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7/20/2001 1:00:00 AM | Athletics
July 20, 2001
Franny: When we left the other day - you blew us a kiss...Kate reminded me that that was what I had done a few days before when we were on our way out the door. It uplifted us so much to know that you are so aware of everything that is going on around you! Ray remarked, as we left, that since it was you and he alone together, you couldn't tell him to hush up...Fran - you and I both know that you have to do something about that! We can't have Ray Ray thinking that you are sitting by listening to him and all that he is saying!!!???!!! Don't worry - we'll be over there on a daily basis making sure that everything is on the up and up! You look so great, every time we see you! I can see your progress from day to day! And it inspires me! I was telling Molly the other day about the marathon that I'm running in, in Oct......(stop laughing)....you are going to be my inspiration for it! Every time I think that I can't go a step farther, I think of how hard you are working, every single day, to get back to us! You are so lucky to have 2 great brothers, and a Mom and Dad who are so devoted to you! They (like you) are so very strong!
Kate gave you a medal from Lourdes (back in Chicago) that a friend had given me some time ago. We keep you in our prayers everyday, and at Mass...(and I feel like they are being answered). Everyone sends their love...Kate, Blaise Molly, Charlotte, Mr. Ahearn and Gaba.
As always, Love, Mrs. Ahearn
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Duke grads in NYC are thinking of you. Fight the good fight!
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Francois,
I would like to wish you a speedy recovery! Sounds like you have already came a long way. Hang in there and be strong! We are all pulling for you.
Sincerely,
Tim Kiser
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http://www.virtualflowers.com/vflower_pickup.php3?ticket=lbrown.774645
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Just wanted to pass along my prayers for a speedy recovery!
Rocky
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Hi Francois:
I'm a Duke grad, who while going through some hardships to get my butt through college, have learned as I've aged, that no matter how hard things you think things are for you, no matter what happens to you, there're many others who have a much harder road to travel. As an ex-athlete, I've had to overcome injuries, but obviously nothing like you've gone through. Just remember what Jimmy V. said, ok? I wish you luck in your journey back to perfect health, physically and even more important....emotionally.
Regards, Andy Hock Duke '80
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ellicott city, md
we were glad to see you yesterday and hope that our visit wasn't too much for you. we'll be back to see you shortly, and are praying for your continuing recovery. you are always in our thoughts. love, mrs. and mr. kickham
-- "Gordo" Hey just writing to say hello and hope you are feeling better. I continue to pray for you and your family.
Mr. R.
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Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery!
Phil McCoy Duke '75
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Francois,
I just want to take a minute of your time to pass on my best wishes for your speedy and complete recovery. I'm happy to see that you are making real progress on the road to recovery.
Good luck and good health!
Kevin
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Although you have never met me, I wanted to express my best wishes for your continued recovery. My wife, Amy, and I recently graduated from Duke Law School. Before law school, we were both students at Cornell University, where Amy played for four years on the varsity lacrosse team. As a supporter and frequent spectator of Cornell's team for two seasons, I developed a great appreciation for the sport itself and the women who play it, particularly the differences between the men's and women's game, which, in my opinion, require that the women be far more skilled as players. Sorry for the digression. I write today as a fellow Dukie to say that my hope is that you will enjoy a successful and speedy recovery, guided by the determination and hard work which you poured into your successful lacrosse career and the lessons which you learned on the athletic field. Hopefully, one day in the near future, Amy and I will read about or watch your return to the sport. Take care and good luck. Mike Buckler Duke Law '00
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Francoise, Just a note to tell you how much everyone who knows you (or heard about your spirit!) is pulling for you! Rehab is hard work, but then again, so is lacrosse! My niece is Allison Valentino and she has written me about you, so please know that we are thinking of you and praying too! Good luck on this phase of recovery!
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Francoise:
What wonderful news that you are making a recovery from your terrible accident.
Please know that the entire Duke community - including old fogie grads such as myself - is with you every step of your journey to a full, complete recovery.
God Bless.
Andrew Hewat MHA '79
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The Dausch Family, Phoenix, MD
Francoise, We are so glad you are recovering and have returned to Baltimore. You have made remarkable progress with your great spirit and determination. Keep up the good work. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Liz, Bill and Andrew
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kelly baltimore, md
hi fran- I'm thinking about you everyday and I can't wait to see you. I'm so glad you're back in b-more. see you soon. kelly
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dear ms. Francois Gordon, it's obvious that you're a dookie, they have soooo much fight. it takes a special person to fight the good fight. thanks for all the inspiration. we're keeping up with all that gets to us from the duke site. you are not alone!!
bert and mona two dookies from new mexico
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Julia Wharam-Whelan, Savannah, GA
Still keeping you in my thoughts & prayers! I know you're getting stronger every day, and I look forward to hearing about your progress! BTW, my little brother is a new Dr./Resident at the Duke Univ. Hospital if you ever need any help. ,)
Julia - SPSG '88
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Paul Jepsen, New Canaan CT
Hey Fran,
Im glad to hear your health is improving. Stay strong, your in my thoughts
and prayers and I hope to see you soon.