Dear Colleagues, Former Colleagues, and Friends of Dennis Harris,

Dennis Harris sustained severe spinal cord injuries from a fall at his home in early July 2008. Following unsuccessful spinal cord surgery, he was air transported to Santa Clara Spinal Rehabilitation Center where he spent nearly four months. He is now back in Sonoma County.

While he is breathing on his own and costly acupuncture treatments have helped him gain some greater use of his shoulders and upper arms, he remains in a quadriplegic state. Bonnie, his wife of 40 years, is at his side daily. In spite of his travails, Dennis remains upbeat and cheerful.

However, they need our help. First and foremost, the medical bills that have already accrued have eaten up their retirement savings. Expenses such as those for the acupuncture treatments and transportation back to Sonoma County are not covered by any insurance. The Medicare deductibles that run in the hundreds of dollars every day he is hospitalized are only partly covered by his insurance. And, according to hospital officials, he is closing in on the major medical cap on his insurance.

Dennis worked at Sonoma State University from the 1960s until retiring several years ago. He taught in the History Department. Dennis served on the Sonoma County Historical Society Board of Directors for many years.

If you can see it in your hearts to assist Dennis and Bonnie in this time of great need, they and their family and friends will be exceedingly grateful.

Contributions payable to the Dennis Harris Trust Fund may be mailed to the Exchange Bank, Rohnert Park Office, 6290 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
If you are unable to contribute at this time, we know that Dennis would love to hear from you, please send a card or make a visit to Brighton Gardens, 300 Fountaingrove Pkwy, Room 272A, Santa Rosa 95403.

Dennis’ friends thank you.

Mary Praetzellis, Anthropological Studies Center, Sonoma State University
Adrian Praetzellis, Professor Anthropology, Sonoma State University
Bob Karlsrud, Dean Emeritus, Sonoma State University
Bill Poe, Professor History, Sonoma State University