[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Update: Gary Sessums

[alexanderjhauge at gmail.com]

Sean,

Thank you for the update, though I’m very sorry to hear it.

I only met Gary recently through the local amateur radio community, but he was very kind and welcoming to me as a newer ham. I’ll definitely be keeping him, his family, and everyone close to him in my thoughts. I really hope he pulls through.

Thank you as well for everything you’ve done helping coordinate and support things during such a difficult situation.

Alex Hauge
K3DCA

> On May 5, 2026, at 3:47 PM, Sean Gallagher via AlexandriaRadioClub <alexandriaradioclub at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> Prayers for Gary Sessums
> 
> Today, I am saddened to inform you that Gary Sessums suffered a major stroke last Wed night / Thursday morning.  Friends became alarmed when he was no longer responding to emails and phone calls on Thursday and Friday.  I was notified that there was a potential problem early on Saturday afternoon but by the time that I was able to ascertain his address and affect a rescue, he had been in crisis for about 48-50 hours.  Gary was taken to Alexandria Hospital where CAT scans revealed multiple blood clots in the back of his brain.  As the scope of the issue was beyond the skill level of what Alexandria Hospital could handle, it was decided to move Gary to Fairfax Hospital’s Neurosurgery unit.  Gary underwent a brain operation on Saturday night in an attempt to physically remove the blood clots.  That operation was unable to achieve any significant results.  Gary remains in the Fairfax ICU on a ventilator.  He is able to respond, at a minimal level, to medical staff’s yes/no questions by blinking his eyelids and respond to commands to squeeze the nurse’s finger, albeit very lightly.  
> 
> The diagnosis from the neurosurgeon DR at Fairfax is not encouraging.  Gary’s chances of surviving this event are low and returning to any sort of normal life are even lower.  At this point, we need a miracle.
> 
> As Gary is in the ICU, visitation is limited to two people at a time in the room and masks are required.  Visiting hours are from 11A-8P daily.  Gary is in room 712 South.  Cards and flowers are always nice but it is doubtful that he would be aware of their presence.  
> 
> I was able to make contact with one of Gary’s nephews, Eric, whom I picked up at National airport yesterday afternoon from his trip from Vicksburg MS.  He is staying at Gary’s through weeks-end and will be able to use Gary’s Explorer to get around.  I will continue to facilitate him as he begins to work through the near-term plans for getting Gary’s things together.  I will update you all as we move forward on this disheartening task.  Right now, there’s no outside assistance required but I won’t hesitate to ask if that need changes.
> 
> Please say a few prayers for Gary.  He needs all the spiritual help we can get for him.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Sean Gallagher
> K4KBK
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