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Poe set to begin transplant process, faces “extended” recovery

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Illinois

* From the House Republicans…

A date has been set for State Representative Raymond Poe (R-Springfield) to undergo an adult stem cell transplant that will replace his bone marrow and hopes to cure a blood disease. Last May Poe was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and has been receiving blood transfusions to offset his low production of red blood cells. Poe will undergo the transplant procedure at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

“I received word late last week that the hospital in Houston is ready to begin the transplant process at the end of this month,” said Poe. “In my absence, I want to reassure my constituents that my office will remain open and available to assist should the need arise. My staff of twelve plus years will continue to take care of all day-to-day operations and constituent services.”

Poe says he expects the hospital stay for the transplant to last approximately three weeks, followed by an extended recovery period. During his absence, Poe’s colleagues, State Representatives Rich Brauer, C.D. Davidsmeyer, Bill Mitchell and Wayne Rosenthal have all agreed to watch over his legislative district.

“We all wish Raymond well during his transplant procedure and pray for his successful recovery in Texas,” said State Rep. Rich Brauer (R-Petersburg). “Since we share district office space, my staff and I are in place to lend a hand to the needs of his district and constituents.”

“Raymond Poe has been a great friend and resource for me over the last couple of years,” said State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville). “I am happy to help him and his constituents in any way, as we wait for his healthy return.”

“Raymond’s a true friend whose first loyalties are to the people of his district,” said State Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth). “There’s not a more dedicated representative than Raymond Poe. We are working to ensure that his constituents’ needs are met while Raymond is away for treatment.”

“I wish Raymond all the best as he seeks treatment,” said State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville). “I have the utmost respect and admiration for him and know that he will be back to serving his district before we know it. In the meantime, I will be at the ready to step in and assist in any capacity should the need arise.”

Good luck, Ray! Hang in there!

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:07 am

Comments

Dear Raymond. Here’s hoping everything goes smoothly, and you will be back in full fighting form in short order!

Comment by Sangamon GOP Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:11 am
Best wishes to a good man. See you back soon.

Comment by LizPhairTax Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:17 am
Thinking of you Ray and sending good wishes your way!

Comment by Ann M. Williams Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:19 am
My thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Poe.

Comment by Nearly Normal Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:22 am
Nonplussed, yes you were!

Good luck Raymond.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:27 am
==- Nonplussed - Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:22 am:==

Not once, but twice (HB 138 & SB 4 in 2007)! Maybe this will help him realize that people across our state and country need to access to the same opportunity he is utilizing himself.

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:27 am
Good luck to him. he is at a really, really good treatment center.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:28 am
Kind wishes and prayers to Rep. Poe. Heal soon.

Comment by A guy... Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:30 am
Best wishes and a speedy recovery for Rep. Poe!

Comment by Lunchbox Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:41 am
Good luck Representative Poe. We look forward to seeing you back soon.

Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 11:53 am
Best wishes to a speedy recovery. You are my favorite rep after Paul Simon

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 12:37 pm
I will be praying for you, old friend

Comment by Old Sarge Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 12:43 pm
Prayers to you Raymond.

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 12:43 pm
Rep. Poe,

I want to wish you good luck, and a speedy recovery.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 12:46 pm
A very close family member of mine had Myelodysplastic syndrome. I also first met Rep. Poe and his famous chicken 19 years back. Raymond, my thoughts and prayers are with you. A speedy recovery!

Comment by Best wishes for Ray Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 12:54 pm
As nice a guy as I had the pleasure of serving with in the Legislature. Best wishes Ray!

Comment by Hon. John Fritchey Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 12:54 pm
Godspeed and a swift recovery, Mr. Poe.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 1:12 pm
Nonplussed & PC -

His procedure is a little different.

I have spoken to him personally about this. His use of adult stem cells actually delayed his treatment options.

http://wmay.com/wmay-news/118425

Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 1:14 pm
Rep. Poe is a good guy. Speedy recovery Representative.

Comment by Try-4-Truth Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 1:19 pm
==Team Sleep==

The bills he vetoed included research into adult stem cells. Also, a blood and marrow stem cell transplant is the most common use of adult stem cells.

Also, it is naive to think that research that wasn’t done due to conservative roadblocks into embryonic stem cell research hasn’t also slowed an understanding of adult stem cell treatments.

Comment by Nonplussed Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 1:31 pm
Nonplussed - you are correct. But it also would have included funding for embryonic stem cell research. And if you look at the roll call, there were plenty of downstate Dems who voted against HB 138 as well.

Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 1:35 pm
I don’t agree with all of his politics, but the guy truly cares about his work as a public servant. I wish him a speedy recovery. God bless.

Comment by Jimbo Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 2:54 pm
Ray, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 3:22 pm
Raymond is one of the really good guys in politics/government. I’m looking forward to having him back for many more terms. God bless, Ray.

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Oct 21, 14 @ 4:29 pm