I am now living in Rancho Mirage. I follow Dr. Amen and am very glad you have met with him.
Thank you for sharing your story. My best wishes to both of you.
Carol Kimble
Mike Davis
April 7th, 2010 at 2:33 PM #
In my mind I always ask: Why does any help have to come only if you’re in “dire need”? What can’t it be to the benefit to all, regardless of financial status? We all know of and have experienced Health Insurance costs. And the “etc.” that goes with it.
Yes, streamlining all applications for help and/or benefits is a must.
All of the players who have mild to extreme health problems were not born that way. It came from one source – The NFL Game! So, I say to all: Let’s join as one, wise up and get what’s fair and needed. Let’s pay close attention to this next CBA because it WILL affect all of us. Let’s stand with the Active players, one and all. Because they know they’re always just one play from being a retired player.
We can win this by standing together as one.
Mike Davis
Oakland Raiders
1977 – 1987
Jean M. Brown
April 8th, 2010 at 5:22 AM #
Hi Sharon,
Bless you, I’m right there with you. My husband, Barry Brown was diagnosed with “dementia of the Alzheimer’s type” about three years ago. He has no short-term memory, cannot remember how to get to our neighborhood grocery store, what day it is, or what might be scheduled for him on any given day. He cannot remember what he ate an hour ago. He puts his initials on everything he considers to be his (toothbrush, pillows, etc.) and he is sure people are taking his things!
Jeannie Brown
Barry Brown
1966 – 1971
Baltimore Colts, New York Giants, Boston Patriots