Fighting Through (Another) Stroke at Easter

By John Kass

April 12, 2026

Life is a fight.

I wish that weren’t so, and that instead of fighting to live we could sit out on soft freshly-mown grass on the top of a sunny hill, nibbling cookies, sipping Coke Zero while teaching the world to sing.

But God didn’t make life like that.

Not for many of us. And certainly not for me.

Life is a desperate contest against illness, disease and against others.

We humans are contentious creatures, fighting for resourses, food, water, land, mates, and liberty.

If you’ve spent any time in with animals, or any time studying nature in the wild lands, you know this.

All men deal with it, some better than others. And some simply sigh, give up, lie down and die.

So why is George Bellows’ 1909 oil painting A Stag at Sharkey’s up there as the lede image for this column?

To remind me of what shouldn’t have to be be reminded of:  that I’m in a fight for my life.

Not that I need too much reminding. My claw-foot cane tells me, and so do some recent messages from some subscribers that they didn’t sign up to read guest columnists.

The guest writers are doing their best. I think they’re great and carry professional grade. And I’m sorry, but I’m doing my best, too. I know you don’t mean me any harm.

But I’ve had two recent strokes. So I’ve had three altogether. But I won’t sigh and lay down and quit. I can’t. I won’t.

I’m doing my best to fight through it with the help of my wife, and the wonderful therapists at Shirley Ryan Ability Labs and good friends like Thom Serafin and the (retired) Chicago Fire Department paramedic chief Pat Fitzmaurice.  And all the great guest writers at johnkassnews.com who are helping me keep my dream alive.

So, what happened?

If you want to hear whole tragic-comic opera, I’ve told this Saga of Kasso on the Crisis Cast podcast with friends Thom Serafin and Lissa Druss.

You can hear the drama and details on the Crisis Cast

I had just delivered an important lecture at Hillsdale College. It was called The Loss of Trust in Legacy Media.

Hillsdale is a special place. I see it as a peaceful institution of civility in a crumbling world, like some ancient walled medieval town with the Mongols on the horizon and the  Dark Ages descending. The great American historian Victor Davis Hanson lectures and teaches at Hillsdale. So for me to be asked to give a talk where my hero VDH is also a lecturer was  rather like being invited up to the top of Mt. Olympus for tea.

The lecture went well. At least I didn’t make a great fool of myself and the hall was full and they laughed at my jokes.

The American corporate legacy media suicide from self-inflicted wounds is depressing and a terrible inheritance from the left.

The only thing that was missing from my triumph was a servant from ancient times to place a laurel wreath on my head while whispering “All Glory is Fleeting. All Glory is Fleeting.”

It happened after we flew home from Hillsdale in early February.

I stopped at the restroom at Midway Airport. That’s when the restroom shifted  axis, the floor hit the ceiling and I fell. While on the ground I was able to shout out that immortal line from a TV commercial, a shameful and ridiculous phrase of supreme self-mockery:

“Help!!I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!!!’

A face appeared.

“John don’t you remember me?” said the paramedic. “It’s Jerry from the store.”

It was indeed Jerry Stanislawski, the good and loyal employee  who had worked for our family’s store near Midway before he became a CFD paramedic. He and his Chicago Fire Department colleagues rushed me by ambulance to Christ Hospital or, as I now call it “The Hospital from Hell.”

They had no place for me so they just rolled me out into the hallway and left me there overnight. And just around the corner there was the psych ward where the night screams came from.

 

It was the Hospital from Hell and I had to get out of there.

“Betty please Betty,” I said to my dear wife who wouldn’t leave my side. “For God’s sake get me to Shirley Ryan please!!!”

She did.

I  don’t fault the ER doctors and staff at Christ Hospital. They didn’t sign up to become health care zombies with the thousand-yard stares of post traumatic stress and shock. They became nurses to help people in pain, not to ignore them or stare past them.

But the Biden-Obama political class called for the surge at the borders and promised them all “free” healthcare.

The illegal aliens  streamed across by the 10s of millions, overwhelming social services, and Sanctuary Cities, and taxpayers and all  hospital emergency rooms. And bureaucratic hell followed with them.

But  miracles do happen. My wife reached out to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab where I last worked through my last stroke three years ago. And thank heaven they found a place for me.

There was another challenge.

I was COVID positive.

So they set up an isolation room for me where I could get therapy. I told Kevin, my nurse who once played football at Leo HS before college at Notre Dame and then on to a long  career as a Chicago lawyer, that the isolation room was great, but I told Kevin that  it needed a sign:

Please Don’t FEED The Velociraptor.

“OK smart alec,”  Kevin said.

When you’re isolated in the hospital you have to keep working and keep your mind active. I did that.

And my ace Speech therapist, Max was my first victim. In my speech therapy to improve my verbal skills, I would teach something simple and delicious:

Linguini Aglio e Olio.

A simple, classic Italian pasta dish with olive oil, garlic, and often red pepper flakes, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. The key is to gently sauté sliced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and golden (not brown), then toss with cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and fresh parsley to create a light sauce. It only costs a few dollars to make.

Max was eager but slightly suspicious.

I asked him to watch a YouTube video from New York pasta master Jim Delmage of “Sip and Feast.”

The therapists at Shirley Ryan humor me, and I keep pushing them to watch Jim on You tube and make tasty, good food for their families. As far as work is concerned, I’m working hard to get back to where I once was. I have much  work to do, a lot of work for me that has nothing to do with treadmills.

It is spiritual work. Who ever said Greek Orthodox Christianity was easy? Nobody ever said that.

I hope to get back to writing two pieces a week, and doing the Chicago Way podcast with Jeff Carlin, which is always free. We’re not spit roasting whole lamb this Easter as we’ve done in years past. But Betty is making another crowd-pleaser for Easter dinner: My favorite, Greek comfort food; braised lamb shanks giouvetsi with tomato and mizithra cheese.

Therapy is grueling but the alternative is to sigh, close my eyes and sleep. I can’t to that. I won’t do that.

Our twin sons Peter and Spiro will be at our house on Sunday here with their fiancées Krista and Michelle. They are lovely and respect our family. I’ve always wanted a daughter. Now I’ll have two, God willing.

It is a good thing to count my blessings. To thank God for all He’s done for me. And again to thank the guest writers and special thanks to my friend and Chicago Way cohost Jeff Carlin. And and all of you faithful subscribers who’ve been on this journey with me.   I started writing this Sunday column at the beginning of Holy Week and now it it is Holy Saturday.

Sunday is Holy Easter.

And we will sing Christos Anesti!

Christ is Risen from the dead!

Truly He is risen!

-30-

About the author: John Kass spent decades as a political writer and news columnist in Chicago working at a major metropolitan newspaper. He is co-host of The Chicago Way podcast. And he just loves his “No Chumbolone” hat, because johnkassnews.com is a “No Chumbolone” Zone where you can always get a cup of common sense.

Merchandise Now Available: If you’re looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy for special someone who has everything, just click on the link to the johnkassnews.com store.

Where else would you find a No Chumbolone™ cap or a Chicago Way™ coffee cup?

Because I know this about you: You’re not a Chumbolone.

Comments 108

    2. John, I love your columns and the POD cast, and I did pay for you and your guest columnists. I enjoy all who write and guest host your podcast. They bring a different prospective. The important thing is get-well and back in the saddle. Have a wonderful Easter and HE IS RISIN!!!

      1. Hi John,

        I also enjoy your guest columnists and agree no harm was meant in missing you.

        I look forward to your next column but just try and string a few good days together.

        Your friends have done a great job filling in for you.

    3. I was wondering what happened to you. I am sure many people are praying for you as I will, because there are very few people in the media these days who speak the truth. We need you fit and trim as you can be; so never give up and know that thousands of people love your writing and care about you 🙂

  3. Thank you for the lesson on perseverance – your writing is a gift . from my perspective write what you can when you can . our families thoughts and prayers are with you and yours
    hang in there

  4. John- Happy Easter! Christos Anesti!
    Stay in the fight. You’ve probably been in worse situations and made it through.
    Plenty of people are on your side, and plenty of people have you in their prayers.

  5. John,
    Thank you for the update. Glad to see that you have kept your wit through these health ordeals. As for the guest columnists, they have written beautifully.
    Here’s to a solid recovery and good wishes for you family and friends.

  8. Good morning John and Fellow South Siders

    I am indeed very upset to hear of the latest turn in your continuing struggles. We’ are all praying that the Lord will see fit to heal and restore you. You are indeed fortunate to have your wife beside you.

    John, you have always been an inspiration for us all . Your voice above the fray has always been unwavering and direct. Many will say that this is a “skill that has been honed over decades of work. I would bet that you have had the necessary reasoning and regard for the truth since you were in grade school.

    We all just witnessed another famous South Sider display the same unequivocal tone this week. Pope Leo very poignantly chided President Trump about the callous manner that he called for the “destruction of the entire Iranian civilization” I didn’t even have to translate it to know that he was speaking “truth to power” https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/watch-pope-leo-xiv-calls-trumps-iran-threat-truly-unacceptable

    There is something very unique about writing the Truth. In Hebrews 4: 12 God’s word tells us about his truth: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ”

    You are entirely correct. The World needs more journalists who are willing to do what’s necessary to report the truth. Maybe they just need your brand of fortitude to start with.

    I do have to correct you on one thing.. At the beginning of your comments you said “But God didn’t make life like that.” Yes he did. Man has done everything he can to destroy it and unfortunately that is the basis for all of our struggles. I know you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, His Life, Death and Resurrection. Keep fighting, He is on your side.

    Ken “Southside” Kaz

  9. Christos Anesti! And so are you my friend! Now, off to St. Stan’s for 7 AM and offer up prayers for you and yours and the Blessings of Christ that we blink past every day! Thanks for this powerful reminder my friend.

    Happy Easter!

  11. John take care of yourself first. The guest writers have done well in the meantime. Happy Easter to you and your family. Get well soon.

    Thanks for the update.

  12. Christos Anesti! Hang in there! We’ll still be here. I’ll be here, anyway.

    Actually, most of your guest columnists have done an awesome job.

    You, Betty, the Boys and the Fiancées have my prayers, daily. I keep a literal list. You are all on it.

  14. John, you’re an inspiration. To be loved by people you’ve never and may never meet is rare and speaks volumes about the effect you have and continue to have on us all. Keep the faith and the fight in you. God bless you and your family.

  15. Roasting lamb on a spit is always fun especially when you’ve been involved, but we both know braised lamb shanks giouvetsi with tomato and mizithra cheese is the ultimate culinary masterpiece. A blessed Easter celebration to you, Betty and the kids.

  16. John,
    Please get better. Obey the doctors and the nurses. Especially the nurses, for they know what’s going on better than anyone. Can’t wait to read the column after the first son gets married! Then the second one. Then grandkids! Our lives mirror each other. Btw, the guest columnists are doing fine, just fine.

    1. John…..you have been missed, but the guest columns have been well written and fun to read. May God continue to bless you and your family so WE can enjoy more of your great work.

  17. Hey John:great to see you here again. I read your Hillsdale speech.Thank you.
    Hope you can tell us or write about the whole visit.

    Maybe I missed it.

    Happy Easter

  20. John, I believe your devoted followers are4 a kind and patient lot and have the patience to to endure guest writers until you recover. Please do not push it and take the time to fully recover, we are not going anywhere. Just do not hire Neil Steinberg to write a column!.

    1. Lest I forget, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

  21. I’ve read your column since it first began running over 30 years ago. You’ve always been a fighter, it’s how you got to page 3. Keep fighting. The guest columns have been up and down, but there have been some really good ones too. I’d say keep it locally, but that’s just me. I saw Turn Chicago Red on YouTube, a black constituent lit up Brandon Johnson during the public commentary of a City Council meeting. You should talk to some of those folks. More Hickey, Houli and Jimmy B too!

    Keep fighting

  23. Thanks for your very inspirational column and the other insightful ones. I’m also facing medical challenges and can readily relate. Your guest columnists are excellent because of your approval. My prayers are with you. 🙏🙏🙏
    God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Proud to be a subscriber ‼️

  24. This bench thanks you. In at least one case, hopes to work through the non-treadmill challenges half as well as you’re working. Having so many friends and family who are very worthy and very un-woke is a blessing, believe me, one you deserve. And two a week is fine. Heck, one occasionally is fine.

  25. Χριστός Ανέστη, John. You just focus on your health and let all your wonderful guest writers and all your loyal subscribers do the rest.
    May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family.

  27. John, fight the good fight! As for your guest writers, variety is the spice of life! Always looking forward to the next column and podcast.
    Thank you

  28. I was thrilled to see your by line…God be Praised you are doing so well.
    I have been concerned about your absence…prayers (by many) have been answered.

  29. Happy Easter. It may not feel like it lately or everyday but you are blessed Mr. Kass. It’s not too shocking that your son’s made good choices. They come from good stock. Peace and keep fighting!
    Your fans can wait ,that’s the least we can do.

  32. John:
    May May God bless you, and guide you, and heal you, and also your wife, your family, and your doctors through this journey. Your courage and determination inspire us.
    There is a saying: “When one door closes, another door opens. Other than that, it’s a pretty good car!”

  37. Thanks to the poor judgment of those at the Chicago Tribune, I, very early-on, latched on to John Kass News. (don’t even remember how I found it) In addition to the articles by JK, I have been introduced to a group of talented, creative buddies who can “put a pen to the page” with the best of them. For a very nominal fee, I feel I have a membership in an exclusive group that have one thing in mind: “fighting the never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American Way.” Who came up with that brilliant quotation? Wait !!!! I think it was Jimmy B. Thank you, too, sir.

  38. We are all pulling and praying you come thru this John.
    BTW I enjoy , for the most part, the guest columnists. I think those who wrote you complaining MISS YOUR WRITING, as do all of us.
    Take your time healing. Don’t rush it. We look forward to your return.

  39. Christos Anesti! John, as I have heard many times, getting older is not for the faint of heart. I appreciate your struggles with your health and wish you nothing less than a full recovery. Keep believing you are a valued member of our lives and may God protect you.

  40. May God Bless you John.
    You are one very determined guy. Just keep getting strong and return when you can.
    You are truly inspiring to me, and I’ll still be here (God Willing) reading and waiting.
    Happy Easter to you and your family.

    P.S. I will miss the annual lamb on the spit description because it is truly mouth watering.

  43. John ~ So thankful to read your column today. Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti ☦️. May God bless Betty for being by your side to help you through your health challenges. And to your sons. And all those around you. I’m happy to be signed up to your newsletter regardless of who is writing the columns, they are all excellent and a wonderful diversion from the ridiculous leftist lying gaslighting media everywhere else. Your old paper keeps trying to get me back on board with lowball subscription teases, I have zero interest and told them in many well-chosen words. Keep writing when you can, we are all here for you! Sending you warm wishes for continuing improvement, keep up the good work! O Theos Mazi Sou ~

  44. Wishing you good health. I have enjoyed the guest columns. Always something new. Don’t worry about the few naysayers who aren’t happy with the guests.

    He is Risen

  45. Yianni,
    Alithos O Kyrios! Vasta Kala! We’re not done with you either! Yes, we miss you, but your health is more important! (BTW, us south siders would refer to Christ Hostpital as death valley!) I know exactly how you feel as I approach my 80th year on earth, hearing aids provided by the VA, and more selective on what shoes I wear for steadying my gait! Seeing as I’m still here as well, I assume God isn’t done with me yet, and has some others that need my looking after for awhile, just like you – our spouses, kids and grand-kids, if we’re lucky! All of us on this journey with you are steadfastly in your corner, praying for your health, stamina, and above all, ability to keep us steeped in your words of wisdom. Theos na se filaxi! Xpistos Anesti!

  46. John,

    Christos Anesti! As my dear friend DB from the Chicago Police Chaplains Unit recently told me, Dan is risen. He too has like yourself been challenged health wise. John, you shall rise.

    Keep reaching. Nothing is out of our spiritual reach. Once we have grabbed on the rest will follow physically. Chistos Anesti, John, Christos Anesti!

  47. So glad to “hear” from you, John! Your attitude is great and your guest columnists are giving us good material! Christ is Risen Indeed! Best always to you, Betty, and the Boys always! You are being prayed for often from my home and in parting, let me steal a quote to tell how much you are cared for: “And remember, my sentimental friend, that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others” And you are loved by many!

  48. John, I’m so sorry there are subscribers who don’t show you the mercy our great God shows us! May your Easter Sunday be blessed with faith, love, family, love & great food. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, I pray for the divine healer to restore you to good health so you can continue your journey here on earth, towards to ultimate eternal life in God’s kingdom. God speed.

  49. We love you John, always have, always will! We enjoy the guest writers too! As they say in France, “Ne t’inquiète pas!” Always love to hear your perspective on everything. Life makes so much more sense after you explain it all. You got this!

  50. God bless you. Keep fighting, John. I am fighting again too – breast cancer for the third time so I get it – the frustration – and yes, I just want to sit in the grass and watch the world go by also, but I can’t do that right now and I know you’re not doing that. I appreciate the update you’ve given and hope you will have a wonderful time with your family today. The guest writers are also appreciated. I especially enjoyed that last article about the Columbus statue – very relatable!

  51. Immigrants?? Or a combination of rising demand from an aging population, high employee burnout, and, according to National Nurses United, intentional staffing choices by management that prioritize profits over hiring. Then there’s expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies and Medicaid changes, which are expected to significantly increase the uninsured population, with estimates suggesting over 10 to 14 million more people could lose coverage by 2034. But yea, immigrants..

    Be well, all the best. The world is a more interesting place with all of us in it.

    1. John Kass:

      Your blocked and banned reader, Tony Cesare, has again infected your column. He made a comment under his fake alias, “Riga- Tony,” on the April 10 column by Salvatore Comarda entitled ‘Illinois Democrats Lost Their Appetite for Columbus.’
      You blocked Tony Cesare earlier in 2024 due to his insults and lies. And you have stated that aliases are not allowed. It appears he altered his alias to sneak through.

      It gets worse…
      Tony Cesare is a confirmed identity thief. We exposed him a few years ago upon uncovering a claim in his Facebook profile that he is the “proprietor” of a bar in Mineral Point, Wisconsin called Tony’s Tap. This is a real place.
      Knowing that it is unlikely that losers like Tony Cesare had the skills to own and manage a bar we called Tony’s Tap. We spoke to a staff member. We spoke to the actual Tony. They have never heard of Tony Cesare. Never. He lied.
      Tony Cesare fabricated the entire tale.

      Shown in this link is a screenshot of Tony Cesare’s Facebook profile that exposes his alleged identity theft:
      https://www.gardendesignquickstartguide.com/2022/09/come-for-our-durp-burger.html
      It gets worse, a lot worse…
      After we revealed Tony Cesare’s identity theft attempt in your comment section, he denied it. He stated that we had falsely created these images. The images are real.

      Commercial identity theft like Tony Cesare’s could be devastating to the real Tony of Tony’s Tap. It could potentially destroy his business.

      It gets worse.
      Tony Cesare trolled my dying daughter’s GoFundMe page. We lose her shortly thereafter.

      Please block Tony Cesare, a.k.a “Riga- Tony” again. Nobody here wants his slime to ooze from your excellent columns. The bottom line is that if Tony Cesare remains, I go.

      You and I, and other readers, are in danger of having our identities stolen by Tony Cesare.

      Best regards,
      David Pearling, a paid subscriber

      1. John, we were so very sorry to read about your recent stroke. We need your voice of freedom and truth in these crazy times. Be assured that we will be praying for your recovery. Congratulations on your son’s engagements – something to look forward to. Family is everything! God bless you and your soon to be larger family.

  52. John, so sorry to hear of your latest challange. God has a plan for you and I expect it will be to continue to bring joy to your family and to enlighten your readers – along with giving the Dems what they deserve, a bright light on their actions and motivations.

    Further, it is so sad that some people would be so hateful to say they “didn’t sign up to read guest writers”. My guess is they are Dems that want to keep an eye on the spears and arrows you send their way: with deadly accuracy. Your guest writing team is doing a yomans job to bring us their thoughts and stories. In my opinion you are the best writer of your generation and VDH is the guy I most like to hear speak on whatever subject he discusses.

    I’d give my left arm to have a night of good food and drink in both your company. We can pass on the cigars and adult beverages – I fear those are pleasures of the past for us.

    God bless you , keep up the good fight.

  53. Thanks for sharing John.
    Carol King’s song “You’ve Got A Friend” says it all. Maybe Betty can read you the lyrics.
    All of us are your friends and may not be able to put our thoughts into the contexts that your wonderful designated hitters have done, but our prayers are always with you.

  54. First thank you tor sharing. Your strength and willingness to fight is a great message. Never give up. God bless Betty for her strength and care for you. I’ve been the wife of having to care for a sick husband. It’s not always easy.
    As far as those crying about not getting your columns, well I guess people just like to bitch. Shame on them. I’ve always enjoyed the guest columns. Thanks to them for stepping in for you.
    Please continue to care for yourself.
    I know I don’t speak just for myself but we’ve all been praying for you.
    Happy Easter!

  56. John, so glad to read your column this morning. I wish you, Betty, the boys and their ladies a happy and glorious Easter. You are much loved and highly appreciated for your gift. As for canes, I can certainly relate, as I have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The cane is my constant companion when I am navigating the parking lot at Publix. Stay strong, take your time to get back. Your guest columnists are doing a splendid job. We just have to put one foot in front of the other every day!

  57. John,
    The Serbs may not be as tough as the Greeks, but we fought the Turks too.

    “But I won’t sigh and lay down and quit. I can’t. I won’t.”
    Your attitude is both courageous and spiritual. It’s in your DNA. With that great outlook and with your friends and family around, you will improve a little everyday.

    May God bless you, Betty, and your family.

    Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital was my Shirley Ryan Ability Lab when I also had a stroke in February several years ago. Keep up the fight and know that all of your readers are in your corner.

    Hristos Vaskrese!
    Steve Sarovich

  58. John,
    I’ve read today’s column and listened to the podcast that you provided a link for and I can honestly say you sound good and your writing is good as well. Thanks for the tremendous effort to recover & continue sharing your thoughts with us. I hope you continue to regain your health and Happy Easter.

  59. Greetings John, all the best for better health right now. Most of the guest writers do a fine job, however, I think Jim Banakis is trying to mow your lawn. He’s great! As far as the subscribers who don’t understand the situation, I would be more than happy to tell them to go crap in their hat! Hang in there John, and remember, Kass Nation has your back. God bless you, Betty and the boys.

  60. Hello and Happy Orthodox Easter to all from Florida,
    I am the contrary Democrat here who wants John to regain relative health,best he can,and be with us a long time to come. After all,he has the Obama Library opening in June to consider not going to and at the end of this month,the White House Correspondents Dinner at which a cranky President will attend and a mentalist will entertain. If he can get Gov.Pritzker to lose twenty pounds overnight that would impress me. We need the monthly golden moutzah award back. We need John to bitch about liberal media,Obama,the Mayor,the McCaskeys who may move Da Bears to Hammond,Indiana,John’s new State,and hopefully not to be paying 5.00 plus per gas gallon by Memorial Day. In the spirit of this holiday,Peace would be nice,too but to get it Putin needs to die and the Iran Revolutionary Guard needs to vanish via bribes or Israeli intelligence snipers. Slava Ukraine as a bonus and no matter how much we disagree on the rot in DC or Hyde Park or Da White Sox,get better John Kass! Big Hug!

  61. Wow! I’m very sorry to hear about your stroke. Sounds like you have a great group of people around you. Just do what is necessary to get well. I’m adding you to my prayer list.

  62. Happy Easter, John, and so glad that you could post again. I hope you have a speedy and full recovery.

    I’ve always enjoyed your guest columnists. They did not have to post political comment to keep me interested, and so many of them educated me on things I had never given thought to. You are so blessed to have so many friends to help you.

    I admire your perseverance; you are a great example to me to keep fighting no matter what comes.

    God bless you and your family.

  64. So, sorry to hear about your recent stroke, John. But after reading your article, you have such strength of mind and strength from friends and family to overcome it. Overcome it, good sir!

  65. You have surely made some inspiration this morning as demonstrated by the positive comments from Mr. Maitano and Rudd! Its great to see some empathy from these notorious curmudgeons. It just goes to show that we all struggle against the same obstacles. Father time always wins and will steal your memories eventually. The curse of being cognizant. Everyone on this forum is pulling for you. Ironic that you still ended up in the hospital near where you grew up. Started there, nearly ended there. Keep fighting the good fight. Your bench team is still doing a great job. Thanks for the update John. Best wishes for you and your family.

  66. Good Morning John from the Springs,
    I do not think all of your maladies are self induced. Lets face it, you have brought so much light to the schemes and lies of the entrenched politicians of Chicago, Cook County and Illinois. that those scum bags, Pritzker, Preckwinkle and Mayor Panic Attacks, have colluded to bring you much pain. In each of their offices, they have full size John Kass voodoo dolls and with each revelation from you, they stick sabres into the dolls to cause you much discomfort.

    Unfortunately, we are now stuck with Preckwinkle for four more years. But there is a slim chance, we can expunge Fat Boy Pritzker this November. It will take a miracle, so I encourage all of your readers to created their own voodoo dolls of Fat Boy and start sticking Republican ballots in his immense body.

    Panic Attacks will have to wait for the next election, but there is hope. Start the voodoo doll attack now. Drive him up a wall and induce doubt and pain in his hollow brain.

    The three of them must be your candidates each month for the rest of the year for your Moutza award.

    God be with you JK.

  67. John! John…! I’m saddened that you are TEMPORARILY knocked down by this stroke. You can and will overcome this infirmity. Not only for yourself but for your loyal loving readers who savor your writing! I’m sure the nurses and doctors will want you to recover quickly…they don’t want to put up with you any longer than they have to. LOL. Seriously, keep fighting the fight!

  68. Mr Kass- i’ve never considered myself an “expert” on anything, but after 36 years as a Cop and 20 years in the military, I have learned a lot about people.

    Men like you never ever give up -you keep fighting. You take the challenges as they come, but you never ever give up and you won’t.

    It was great to read your column today and I look forward to reading many more of the future and yes, I do like your guest writers.

  69. Χριστος Ανεστη Χρονια πολλα υγεια και αγαπη σε ολη την οικογενεια🐣

    John,
    How lucky you are to have so many good friends wishing you well.

    Perastika!!!

  70. Happy Easter John,

    Prayers for you during these challenging times. You have more to do for society, God has a plan for you to continue to serve. Your readers are with you in this journey.

  72. Happy Easter, John! Your guest writers are all wonderful and are keeping the keyboard warm for your return. Enjoy the day with your beautiful family!

  73. I hope you know that YOU are more important than the column. I enjoy hearing from your friends who fill in for you. You take care of yourself, John. We’ll be here whenever you feel strong enough to write again. Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter! Let’s celebrate our risen Savior!! Peace.

  74. John, Happy Easter, Christos Anesti! It was wonderful to see your byline this morning and to have you share about your challenges and the blessing of your supportive family and medical team with us. Your perserverance is inspiring, as is their care for you! Please take time to recover and don’t feel pressured, the guest columnists are doing well and and a pleasure to read and your “loyal readers”are happy to wait for you to progress in your recovery! Have a blessed celebration with the family! Praying for your continued progress in recovery and for your family!

  75. Χριστοs Ανεστι. Ιαννι.
    Who is the Jim we need to follow for cooking?
    Prayers for your full recovery.
    Sighing is good.
    It’s the Holy Spirit within you, speaking to you.
    I’m so glad I found your column years ago.
    Blessings, πεδι μοu.
    Angeliki in Los Gatos, CA

  76. Hi John….keep on working…the alternative sucks….just like the people who believe you are on vacation and aren’t getting their money’s worth for the columns written by others.

  78. Hi John. I wish you only the best. Personably I would choose NOT to be so open about my health challenges. In my experience revealing personal health info to folks other than your closest family is rarely a good idea. But since you have chosen to do so, I do have a question. Since the vast majority of strokes are caused by blood clots, the initial appropriate triage and treatment is to be taken to a hospital that has a “stroke team” and have the clot removed (after appropriate diagnosis). You got about an hour to do this. Shirley Ryan is not a stroke interventional hospital. It is a Rehab hospital. Christ is ginormous and I would assume they had a “stroke team” but I don’t really know. Anyway, from a medical point of view, your story is really quite confusing since what you describe – initially warehousing and wasting away in the halls of a major suburban hospital – is not the stroke standard of care.

      1. Thanks my friend. The care John received – as he described – really does concern me. It recalls the stroke care – or lack of care – from 30 years ago and not (absent further details) the present standard of interventional care. Hard to believe that such care – or lack of care – was rendered in a major city like Chicago. Of course during my recent visit to LA seeing my daughter’s family, her neighbor suffered what turned out to be a heart attack. He was a man in his 60s, overweight, complaining of nausea and severe burning upper abdominal pain. No chest pain or cheat discomfort. I told him I thought he might have some “indigestion problem” but given his age we have to make sure he is not suffering a heart attack. So we called 911. The paramedics came, and disagreed with my diagnosis and told him he should consider driving himself to the hospital (I kid you not). I told him this is a really bad idea. So the paramedics agreed to take him to the hospital but not as an “emergency run”. The ER triage nurse assumed “indigestion” and he was sitting in the ER for over 12 hours. When they finally took an EKG it was clear he suffered a massive heart attack. But it was too late for an emergency intervention and he subsequently had coronary bypass surgery a few day slater. Get this. This all occurred in the nation’s second largest city. And the hospital he was taken to was none other than Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, rated one of the best tertiary care hospitals in the US. Scary stuff.

  79. John,
    I’m so very pleased to learn that you are still with us. I was beginning to have my doubts. SRAL has been a godsend to me since my first, and so far only, stroke in 2018. Your experience at Christ will soon be universal for all of us. It is the inevitable result of our great shift to the Left where we need no God, much less a Christ. You and your family are in my prayers. Keep on keeping on!
    Bob

  80. John, I can certainly relate to your current predicament, having been taken down by a heart issue last August (ventricular tachycardia), falling face-first on the sidewalk, followed by 5 days in a north suburban hospital (not one from hell!). But I have made a recovery, thank the good Lord, and I have a feeling that you will, too. As a one-time fellow dissident conservative journalist, who has also been a longtime supporter of Hillsdale College, I could not have been more proud of the talk you gave there; I will frame it! I just wish you’d had a happier homecoming. Prayers for you, Betty and the rest of the family–and thanks to all of your guest writers. (P.S. I had a feeling you’d get back in time to give us a lamb recipe for Easter–if not beer can chicken!)

  82. John:
    Happy Orthodox Easter to you, Betty and your sons. You are one of the most tenacious individuals I have ever met as you never give up the fight. Whether it is writing your column or hosting the podcast with Jeff, you continue to give your subscribers everything you have to give. Your health “issues” over the past few years seemed insurmountable — but you keep coming back. The guest columnists have done a great job during your absences, but we all know you will be back with a vengeance. Keep punching. As I told you and Betty last June at the Sicilian Block Party, the best part of your lives is yet to come and that is when you become grandparents. My definition of becoming a grandparent is “Pure Joy – With No Responsibility.” Looking forward to your return. God bless you and your family.

  83. A Blessed and Happy Easter John and your family!

    I miss your columns, but the guest writers are both interesting and informative. It’s a pleasure to remain a fan and will continue as long as it takes for your return.

    God bless you and your family especially on this Holy Day.

    1. Dear John,
      Thank-you for the update on your health. 3 strokes is 3 too many. Thank God for your wife and those who cared for you; first responders. I grew up on the south side and I am saddened about Christ Hospital’s lack of immediate care. Usually heart attacks and strokes are first in line for care. One of the problems in all our emergency rooms are those who go there for non-emergency issues.
      I personally enjoy all your guest writers. What great friends you have!! When you stated you had some complaints about guest writers, it gave me a chuckle because I could guess who complained.
      Happy Easter, joy to your family, and praying for your improved health and strength. God Bless.

  84. I have never seen so many comments. Thank you for telling all of us what your health problem is about. We are all so worried about you. All of our prayers and your own faith will hopefully get you back on your feet again. God bless you and Happy and Blessed Easter wishes to you and your family!!!

    Matt Marciniec

  85. Happy Easter John, Betty and family. Very welcome to open my email and see your byline. Continued prayers for recovery John. I’m a stroke survivor myself. I do have to take exception to your criticism of Christ Hospital though. They took excellent care of my 10 month old grandson when he had RSV. He was in PICU for 4 days. I imagine ER is a different situation than Peds ICU though. God bless John.

  86. Excellent column John . The Kass News writers form an all-star lineup. Your team is outstanding, reporting the news from a diversity of ethnic, professional and religious backgrounds that legacy media will never provide. Anyone who relies on woke corporations for current affairs is wearing a lampshade on their head.
    Chicago Fire FC is looking good this season, in second place in the Eastern Conference with 13 points. I hope you’re able to report from Soldier Field soon.
    If White Sox stay on track for a modern stadium, they’ll join with the Fire in bringing a new generation of sports fans to the South Side.

  88. John: My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. I am sure with your good wife and sons helping you cope with this crisis, it will be a successful journey.

  89. A blessed and happy Easter to you and your family. John. Thank you for hanging with your loyal subscribers, as we will continue to hang with you — and thanks to your guest writers for keeping the light of common sense burning. Team Kass is strong! God bless your continued recovery.

  91. Well, shoot…. (and I mean “shoot” with an “I,” not two O’s)

    The Lord bless you and keep you.
    The Lord make His face to shine on you, and be gracious unto you.
    The Lord look upon you with favor, and give you peace.

    Keep working. We’ll keep up the prayer support, you keep up the therapy.

  92. John, our prayers are with you. We are so sorry that you have had to suffer again. We will never forget the afternoon we met you at College of Du Page about 6-7 years ago. You made my late mother’s day as you bent down to kiss her in her wheelchair and gave her a kiss. We still have that picture of you on the refrigerator!

    You have to get better so you can be roasting your Easter lamb with your sons on the driveway next year. I have told all my friends about your tradition and they were hoping to see a picture of you in a column this year. I know I was.

    Hang in there, work hard. Those angels at Shirley Ryan will have you home soon! And we enjoy your guest columnists! Ignore all negativity!

  95. John, first and foremost, please take care of yourself!!!! Prayers for you and your entire family moving forward. Don’t worry about your subscribers, we want you to enjoy your family and your life, your columns are the icing on the cake for us!!!!

Leave a Reply