I keep in touch with Bills sister Betty. She informs me the social worker was putting pressure on her to remove Bill from the Hospital to a Nursing home and telling her he has two months to live. I could not understand why he had to be moved if he had such a short time left why not let him stay in the VA hospital . It appears the Medicare funds have have stopped. I could not advise her regarding VA procedures so I contacted Jerry Merna because I know he has some contacts with the military and he has helped me big time in the past. Jerry is very professional with matter of this nature . My wife and I went to see Bill last Wednesday he was out of ICU after close to 6 months in there and was moved down to 7 th floor room # 5 he was happy to see us he can no longer talk he communicates by writing on a pad. While we were there he had an anxiety attack and I has to get the doctor for him. I waited a while until the doctors were finished we conversed by pad a while , As we were leaving he motion to me like he wanted to say something . or whisper in my ear I bent down to get close to him and he kisses me on the cheek he also did it to my wife as we left we both had tears in our eyes When we made it to our vehicle before we drove off we said to each other Bill was saying good bye. In the fours years of his illness I never saw him look so bad. All we can do now is pray for him. That why I got Jerry involved.

God Bless,
John A

Hi Everyone,

Want to wish all my friends and family a Happy Healthy New year.

Yesterday I went to the VA Hosp to visit that Gallant Warrior William (Bill) Doherty He still on life support and still in ICU but he was very alert he can't talk anymore but he can make sounds with what is left of his vocal cords.

When I entered his room a nurse was present and asked me if I was family I told her Bill and I went to high school together and Bills class had celebrated their 50 th class reunion on June 18 05. I was talking to Bill telling him his sister Betty told me he received many Christmas cards . The nurse said he did receive many cards and another staff member approached his bed and delivered to him 6 more Christmas cards

The nurse was very nice she lives in Rockland County and wished both of us a Happy New Year. Bill is not allowed eye glasses in his room I let him know who the cards were from Pat (Coates) Deibel, James Rogan, George Diaz, Charles Griswold, George O'Hara and John J. Antonacci.

I was surprised to see my card there and I looked at the post mark it was Dec. 12 I knew I mailed my cards early .I read each card to Bill you had to see his face the smile and joy and he remembered all of you .He wants to Thank all who sent him cards . It was a nice visit. Thank you all.

God Bless,
John A.

To all my friends & family.

A very dear friend and high school classmate and House's Kid who graduated from Tappan Zee H.S. 1955 is gravely ill in the VA hosp. in the Bronx .

This gallant warrior name is William (Bill) Doherty . I would ask all of you to please send him a Christmas card this holiday season . He has been battling cancer going on 4 years is has been confined to ICU for over 20 weeks .

Please remember him in our prayers and please send him a card. God Bless all of you have a BLESSED Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year. William (Bill) Doherty VA Hosp. ICU 8B 130 W. Kings Bridge Rd. Bronx N.Y. 10468

Thank You,
John A.

Update on Bill Doherty: He's back in ICU on life support. He is in room 16. I spoke to his sister Betty. She had his son flown in from Ca. and they are going to visit Bill this Sunday.

God Bless,
John A.

Went to the V.A. Hospital Wednesday for annual check-up. While there I looked in on Bill. He is still in IUC, 8th fl. He was glad to see a former "Houses Kid". He is a Real Fighter. He shook hands with me, we talked awhile about St. Agnes, mentioned a few names he would remember. He smiled and we had a nice visit. He needs all the prayers we can generate.

When I left he said "god bless the Houses Kids". He's in tough shape. The VA is giving him excellent care. Thought you might like to know.

Billy Iffert