[TheForge] from: Albert Paley

[lama]

September 6, 2002

To all our friends and colleagues,

This letter is in appreciation and gratitude to all the people who have =
extended themselves to Frances and me since the ordeal of my accident on =
July 26, 2002. The outpouring of concern and support was profoundly =
reassuring. Due to the magnitude of the response the only way I can make =
contact at this time is through this form letter. I apologize for this =
impersonal format but it is the only way I can thank everyone right now.

These are the details of the accident for those of you who are not aware =
of what transpired. While working on a sculpture in a hydraulic lift 25 =
feet in the air with heating and bending torches, there appears to have =
been a propane leak that resulted in an explosion. Fortunately, although =
engulfed in a fireball, I was lucky enough to have the presence of mind =
to eliminate the gas source as well as extinguish the fire on my =
clothing. After lowering myself down from the lift I was taken to the =
hospital. If it were not for the safety gear I was wearing I probably =
would not be alive to write this letter.=20

I was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, which =
has one of the major Trauma Units and Burn Centers in the United States. =
During my 4 weeks stay at the hospital I was on life support in the =
Trauma Unit for a week and then I was moved to the Burn Center. Due to =
the specialization and professionalism of this health facility I =
received exceptional care and am very grateful.  Although I received =
burns to my mouth and throat I was fortunate that there was no =
respiratory damage. The results of my injuries are skin grafts to my =
legs, torso, left arm and hand. All the skin grafts were successful and =
through physical therapy I am progressing toward a full recovery. During =
this recuperation period I am engaged in various design phases and =
limited Studio activities. Due to the staff and organization at my =
Studio all work is progressing as scheduled.=20

Thank you again for all the kindness and concern extended to us.

Sincerely,

Albert Paley



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