prayers for doug
 

An alumni from team 341, Doug Markgraf, was recently the victim of a tragic hit and run accident while he was riding his bike in philidelphia. The details about Doug and his progress can be found on this website. http://dougtales.wordpress.com/

Doug has touched so many people, he was a friend to all and everyones prayers for him and his family would be appreciated. You might have seen him a few years back at regionals playing his big djembe. Doug is one of the most kind hearted and selfless individuals I have had to pleasure to know. Doug is a fighter and it is showing as he is fighting his way towards rehablitation. Please keep Doug and his entire family in your prayers as they work through this difficult time.
Thanks

Re: prayers for doug
 

My thoughts go out to Doug.

May I ask where in Philly this was, so I can avoid biking there in the future if these terrible things happen.

Re: prayers for doug
 

All of us here at 1712 give you guys and girls our prayers. You all mean a lot to us and hope that you are all able to make it through this terrible accident.

Re: prayers for doug
 

Sometimes when I am concerned about someone, I make a little prayer pocket in my heart and tuck them into it to carry with me through the day and the night.
I've made one for Doug, his family, and for the team. Thank you for asking for our support Aaron.
Jane

Re: prayers for doug
 

Wow. While not a bicyclist I am a mtorcyclist so my thoughts and prayers rest with fellow FIRSTer Doug.

Re: prayers for doug
 

My thoughts and prayers go out to Doug. Keep in there Doug, My and my family are hopeing for the best. Get well soon.
From one Doug to another, Good luck man.
And who updates the blog?
Once again hang in there Doug-o.

~Doug

Re: prayers for doug
 

Thoughts and prayers from the Midwest. Hang in there!

Re: prayers for doug
 

My thoughts and prayers go to Doug and his family. I hope he is able to make a quick and complete recovery. Best of luck!

Re: prayers for doug
 

Wow, as an avid biker I hate to hear about these things. I myself have been hit by a car twice but escaped only with minor injuries.

Doug most definitly has my prayers.

Re: prayers for doug
 

Thank you to everyone that has wished Doug well. Whether you have prayed for him privately or wished him well on Delphi it is appreciated.

There was exciting news today. Doug is responding to simple commands to move his hands and feet. He needs help with his breathing and can't open his eyes for more than second, but this is actually tremendous progress, far beyond what doctors expected at this point. Doug above all else is a scrapper!

Keep checking the web site mentioned in the thread this is truly the most up to date information.

If anyone that knew Doug is in the area, there will be a dinner gathering in his honor at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital at 6:30 PM on Saturday. Bring a dish to share and wish him well.

On behalf of Doug's family, Thank You for your prayers!!

Al Ostrow
Team 341

Re: prayers for doug
 

Big time prayers go out to Doug, his family, and team 341. Doug sounds like a great man and i hope he recovery is speeded on by these prayers. Please keep us updated on his condition.

Re: prayers for doug
 

I hate to hear these things... FIRST community or otherwise. Keep up the progress and prayers be with you Doug.

-Jeremiah

Re: prayers for doug
 

I have attached two pics of Doug. One from the Pits at the MD State Fair and one recent photo on the Drexel Cycling Team.

He was with the team for the 2001 through 2003 seasons. He also volunteers for the Philly Regional and Ramp Riot each year. So maybe you have met him before.

Re: prayers for doug
 

My thoughts and good vibes go out to Doug and his family. We all hope for a speedy recovery.

Re: prayers for doug
 

I am very glad to hear that Doug is coming along so well. Back in December, I also was placed in the ICU after being hit by a car while riding my bicycle, and I know well how terrible it is to receive a crack on the head of that magnitude. But the fact that he's alive at all is practically a miracle in itself, and no matter how this episode ends, I hope he never forgets that he's already been extremely blessed.

Doug has my fervent prayers that he will soon complete a full (or very close to full) recovery.

Re: prayers for doug
 

Prayers go out from all of us at 1620 to Doug, his family, and his team for a speedy recovery.

Hope you get better soon, Doug. :)

Re: prayers for doug
 

I'm glad to hear that Doug is making progress. These accidents are terrible to hear about. It is obvious by the comments that Doug is a special person.

Al - thanks for the photos. FIRST is such a big community that we see the faces, but don't always have the names to go with them. I recognized Doug immediately and remember all the events I and my team had been to where he was either a team member or volunteer.

God bless. Our prayers are with Doug, his genealogical family, and his Daisy family.

Re: prayers for doug
 

On the same note of Mr.Larock, Team 204 and myself wish Doug a speedy recovery. Also, fondly working with Team 341 and competing with them at the Philadelphia Regional, we wish them good news to come from this point on.

Re: prayers for doug
 

Even though I never met Doug, or really many people on 341, I find myself reading Doug Tales every day, and getting tears in my eyes for the sad & happy parts of the stories.

My heart goes out to the family & the team, and I do hope Doug Tales comes to a speedy & happy ending.

Re: prayers for doug
 

I along with Team 75 hope Doug feels better. Doug will be in our prayers.

Re: prayers for doug
 

Kim:
Thanks for caring so much. I know from speaking to many people that this type of injury does not show very linear progress. there can be long periods when nothing changes, followed by sudden, incredible improvements.
We are all just praying for the day that he makes those giant leaps.
Thanks again.

Re: prayers for doug
 

My freshman year 4 freshmen students joined the robotics team- by the time i graduated only two of us were still there- I wouldn't have wanted the other person to be anyone but Doug.

Looks like he's doing much better now, I'm thankful for that.



How about this for irony: my four years Doug was always a materials junkie, wanting to implement titanium, carbon fiber, and such exotic materials in our projects. He went to Drexel for materials engineering and just had a titanium plate inserted in his arm. I bet within a year he'll be asking to have it replaced with carbon fiber or some kind of super-light alloy..

Re: prayers for doug
 

all of team 1923 wishes Doug a speedy recovery!

Re: prayers for doug
 

For those that have not checked his caregiver site, Doug had a great day!!!

Much to everyone's surprise, He wrote down his soc. sec. # for a Doctor. Later he sat up on the edge of his bed for a moment. He still can't speak or keep his eyes open for very long, but he is displaying pretty strong cognitive abilities. We are so excited and can't even imagine the joy his parents must feel at this development.

Re: prayers for doug
 

That's great news!
He'll be in my prayers and on behalf of 1351, I hope he recovers quickly and fully.

Re: prayers for doug
 

Thanks for caring. Doug is finally starting to speak. He even throws in the occasional joke. His memory is not perfect and his left side is weak. But he was walking for a while this week He is starting Physical Therapy. Hopefully he will continue to improve at a rapid pace.

Re: prayers for doug
 

Glad to hear Doug is making such a speedy recovery, and I do hope he continues to do so. :)

As far as the accident goes... some drivers need to learn that they are not the only ones on the road :mad:.