One of our respected members, Jimmy Matthews (frogtog), has been diagnosed with Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis, a very rare lung disease for which there is currently no cure.  As of right now the doctors are treating him with Interferon Gamma, but he is going to Duke in mid-October to see if he can get on a lung transplant list.  Frogtog, not wanting to be the center of attention, or sound like he's whining about the hand he's been dealt, didn't feel comfortable posting about this, but he has given me his permission to let you know what's going on and to ask you for your prayers and encouragement as he battles this disease.

For those of you who don't know, Mr. Jimmy is a legendary tournament fisherman around Eastern NC.  I had the privilege of fishing against him several times on his home river, the Roanoke, and when he showed up the rest of us pretty much knew we were fishing for second place.  Aside from being a great fishermen, has helped a lot of young anglers get into tournament fishing (myself included), and is always generous with information about what the fish are doing.  He's a good man who has done a lot for other people, and now he needs our prayers and support.

My positive thoughts are with him.

Prayers sent Frogtog.  

Thoughts and prayers sent.

My thoughts are with him as well.

Prayers sent for a speedy recovery, he was more than gracious 2 years back in the Xmas exchange and he thought nothing of it.

My thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your family FrogTog.

Man, this is not good news.

I enjoy his posts and his input, which has proved to be very valuable.

Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Duke is an outstanding medical center and he is going to one of the best in the world.

I sincerely hope he gets that lung and is back fishing and waxing everyone's behind next year.

He's a great poster.  Prayers sent.  

Prayers sent, hang tough.

Prayers sent.

Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery man.

Thoughts prayers, and best wishes are being sent daily

frogtog, my thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family.

God bless,

Falcon

Hope all is well.  Frogtog is a great guy.

Two years ago, before the Guntersville trip, he offered to let Alpster and I use his boat for the week.

He had never even met either of us....if that isnt generosity of the purest kind, I dont know what is.

Your'e in my prayers, Frogtog.

Get well soon.

May God help him and his family get through this.

Well respected member for sure.  My prayers are with him and his family.

Thoughts and prayers sent.  Get well soon!

Get better Frogtog.  We are all pulling for ya!

Prayers sent for him. I really enjoy reading his posts.

Prayers sent!  

Man, this is not good news.

I enjoy his posts and his input, which has proved to be very valuable.

Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Duke is an outstanding medical center and he is going to one of the best in the world.

I sincerely hope he gets that lung and is back fishing and waxing everyone's behind next year.

X2.  There couldn't be a better place.  Had my heart surgery there with absolutely zero issues.

I will pray for you at church this Sunday.  Get well soon.

My thoughts and prayer is with him & his family.

His posts always cheered me up.

He's in my prayers, as well.

i am also praying for you.