'Fridge' Perry in serious condition at ARMC 4/22/2009 12:08 AM
By KENTON MAKIN Staff writer
Aiken's own William "Refrigerator" Perry, best known for his tenure as a defensive lineman for the NFL's Chicago Bears franchise, was recently hospitalized locally.
A spokesperson at Aiken Regional Medical Centers confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Perry is in serious condition.
One of Perry's family members mentioned Tuesday that the gentle giant's condition had improved in recent days. The Chicago Sun-Times' Kevin Allen reported Tuesday that Perry's nephew, Purnell, told the Sun-Times in a phone interview that his uncle entered Aiken Regional more than a week ago and is expected to make a full recovery.
WebMD's website gives a more detailed synopsis of the disorder, calling it a "rare nervous system disorder that results from nerve damage caused by the body's own defenses, usually in response to an infection or other illness. GBS causes muscle weakness, loss of reflexes and numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, face and other parts of the body."
Perry, an Aiken High School product, played college football at Clemson and was drafted in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the 22nd pick.
Perry endeared himself to fans during his 10-year NFL career - a stretch that included the Bears' win in Super Bowl XX.
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Comment Title: "FRIDGE" PERRY'S CONDITION
I AM PRAYING FOR YOUR RECOVERY. I WORKED WITH YOUR SISTER WITH THE CITY OF AIKEN. GREAT WOMAN! MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND STAY WITH YOU AND GIVE YOU BACK YOUR HEALTH AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY!!! KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND STAY STRONG!
Posted by: T&L On: 4/23/2009
Comment Title: Get Well William
This is to the entire Perry Family. Your friends in Kuwait City, Kuwait are praying for all of you. May God continue to bless and keep you all.
Posted by: Reynolds Pond Friend On: 4/23/2009
Comment Title: Fridge Perry
William , You can`t let that big bear smile down hang in there God`s on your side he will never let you down my prayers are with you and your family during this time.Thanks for all those good football games you and Michael Dean have giving us here in Aiken, S.C. Our home town.You have been a inspiration and role model for our children we sure have some wonderful memores of Aiken High School and Clemson all because of the Perry brothers.Do not get discouraged God is on your side.He walks and talks with us each hour we just need to stop and hear what he`s got to say.love and prays.
Posted by: Rita On: 4/23/2009
Comment Title: GBS
Hi Mr. Perry! I too had GBS exactly 3 years ago this month. I was completly paralyzed, on a ventilator and respirator. I had weeks of physicial therapy; inpatient and out. I was determined to leave the hospital walking. I did with the help of a walker. I made a full recovery and you will too! God is awesome; trust and believe. Do not get discouraged dispite what you hear from others. You will recover! Be Blessed! Rita
Posted by: On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title: "Fridge" A Hero to Many
Mr. Perry, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trial. You are in God's hands. I lived in Aiken all my life until 2002. I now live in Charleston, SC. I will never forget that wonderful warm smile and great big heart that you have. Thank you for just being you and all that you and Michael Dean have done for Aiken and our youth. You a special man and what an inspiration and role model you have been for our children. You are loved very much my eveyone in Aiken and throughout the nation. God bless you.
Posted by: On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title: Hang in there Fridge
Hang in there Fridge! You are a strong man with alot of courage and faith, and I feel that you can and will WIN this battle my friend. Praying for you!
Posted by: Claude Allen On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title:
Hang in there my friend. I and others have you in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Posted by: KC On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title: Still surviving GBS also!
As CSRA Showgirl hinted, I also was diagnosed with GBS in May and its been a long road for me as well! I'm getting around but still have cramps and easily fatigued. Coach Buck keeps me informed on your progress, my prayers are with you! Try Brewers Yeast and Primrose if you have cramps as well, it has helped me! Keep up the exercise!
Posted by: TSN On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title: Survivor of GBS
I had GBS years ago as I was coming out of high school and entering USC-Aiken. It was a scary time in my life but I made a full recovery, despite the gloom and doom prognosis by my doctor at the time as well as the reputation of GBS. His last resort was writing a “prescription” for a wheelchair. I could not feel, speak clearly, had no balance and couldn’t grasp anything with my hands, my body was “asleep” yet tingling when touched....but, with the grace of God and help of my family and friends, after months of therapy and determination, I recovered and went on be a professional dancer and cheerleader for many years... and I am still dancing (CSRA SHOWGIRLS) ...Talk about defying the odds!!! So keep your chin up Mr. Perry ... you will beat this!!! You are a strong person with a big heart; this too shall pass. And by the way, I work with a man who had a serious bout with GBS last summer. He too survived and is thriving with an active, healthy lifestyle. My best wishes and most sincere prayers go out to you during this health crisis, but you are in the right place for the right treatment. I will stay abreast of your health status and hope to see you out and about very soon. I’m thankful for the “post GBS” life I have lived and treasure every day of my good health! You will certainly be back on your feet shortly. Gell Well Soon!!!!
Posted by: Lisa M On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title: Of course!
Note about William: I truly remember William as a gentle giant! According to the article "Perry endeared himself to fans during his 10-year NFL career - a stretch that included the Bears' win in Super Bowl XX." Well of course.....I remember pulling out my little (now lost) piece of paper and (after AHS football practice) asking for an autograph "for when you become famous" I added. After William blushed, he signed! What an awesome memory! GET WELL!
Posted by: Kay On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title:
Gentle Giant "Frig", You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. You have done so much to help the youth. You are a good soul. Thanks to you and Michael Dean for all you've done to help our community. Thanks to both of you for always helping me when I needed a favor for my middle school students. When I saw you in Red Lobster, you were just as kind and considerate as always. Love you Brother!
Posted by: Stephanie On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title:
Get well soon!! My prayers are with you!
Posted by: paul s On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title:
my prayers are with you and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Posted by: bigbear On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you Big Guy!
Posted by: Doug On: 4/22/2009
Comment Title:
Get well soon old friend.
Posted by: Brian Salter On: 4/21/2009
Comment Title: GOD BLESS
If you have lived 40 plus years in Aiken, you know the extensive Perry family. Their contibution to our wonderful community is extensive. In God's hands Fridge, and I pray for your complete recovery. I have owed your bro' Michael Dean since 1995, no not money, so get well soon, help me out.
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