Dennis Wolf, former CFO of MySQL, is in the hospital undergoing treatment for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) also known as Devic's Disease. This is a spinal cord inflammation with similarities to Multiple Sclerosis. Dennis is a very special guy to get such a rare disease. He's also a tough son-of-a-gun, so I have no doubt that he will put this behind him with a full recovery just as he did 18 years ago. But it will take some time, attention and help from many people.
He has started Plasmapheresis treatment tonight whereby they pump out his plasma, remove the anti-bodies and pump in fresh-frozen plasma. This can take several sessions before there are results, but the doctors are confident that this is what's needed.
Overall, Dennis is in good spirits and is dealing well with the discomfort. Dennis is quite happy if folks get the word out on his condition via twitter, email, blogs etc.
Please keep Dennis and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
- Wikipedia: Devic's Disease, Plasmapheresis
- Other Resources: Myelitis.org, Mayo Clinic, Google Group - Devic's Support
Dennis, please know that many people are pulling for you to make a speedy and complete recovery! All the best for a happy, peaceful and HEALTHY 2010.
Warm regards,
Ken
Posted by: Ken Jacobs | December 30, 2009 at 08:00 PM
Dennis, you are in our thoughts and we hope for a speedy recovery for you!
Kind regards,
Marten & family
Posted by: Marten Mickos | December 30, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Dennis: We Dolphins owe so much to you. Some of my fondest memories of MySQL are of you, your brilliance, your passion, your compassion, your vision for the company, and your strength. It’s that strength that will help you through this and help bring a speedy recovery.
Today, the way I can thank you for all you’ve done is to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yours,
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff Wiss | December 30, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Dennis - Shocked to hear, thinking of you, hang in there!
Gaurav
Posted by: Gaurav Dhillon | December 30, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Dennis: Our thoughts are with you and your family. You always demonstrate such strength and courage when confronted with a challenge. I'm sure you will do so again and prevail again.
/Clint
Posted by: Clint Smith | December 30, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Dennis,
I was sorry to hear your news tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Get better soon.
All the best,
John
Posted by: John Rutherford | December 30, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Dennis, our thoughts are with you and your family. Recover well!!
Olivier & Family
Posted by: Olivier Beutels | December 30, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Dennis, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Have a speedy recovery.
All the best.
George.
Posted by: George Boutros | December 31, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Dennis,
I wish you and yours strength and endurance. I hope the treatment goes well, and the recovery will be swift.
Roland Bouman
Posted by: Roland Bouman | December 31, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Dennis,
We're all hoping for a speedy reenactment of that first full recovery. I think many of us never knew about the first time until now, but we do know that you're amazing for many reasons, so I look forward to learning that you've prevailed again soon.
Cheers,
-Eric
Posted by: Eric Herman | December 31, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Dennis!
My thoughts are with you and your family, with hopes for a fast recovery.
/Karlsson
Posted by: Anders Karlsson | December 31, 2009 at 01:24 AM
Dennis,
Keep fighting! There are many who enjoy your presence on planet Earth!
I wish for your quick recovery. May your enduring struggle ripple our existence into even greater clarity, wisdom and rebirth.
Kristofer
Posted by: Kristofer Pettersson | December 31, 2009 at 01:46 AM
Dennis, I wish you a prosperous year getting well real soon! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yours sincerely
Gitta
Posted by: Gitta Lofberg | December 31, 2009 at 01:55 AM
Dennis, I'm confident that you'll do a repeat performance and quickly get well again. Just like all your friends out there I'm thinking of you and your family.
All the best,
Boel
Posted by: Boel Larsen | December 31, 2009 at 02:37 AM
Dennis, as I know you from many invigorating discussions, you are a fantatstic role model when it comes to mentally and physically coping with diseases. Your attitude and stamina has helped you and others before; it will do so this time, too.
Kaj
Posted by: Kaj Arnö | December 31, 2009 at 02:47 AM
Dennis,
You have shared and taught me so much as my mentor and as my friend. I am hoping for your successful treatment and quick recovery conquering this illness again which I know you can and will do! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending positive energy!
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa Swart | December 31, 2009 at 03:55 AM
Dennis, we're thinking and praying for you - I'm confident that you'll be back on your feet in no time!
Jeffrey
Posted by: Jeffrey Pugh | December 31, 2009 at 05:56 AM
Dennis,
My thoughts are with you and the family. Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery.
==Omer
Posted by: Omer BarNir | December 31, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Dennis,
You have conquered many challenges, and this is another one to overcome in 2010!
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Get well soon.
- Edwin
Posted by: Edwin DeSouza | December 31, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Dennis:
I was so sorry to hear about your situation. From witnessing your strength, will, wisdom, and passion firsthand, I'm sure you will beat this again. Please take great comfort in knowing we're all thinking of and pulling for you. We all owe such a debt of gratitude for all you did for us at MySQL. Best to you and your family, get well soon, my friend!
JoePen
Posted by: Joe Pendleton | December 31, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Hey Dennis,
I know that you, with the help of your loving family, will have a speedy recovery. Wishing you a strong and healthy new year.
-Michael
Posted by: Michael Dubray | December 31, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Hi, Dennis.
We met you only briefly at Jon and Shosh's wedding two summers ago, but please know that we wish you a speedy and full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shelley, Kevin, Jenna and Jared (Jon's aunt, uncle and cousins)
Posted by: Shelley Levi | December 31, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Dennis,
We, too met you briefly at Jon and Shosh's wedding. We are so sad to hear of your medical situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family. Wishing you a full recovery and a healthy 2010.
With love,
Gary and Karen (Jon's uncle and aunt)
Posted by: Karen Levi | December 31, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Dear Dennis:
Wishing you and yours health, happiness, and peace in the new year. We are thinking of you and sending our best thoughts and hopes for a complete and rapid recovery.
The Canada contingent:
Laura, David, Mark, and Brian
Jon's aunt, uncle, and cousins
Posted by: Laura Baroff | December 31, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Dennis- Just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, as are your entire family. Shosh has been sending regular updates and I remain hopeful that you're on a successful treatment path. Much love and healing thoughts,
Carin
Posted by: carin | January 01, 2010 at 02:03 AM