Posted by chicagomedia.org on November 09, 2008 at 15:58:19:
Sun-Times columnist Father Andrew Greeley in critical condition
November 9, 2008
BY SHAMUS TOOMEY Staff Reporter
The Rev. Andrew Greeley got stuck in a traffic jam on the Kennedy Expy. for 90 minutes recently, and the hassle persuaded the best-selling novelist to take the L next time.
He tried to do just that after giving a lecture in Rosemont on Friday, but his jacket got stuck in a taxi door when he was dropped off at the Rosemont CTA station.
As the cab began to pull away, the 80-year-old priest fell to the ground and hit his head, fracturing his skull. He was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he was in critical condition, friends and family said Saturday afternoon.
"Right now he's critical but stable, very stable," niece Laura Durkin said. "Doctors are hopeful and pleased with his progress from [Friday] to [Saturday]."
Greeley, who was wearing a Barack Obama baseball cap when he fell, suffered bleeding on the brain.
Doctors installed a monitor in his skull to gauge pressure on his brain, said his friend and attorney Terry Goggin. CT scans are also being used to monitor his injuries.
Greeley was transferred from the hospital's emergency room to its surgical intensive care unit, where he remained sedated Saturday. Other than the implantation of the pressure monitor, he has not had surgery, Goggin said.
The outspoken Catholic scholar has written more than 50 novels, including some best sellers. He writes a regular column for the Chicago Sun-Times. His books have been translated into 12 languages.
He lectured Friday at the Religious Education Association conference in Rosemont. "Greeley was very generous and very funny," association executive secretary W. Alan Smith said.
After his speech, Greeley, who lives in the John Hancock Center, hailed a cab for the short trip to the CTA station on River Road. "He's a Chicago guy -- 'take the L,' " said Goggin.
Although he was swollen and bruised, Greeley's color looked good Saturday morning and he was "resting comfortably" after a restless night, Goggin said.
"You know, he's a fighter and a tough guy," Goggin said. "He's got everything they want in a patient. All the signs are very positive."
(Chicago Sun-Times)