Posted by Bob Shane on 4/21/2004, 12:47 pm

Dear Fans & Friends,
On March 21st I suffered a heart attack and went to the Mayo Hospital in Phoenix for a 5 day stay. An angiogram showed that there is no artery blockage and no significant damage to my heart, so no surgery-which is good. However, I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure which means that my heart was operating below normal and not pumping the fluid out of my lungs. I also had pneumonia, or at the very least, a respiratory infection, which complicated everything. The Mayo was successful in getting me out of heart failure & getting the fluid off my lungs. They also put me on heart meds for heart strength and sent me home. However, I've also been put on oxygen 24/7 indefinitely. My current plans are to pay attention to the doctors (who have said retirement for now-no guarantees) and try to work myself back to working condition. In the meantime, Bill Zorn , who was one of the KT from 1972-1976, has stepped in for me, joining Bob Haworth and George Grove. They are doing fantastic Kingston Trio shows with standing ovations and many compliments. And they do have my blessing. I won't be able to respond to all your emails but I do appreciate all thoughts and prayers from all of you. You have been loyal to me and the Kingston Trio for 47 years and I thank you all for your continuing support. And also, so you know, I am feeling really good-better than I have felt in along time-and the doctors are very pleased with my progress. They are of the opinion that my heart volume is already back up. So, for now I'm going to take it easy and enjoy my (hopefully temporary) retirement.