To the friends of Gerry Briggs... please read September 2007 Monday, August 27th 5:30p.m. Dear friends of Gerry Briggs,     I just got off the phone with Gerry who, as many of you know, suffered a heart attack Saturday night.  He sounded tired, but optimistic.  He says he realizes this is a wake up call, and promises to take better care of himself in the future!!!  At this point, they have put in two stints, and they are watching his heart and blood pressure closely in ICU to determine the next step - coronary cauterization or cardiac bypass surgery.  He thinks after tests tomorrow morning he will know more.  (Update Tuesday Morning;  Gerry had another stint put in late last night.  His sister, Lynn requests that you call her for updates (781) 258-8658.  Please do not call Gerry on his cell right now.)  Gerry is in a bad situation.  He has no health insurance.  Our friend who has been untiringly helping us for decades now needs our help.  The guy who never says "no" , is always there in a pinch, always has a smile and a kind word, never stops working until the job is done, and never complains needs our help. The American Hunter Jumper Foundation's Emergency relief fund is set up for situations like Gerry.  They are willing to help Gerry, and other equestrian professionals in desperate times. We all need to pitch in and send donations to this fund today.  Gerry needs financial asssistance.  You all know he would never ask, and he would never expect help, but the bottom line is he now needs medical attention that he can't afford. As soon as you finish this email, before you get back on your phone, or ride your next horse, or start your next meeting, PLEASE send the AHJF a check earmarked for the Emergency Relief Fund.  The contributions will help Gerry pay his medical bills, and help him to get the care he needs.  It  will also be there to help other professionals in need. Send your checks payable to: AHJF EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND: American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. PO box 369 West Boylston, Ma. 01583 Please!  We owe it to Gerry, who has shown us so much love and compassion over the years. I am sending mine now... Please forward this email to all of your horse friends. Thank you all so much