Dear St. John’s Community, Please see the statement from the Hawkins family below. We all wish Russell a speedy recovery. Dominus Pastor. Russell Hawkins Family Statement Our beloved Russ has experienced a spinal cord stroke caused by damage to the anterior spinal artery, a kind of blood clot in the spinal cord. Doctors believe the cause could be one of two things: either a result of a tackle during the Zimbabwe Rugby trials, or an autoimmune viral vascular condition known as Transverse Myelitis. It’s not a clear-cut case; the doctors have told us it’s a complex situation. Russ is currently on high-dose steroids, a powerful anti-inflammatory, being used to reduce the swelling in the middle of his spine caused by the clot. As difficult as it is to say, Russ is temporarily paralysed from the waist down. From the waist up, he is still very much himself. His heart, sense of humour, and larger-than-life personality shine stronger than ever. The road ahead is uncertain; we are taking it one day at a time. He will be in the hospital for an unknown period so that doctors can monitor his bloodwork and nerve activity. The long-term prognosis is positive, but we have been told it will be a long journey. Thankfully, Russ has an incredible family, a vast network of friends, and an army of support behind him. Together, we are determined to help him get back on his feet, to live, laugh, and love life again. Sometimes, life throws us these challenges. We don’t always understand why, but we trust God’s plan. We pray for strength, wisdom, courage, and, most of all, for Russell’s full recovery in God’s perfect time. We are deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support from all corners. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for Russ and the Hawkins family. With love and gratitude, Alex, Bren, Hailey, Nicolle, and Russell