WW2 veterans, O2 tanks, and ND football

[Rambler09]

Hey everyone,

I'm a medical student and I recently had the privilege of caring for a patient who is an 88-year-old World War II veteran and former POW who also happens to be a Notre Dame fan. He spotted my Notre Dame pin on my white coat and was ecstatic when I told him that I was both an alumnus and a fan. He is Irish by blood and talked to me about his love for "good 'ol Notre Dame". I had time, so he spent hours telling me stories about the war- how he was captured and held by the Nazis for months, how he lost 60 lbs. during that time and was forced to march miles in the cold, and how even to this day he gives a portion of his money every month to Jewish charities because of what he saw over there.

We spent many hours chatting in his room and during one of those conversations, he told me that as much as he had wanted to, he had never made it to Notre Dame Stadium for a game. I told him I wanted to make that happen this fall. I spoke with him today (he is home now) and he said he would love to go, as long as they would allow him to bring his oxygen with him to the stadium.

This leads me to a question: are supplemental oxygen tanks allowed in Notre Dame Stadium? (this patient has COPD). Does anyone recall seeing a person with one in the stadium? If so, that's wonderful. If not, I will be contacting the administration make an exception to be sure that this man, a hero, is able to make it for a game.

Let me know your thoughts. Putting this out there will help to ensure that I put in the time to make it happen.

 

[Andy in Sactown]

God bless you, Doc. As a third generation sailor, I grew up hearing about the war. I'd imagine there are provisions for such accommodations. Did you try contacting the university by way of any of the official telephone numbers listed in the directory?

 

[Rambler09]

God bless you, Doc. As a third generation sailor, I grew up hearing about the war. I'd imagine there are provisions for such accommodations. Did you try contacting the university by way of any of the official telephone numbers listed in the directory?

I have not contacted the university yet. I might try to do so this week. I'm also thinking that I'll try to get him to one of the games earlier in the season, to minimize the risk of the weather being too cold.

 

[dshans]

God bless you, Doc. ... I'd imagine there are provisions for such accommodations. Did you try contacting the university by way of any of the official telephone numbers listed in the directory?

I have not contacted the university yet. I might try to do so this week. I'm also thinking that I'll try to get him to one of the games earlier in the season, to minimize the risk of the weather being too cold.

I'm not a vet, though my father (gone since 1996) served in WWII. I have a feeling that if you contact the university accommodations will be made. There is a strong and enduring connection between ND and the services.

I would hope that special considerations would be made for a man who is among a dwindling number. I think that a place of honor on the sidelines would be appropriate should the gentleman be able to make the trip at the time.

I assume that there are oxygen tanks here and there in the stadium for use by medical personnel during games, be it for players or spectators. As a matter of logistics I say that a spot near the bench would be easiest.

I also say that it would be appropriate that you and he enter the field (I assume that he'd be in a wheelchair) through the tunnel with the team. You both deserve it. Give me the word and I'll do all I can to bug the living sh¡t out of anyone and everyone at ND to make it happen.

 

[BGIF]

ADA Accessibility

The University of Notre Dame is committed to providing all of the accommodations necessary to ensure that our fans with disabilities can enjoy all our athletic events.

Football - Notre Dame Stadium

Fans requiring special assistance are urged to make ticketing arrangements with the Notre Dame Ticket Office well in advance of home football games. Reserved seating areas for patrons utilizing a wheelchair or scooter or for those with mobility limitations are located throughout the stadium. Seating is available to patrons and one companion. Please contact the ticket office for seating availability in these areas. Elevators to access the stadium upper level are located on the east side of the stadium. If you need assistance during the game please contact an usher or athletics staff personnel.

I like dshans suggestion of the two of you coming out of the Tunnel. That would be great for the Navy Game considering he's a sailor (rooting for ND) and ND's connection to the WWII Navy Training Program. Unfortunately that game is November 2nd. Of course there is an elevator to Jack Swarbrick's skybox and it is HEATED.

Early season games are 8/31 Temple, 9/21 MSU, 9/28 OU, and 10/19 USC. The only other home game is Senior Day 11/23 against BYU.

EDIT: Mea culpa, scratch the Navy angle unless you're taking Andy. Your friend is most likely Army as was I. Still think the Swarbrick approach is worth the shot.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I don't think this man is a Navy Vet, which is okay in my book; I think that was Andy. (Anchors Away, dude). I would contact the Athletic Department. I bet Jack would handle it, I believe I have seen others with similar prognosis attend. Don't they have concentrators small enough now?

I had a friend who was also a Nazi POW; and my father served the whole war in the Pacifice theater.

 

[NDFan4Life]

My Mom uses a portable concentrator. We use it whenever she goes to the doctor, library, or shopping. We had to go through her doctor to get it, but you have enough time to get the approval. The concentrator lasts about an hour, depending on the amount required. It also comes with a back-up battery pack, which should last about another hour fully charged. I think that if you make arrangements with the stadium, you shouldn't have a problem.

We got the concentrator form a company called Lincare. They're nation-wide, so you shouldn't have a problem finding the nearest location.

Here's the info for the one closest to South Bend:

SOUTH BEND
SUITE #6
535 WEST EDISON ROAD
MISHAWAKA, IN 46545-8824
Phone: 574-257-0232
Fax: 574-257-0722

 

[FearTheBeard]

Wow that would be great if you can, ill be interested in hearing how it works out! Good luck!

 

[Rambler09]

Thanks, I am really encouraged by everyone's support. I'm really going to try to make it happen. I'll have to look into the specifics of an oxygen concentrator, I wouldn't be surprised if he already had one.

I'm not a vet, though my father (gone since 1996) served in WWII. I have a feeling that if you contact the university accommodations will be made. There is a strong and enduring connection between ND and the services.

I would hope that special considerations would be made for a man who is among a dwindling number. I think that a place of honor on the sidelines would be appropriate should the gentleman be able to make the trip at the time.

I assume that there are oxygen tanks here and there in the stadium for use by medical personnel during games, be it for players or spectators. As a matter of logistics I say that a spot near the bench would be easiest.

I also say that it would be appropriate that you and he enter the field (I assume that he'd be in a wheelchair) through the tunnel with the team. You both deserve it. Give me the word and I'll do all I can to bug the living sh¡t out of anyone and everyone at ND to make it happen.

Dshans, that means a lot. I will certainly be contacting the university shortly. I will keep you all posted on what I hear and will call in backup if necessary. It'll have to be MSU or Oklahoma (I'm the best man in a wedding for Temple) and will be going to England for a year starting the beginning of October.

The idea of coming out of the tunnel is a great one. That would be really special. He certainly deserves a place of honor. I don't, but would be happy to tag along. Here goes!

 

[scUM Hater]

I was a usher for a year at the stadium. It was probably 8 years ago. I don't remember being told a oxygen tank couldn't be brought in. I want to say that I am almost 100% positive that they allow them without prior approval. I remember seeing people in wheel chairs with oxygen this past football season. Upper section. Handicapped seating area. Is he in a wheel chair? If so, he could sit there. But to cover your bases you should contact the stadium operations.

 

[BobD]

Thank you for making this possible for him. Good luck and please post some pics if you can.

 

[kmoose]

Rambler,

If the University allows oxygen, and you are able to take him to a game; please let us here on the board know if there is anything else that maybe we could help provide, to make his experience the best it can be?

There has been a lot of talk about an IE get together at a game. Maybe we could attempt to do something at whatever game this man makes it to, and "adopt" him for the weekend.

Thanks!

 

[Rambler09]

First, you guys are awesome. Your support is very meaningful. Second, I've gotten in touch with a woman at the athletic department and we're talking about making something happen. She sounded really optimistic. Her response to his story was "wow".

God willing we'll make something special happen. I'll keep everyone here posted and will let you all know if I need help in any way.

 

[goldandblue]

Can't wait to hear Rambler. God bless you.

 

[dshans]

First, you guys are awesome. Your support is very meaningful. Second, I've gotten in touch with a woman at the athletic department and we're talking about making something happen. She sounded really optimistic. Her response to his story was "wow".

God willing we'll make something special happen. I'll keep everyone here posted and will let you all know if I need help in any way.

Suggest that the ROTC get involved. I envision something that is part of the half time show, but I've been known to dream beyond the practical.

"Notre Dame: What would YOU fight for?"

 

[LoveThee]

 

[Rambler09]

Alright, time for an update. Here are some details and a list of things that I may end up needing help with.

First, I spoke with the Notre Dame Athletic Office and I have locked down 2 tickets for the MSU game on September 21st. The details of where we will be sitting and whether or not he will be honored are still to be determined.

John is quite ill and it will be a challenge to handle traveling as he has a number of medical conditions that I won't go into detail about. I spoke with his daughter who was initially hesitant for this very reason but I expect she will agree to it once she mulls it over. If he falls ill or they decide they don't think it will be possible, then this won't happen. I pray that it will.

As far as details go, we would drive in on Friday with the possibility of attending a few events (if he is up to it). I will need to book a hotel that night and probably Saturday night following the game. On game day, I would like to show him around for as much as he can tolerate. I don't expect that he'll be able to tolerate tailgating or socializing too much.. but I'd like to give him a quick tour. Hoping to arrange a golf cart for this.

At the game, I'm hoping they'll let him sit in some place of honor- maybe even allowing him onto the field. Just being at the game will be enough for him, though. After the game we would plan to go back to a hotel intending to drive back to Michigan on Sunday.

Things that will be needed to make this happen:

-More MSU tickets (possibly for a few of his family members who are his caretakers)- I will try to squeeze the university for a few more... but I may need more than they will provide.

-A hotel room (A few have PM'd me about helping financially.. I don't want to make this a big public fundraiser but let me know via PM if you'd be interested in helping). The Morris Inn is almost certainly full (will the new one be ready for the season?)... but this would be ideal for convenience sake.

-A nurse? His daughter is concerned about the logistics of caring for him during the game. I assured her that I would do my best to make it work. I know a number of nurses who would likely be very willing to help. I would need a ticket for this individual if his daughter deems it necessary.

-Contacts within the University/administration- I know enough low ranking people around the AD and university at large but anyone with a connection to someone like Swarbrick might make access/honoring him more likely. Again, he would be thrilled just to be in attendance.

Alright, that's all for now. I am very hopeful that this will happen. I spoke to John today and I could hear his excitement through the phone. He is thrilled by the prospect. Let's hope everything works out.