Detroit Red Wings Legend Gordie Howe Suffered 'Serious Stroke'

Hockey legend Gordie Howe is currently recuperating in bed at his daughter's home in Lubbock, Texas, after suffering a serious stroke. Howe has since suffered one other stroke and dealt with other issues likely stemming from fatigue and dehydration. He has undergone stem cell therapy and is said to be improving.

Continue for updates.

Sunday, Jan. 11

Howe Continues to Improve After Treatment

Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press passed along the latest on Gordie Howe after suffering multiple strokes:

"

Son Mark Howe, who was at Saturday's game between the Wings and Washington Capitals in his role as a Wings pro scout, told the Free Press that Gordie Howe "is doing very well, overall." 

(...)

The family - sons Mark, Marty, Murray and daughter Cathy, the latter of whom Gordie Howe resides with in Lubbock, Texas - opted to have Gordie Howe undergo stem cell treatment in mid-December. Since then, their father's quality of life has improved to the point he goes out in public accompanied by family members. 

Before the treatment, Mark Howe said, his father's mobility was limited to shuffling his feet forward while sitting in a wheelchair. Now he's able to kick a small ball around outside. And within the past few days, "dad was pushing a cart at a grocery store, and he's gone to the mall," Mark Howe said.

"

Friday, Dec. 19 

Howe's Family Releases Statement on Stem Cell Treatment

Mlive.com's Ansar Kahn provides a statement from Howe's family, who spoke about his improved condition following a clinical trial involving stem cells:

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Following the press coverage of our father's deteriorating medical condition, the Howe Family was contacted in late November by Dr. Maynard Howe (CEO) and Dave McGuigan (VP) of Stemedica Cell Technologies. McGuigan knew our family as a result of his previous employment with the Detroit Red Wings. Stemedica is a biotechnology company that manufactures allogeneic adult stem cells in its U.S. government licensed, cGMP facility in San Diego, California. Although no relation, Dr. Howe and his brothers Drs.. David and Roger are hockey players and big Gordie Howe fans, having grown up in Minnesota. They wished to help our father by generously facilitating Dad's participation in a stem cell clinical trial at Novastem, a licensed distributor of Stemedica's products in Mexico.

[...]

On December 8, Mr. Hockey underwent a two-day, non-surgical treatment at Novastem's medical facility. The treatment included neural stem cells injected into the spinal canal on Day 1 and mesenchymal stem cells by intravenous infusion on Day 2. His response was truly miraculous. At the end of Day 1 he was walking with minimal effort for the first time since his stroke. By Day 2 he was conversing comfortably with family and staff at the clinic.

On the third day, he walked to his seat on the plane under his own power. By Day 5 he was walking unaided and taking part in helping out with daily household chores. When tested, his ability to name items has gone from less than 25 percent before the procedure to 85 percent today. His physical therapists have been astonished. Although his short-term memory, strength, endurance and coordination have plenty of room for improvement, we are hopeful that he will continue to improve in the months to come.

As a family, we are thrilled that Dad's quality of life has greatly improved, and his progress has exceeded our greatest expectations. Once again, we cannot emphasize how much you have fueled Mr. Hockey's recovery and we thank everyone for their continued prayers and support.

"

Friday, Dec. 12

Howe 'Getting Better'

Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press provides an update from Gordie Howe's son Mark:

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He's getting better. He's on the upswing."

[...]

Mark Howe, who is at the Detroit Red Wings game tonight against the Florida Panthers in his role as a Wings scout, said that's been key to his father's recovery, as new surroundings makes his dementia worse.

"Marty and Murray have been down there about two weeks," Mark Howe said of his two brothers. "We're starting to finally get positive news after one month of negative news, so it's good.

 

"

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Howe Continues to Improve

Bob McKenzie of TSN has an update on Howe's condition:

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Howe Didn't Suffer Third Stroke, Likely Dehydration

CBS News has the latest on Howe:

Sunday, Nov. 30

Howe Suffers Second Stroke

Ansar Khan of MLive.com reported the latest on Gordie Howe's condition:

Tuesday, Nov. 18

Keith Olbermann Gives Tribute to Howe

As Gordie Howe continues to recover, ESPN's Keith Olbermann offered up a touching tribute to the hockey legend on his show:

Tuesday, Oct. 28

Gordie Howe Recovering After Stroke

The Canadian Press reported that Howe's recovery is going very well:

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Gordie Howe's family says the Hall of Famer is recovering from the stroke he suffered last month quicker than expected.

Howe's family said in a statement Tuesday that there is still a long way to go.

"The Howe family is pleased to report that over the past week Mr. Hockey has been recovering at a remarkable rate, including his speech, and his ability to walk with the assistance of a walker. Much work lies ahead, and we would like to thank friends and fans worldwide for their prayers and incredible outpouring of support.

"Our father has been truly moved by the countless phone calls , letters, emails, posts, and the Red Wings "Get Well" gesture during the Oct. 31 game. Mr. Hockey and the entire Howe family cannot thank you all enough."

"

Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press provided the statement from Howe's family after the NHL legend suffered his stroke:

According to his son, Dr. Murray Howe, via The Detroit News' Gregg Krupa, the 86-year-old "suffered a pretty bad stroke" early Sunday morning. He is cognizant, but he has lost strength in the right side of his body and is having difficulty walking and talking.    

"He knows who he is," said Murray. "He knows the people around him. But it is very difficult for him to get up and walk around. So he is pretty much confined to his bed right now. So we're just trying to keep him comfortable, and that's our goal."

Gordie underwent spinal surgery over the summer but had been walking up to a mile per day since the procedure, per Krupa.

Mike "Doc" Emrick spoke about Howe's impact on hockey, (via James O'Brien of NBC Sports):

Nicknamed "Mr. Hockey," Howe enjoyed one of the most unique, successful careers of any player in any major sport. In 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, the Hall of Famer won four Stanley Cups, six Hart Memorial Trophies as the NHL's Most Valuable Player and six Art Ross Trophies as the league's leading scorer.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

"You can never, ever replace Gordie Howe—the greatest player ever, the best idol a young player could ever look up to, but most of all the nicest man I have ever met!" NHL legend Wayne Gretzky wrote in Howe's book, via Krupa.

Unbelievably playing until he was 52 years old, Howe racked up 801 goals and 1,049 assists in the NHL. His 1,850 total points are third most all-time, and as the inspiration behind the "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" (goal, assist, fight won), he's even recognized as one of the best bruisers to ever lace up the skates.

Howe also spent some time in the WHA with the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers.