/ Archived Race Coverage / A message from the family of the “Shishmaref Cannonball”, Herbert Nayokpuk

A message from the family of the “Shishmaref Cannonball”, Herbert Nayokpuk

Thursday, November 23, 2006 (Thanksgiving Day)

by Staff

11/26/2006

First off, a “BIG Thank You” from the Family of Herbie Nayokpuk for the wonderful emails that we have been receiving. It means so much to Elizabeth (Herbie’s wife) and the family, and we do read as many as we can to Herbert.

The Family has had Herbie’s ventilator breathing tube removed, and he is now breathing on his own. He is still in a coma, and in critical but stable condition. He has been moved from the ICU to the 5th floor of the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage.

All of your thoughts and prayers have Helped Herbert and our family thru thus far, and we ask for your continued support thru this difficult time.

It is very touching to read of the memories many of you pass along to us. Of Herbie and Joe (Redington) Sr. trotting down Front Street to the finish line together. And of the time Herbie fell asleep in the bathtub after checking into Unalakleet and Bee Bucks waking him up. "You Saved My Life!" Herbie declared at the time, though Herbie was probably bigger than the bathtub!

There are letters recollecting the times we would go boating and berry picking up the coast from Shishmaref. We pray that Herbie will soon open his eyes and continue making memories with us.

If you would like to send the family a card, or share a memory the address is

Herbert Nayokpuk

Alaska Native Medical Center Room # 516

4315 Diplomacy Drive

Anchorage AK 99508

An account for donations has been set up at any Wells Fargo branch if you would like to help defray travel and living expenses for the family during their stay in Anchorage. It is titled the "Herbert Nayokpuk Donation Account # 2526636556.”

Again, thank you so much from the entire Nayokpuk family for your thoughts, prayers, and letters.