"THE REPORTS OF MY DEATH ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATED." - Mark Twain

Dear Friend,

I hear folks have been asking "So what happened to Robert?" The last six weeks have been surreal. Apparently, I went into cardiac arrest due to several burst aneurysms in my abdomen. Thanks to the good medical care from New York Presbyterian, and the advocacy of my wife, family, colleagues, and board members, I appreciate life more than ever.

You have all been so kind and generous to me and my family, and I am deeply grateful.

On October 21, I thought I had food poisoning. I went to the hospital and was sent home to recover.

Five days later, things took a turn for the worst. Earlier in the day, I'd met with Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou, and went home feeling unwell. That evening, I knew I was in trouble due to severe stomach pain, and I went back to the hospital, this time in an ambulance. I had been bleeding internally for several days, and my insides were scrambled.

Then, I...

Visiting with Grand Street friend, Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou, the day I returned to the hospital.

• Went into cardiac arrest
• Was intubated and revived
• Was placed in ICU
• Was fully sedated for two weeks
• Had multiple procedures to repair the damage from the bleeding and to treat sepsis and pneumonia
• Lost the ability to speak because of the intubation
• Lost 14 pounds

The list goes on.

All this because of Segmental Arterial Mediolysis (SAM), an rare disorder with no known cause. About 150 people in our country experience SAM every year. I won the unfortunate lottery.

And now?

I have a long recovery ahead of me. I'll soon transfer to a sub-acute rehabilitation hospital where I will work on reconditioning my body so that I can walk again.

Thankfully, I was in the best shape of my life, at the age of 52, before this happened. Otherwise I might not have survived. Don't skip cardio!

So, imagine waking up after two weeks, knowing that my wife Glorisel was by my side through it all, and then hearing from her the incredible response from our families, friends, and people near and far who came to our aid.

I've cried...a lot. But I'm ready to fight, and focus on getting better for me and my family. I'm overwhelmed by your generosity, prayers, encouragement, and care.

I am so humbled that friends and family made sure my wife and kids - Glory, Lucas, Daniel, and Mali Cai - were well cared for at home. The Grand St. Settlement board and staff cleared my plate and put me on medical leave, and have provided generous care and heartfelt encouragement. United Neighborhood Houses and my settlement house colleagues, the New York Foundation - where I serve as board chair - and other partners and people I care about loved and supported us unflinchingly.

All I can say is thank you.

A friendly visit from our Board President Ralph W. Rose and his wonderful wife, Dr. Anna Holmgren.

The world class team and board at Grand Street have been doing a wonderful job strengthening the programs and projects we care so deeply about. My life is brightened by pics and updates from my colleagues. I love seeing progress pics of our current passion project, the top-to-bottom renovation of the Community Center at 80 Pitt St., and I look forward to being there to welcome you when we reopen the building next year.

Willing Chin-Ma, our interim CEO, has been an incredible partner and friend. She keeps Grand Street running like a well oiled machine.

I expect to to transition back to work in the spring after intense physical/occupational therapy. Next is learning to walk again, put on some muscle, and later dancing salsa with the seniors at Grand Street.

I'm humbled by and grateful for your generosity. I look forward to being in touch, but in the meantime, I'm focusing on my health, recovery, and family.

Sending my love to all of you for the wonderful support.

Pa'lante,

Robert Cordero