povpool
Verified Member
I spoke with Morro's wife, Ana on the phone the other day. She gave me a ring after she noticed that Geraldine and I tied the knot. Anyway, Ana reminded me that it's been 8 years since his stroke and, I was surprised to hear that he is still residing in the same place that he started at since he was admitted in 2015:
Upland Rehabilitation Center
1221 East Arrow Highway
Upland, California 91786
Morro's recovery has been difficult. He has been rendered legally blind after having 2 more strokes, just over a year ago. During the pandemic in 2019 there was a restriction on open showers which meant that he had to be given sponge baths in bed and now, four years later, he's recovering from atrophy because of not being allowed to get around for showers or any regular exercise. Since last seeing him prior to Covid, although he couldn't speak well he was quite cognizant and determined to recover. Little Al and I found him exercising in the gym and he even got a few words out to us, saying that he's hoping to get back out there.
A few years back, Ana gave Morro a few options which he declined and I'm not sure why. She offered to retire a year or so early and move south of the border to be close to family and medical care which is available to him there. She finally has retired now after over 2 decades working with the County Of LA but from what I gather, Morro is not there on their medical insurance. Maybe he's there on Medicare... not so sure because Ana's English is not so great. On the upside of things, after retiring, she obtained a driver's license and small car so now she's able to drive to him 4 or 5 days a week to keep him company. She used to take a train and 2 buses after work and on her days off, from what I gather. To say she's been a good wife would be nothing less than an understatement.
Visiting Morro would be discouraged at this point. He's blind, somewhat incoherent and, suffers from anxiety and frustration and not being able to talk or see. A familiar person from his past in the same room would only serve to sadden him, in my opinion. I told Ana that I would be happy to take any collections or contributions at the tournament in Fremont this June if anyone cares to help. I do not keep any of this money. It all goes to Ana and Morro. I did this for her in Las Vegas at one of the Andy Mercer events and I was able to send her about $1,400.
Upland Rehabilitation Center
1221 East Arrow Highway
Upland, California 91786
Morro's recovery has been difficult. He has been rendered legally blind after having 2 more strokes, just over a year ago. During the pandemic in 2019 there was a restriction on open showers which meant that he had to be given sponge baths in bed and now, four years later, he's recovering from atrophy because of not being allowed to get around for showers or any regular exercise. Since last seeing him prior to Covid, although he couldn't speak well he was quite cognizant and determined to recover. Little Al and I found him exercising in the gym and he even got a few words out to us, saying that he's hoping to get back out there.
A few years back, Ana gave Morro a few options which he declined and I'm not sure why. She offered to retire a year or so early and move south of the border to be close to family and medical care which is available to him there. She finally has retired now after over 2 decades working with the County Of LA but from what I gather, Morro is not there on their medical insurance. Maybe he's there on Medicare... not so sure because Ana's English is not so great. On the upside of things, after retiring, she obtained a driver's license and small car so now she's able to drive to him 4 or 5 days a week to keep him company. She used to take a train and 2 buses after work and on her days off, from what I gather. To say she's been a good wife would be nothing less than an understatement.
Visiting Morro would be discouraged at this point. He's blind, somewhat incoherent and, suffers from anxiety and frustration and not being able to talk or see. A familiar person from his past in the same room would only serve to sadden him, in my opinion. I told Ana that I would be happy to take any collections or contributions at the tournament in Fremont this June if anyone cares to help. I do not keep any of this money. It all goes to Ana and Morro. I did this for her in Las Vegas at one of the Andy Mercer events and I was able to send her about $1,400.
