INSIDE
Bargaining for a good time A Lawrence company is helping deal-seekers enjoy the summer with a series of flea markets. PAGE 7
Two Jayhawks in accident Giddens and Jackson suffered minor injuries after an SUV was flipped on its side. PAGE 16
New center honors Martin Slain KU student Shannon Martin's family has funded an English center in Costa Rica. PAGE 4
Clinton gives first speech President Clinton kicked off the Dole
Lecture Series May 21.
PAGE 20
CONTENTS
News Briefs ... 2
Opinion ... 6
June Guide ... 7
What's Happening ... 14
Sports ... 16
Crossword ... 18
Classifieds ... 19
Tell us your news Contact Donovan Atkinson or Matt Rodriguez at 864-4810 or editor@kansan.com
WEATHER Today
KANSAN WEEKLY SUMMER EDITION
VOL.114 ISSUE NO.152
Chancellor Robert Hemenway presents Andy Marso, St. Cloud, Minn., graduate, with his diploma from the University of Kansas on May 25 as Marso's parents Harry and Virginia look on. Marso has been hospitalized at the KU Med Center since April 28 for a meningitis infection. He said the hardest part of his stay has been all of the uncertainty. Marso said the support he received from family, friends, hospital employees and the community has been an amazing help.
Photo courtesy of University Relations/photo by Shari Hartbaus
WWW.KANSAN.COM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2004
Student faces amputation
By Julie Jones
jjones@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
Andy Marso, St. Cloud, Minn., graduate, had both of his feet, from just below the balls of the feet to the toes, amputated Monday. The surgery was successful and Marso is recovering as expected. He will lose most of his fingers in further operations over the next few weeks.
The amputations were the result of bacterial meningitis. Marso, who graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Kansas in May, was hospitalized with the infection April 28.
The day before his amputations, Marso agreed to be interviewed in his room at the University Medical Center's Burnett Burn Center. Considering the horrors of the last six weeks, he looked wonderful. The tubes were gone from his nose, and he had recently had a haircut and shave. His arms and legs were still heavily bandaged as he lay atop a $35,000 air mattress specifically designed to relieve pressure from the affected body areas.
"The next step is pretty scary to me," Marso said. "There's a lot of uncertainty with me about how it's going to look, and how much pain there will be afterward."
Groggy from hydrotherapy, a daily procedure in which Marso's deadened skin is scrubbed while submerged in a water tank, his voice was soft, audible only from the head of his bed. He seemed determined to do the interview despite any anxiety, pain or exhaustion.
The interview began easily, with Marso talking about the Minnesota Twins games his brother tapes for him, the hospital menu that he has exhausted and the 3,000 calories he has to consume daily. A look of sadness crossed his face as his mom, Virginia Marso, pointed to a picture of Shaggy, the family dog who was recently put down.
Marso then spoke of more difficult topics, his amputations and recovery.
How much of his hands will be lost was also an uncertainty. Marso only knew that one of his thumbs was safe.
He will have to learn to walk again probably using some sort of prosthetic boot.
The rehabilitation process will be long and grueling, demanding Marso to be in and out of the hospital for another couple
of months. His parents, who have been staying at the Hospitality House, are moving into a handicap accessible apartment near the hospital this week.
Marso acknowledged that the experience has been emotionally difficult.
"It's up and down. Whenever they tell me what the next procedure is, it's tough. It's like why do I have to go through this."
But even with the amputations looming, Marso emitted strength and positivity. He wanted to ensure that the miraculous events that had kept him alive were captured — events like his roommate finding him ill before it was too late, the Watkins Memorial Health Center staff identifying the disease so quickly and the helicopter airlifting him to Kansas City.
While Marso spoke, the cream used during hydrotherapy began irritating his eyes. His mother tenderly wiped his lids with a damp tissue, trying to make him as comfortable as possible.
That kind of devotion has helped Marso through the terrors of his illness. His mother, father, grandmother and brothers take turns at his bedside day and night. Friends visit, often with pizza, french fries or baked goods.
breakdown if they weren't here," said Marso. "I've had a lot of support."
Matt Bellomo, Overland Park, read Marso's story in The Kansas City Star. Bellomo lost both of his feet to bacterial meningitis fourteen years ago. He spoke with Marso, answering questions, easing fears and letting Marso know it's possible to lead a normal life.
"I told him to keep his self-esteem up and stay positive," said Bellomo. "His family, friends and support network are where he's going to derive all of his strength from."
Bellomo said that Marso's future as a journalist will allow him to articulate what it is he's gone through. In time, he'll be able to help others in similar plights.
Marso said the hospital staff has been incredible. Nurses, many of whom no longer have him as a patient, were constantly checking on him.
"Honestly, I would have had a nervous — Edited by Jay Senter
His spirit and charm have also had an effect on the custodial staff. Marso smiled as he talked of a custodian who said a prayer with him. The custodian had taken a liking to Marso after speaking a little Spanish with him.