Danville Councilman hospitalized with bacterial meningitis- died

[Shiloh]

Posted as a reminder that meningitis at first can look like flu.

Source: http://www.danvilleweekly.com/news/show_story.php?id=1939

Uploaded: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 3:23 PM
Updated: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 4:22 PM

Councilman hospitalized with meningitis
Mike Shimansky still in intensive care after nine days

by Geoff Gillette

Long time Danville Town Council member Mike Shimansky is listed in serious condition in a San Diego hospital, where he is being treated for bacterial meningitis.

Shimansky, 65, was in San Diego on Aug. 17 visiting with his son, daughter and grandchildren when he exhibited flu-like symptoms. He was hospitalized later that day and has since been in the ICU in a drug-induced coma since his admission.

Doctors are treating the meningitis as well as secondary conditions that have been brought about by the bacterial infection. One of the secondary conditions caused Shimansky to undergo surgery last Friday for the amputation of his feet to just below the knee.

According to a statement issued by the Town of Danville, Shimansky's condition has stabilized, but he has yet to regain consciousness.

Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, is caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial Meningitis is considered to be the more severe version of the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms include high fever, headache and vomiting.

A member of the Town Council for 20 years, Shimansky has been mayor three times. He resides in town with his wife Sue and daughter Cyndi.

Fellow council member Karen Stepper said she is hopeful that Shimansky will be able to make a good recovery from the illness. She said that the pair has a long history together, even before they were on the council.

"We go back a long way. Mike and my husband coached his daughter Cyndi and my daughter Shannon in soccer back when they were 7 years old," she recalled. She added, "Our prayers are with them. We're hoping as he wakes up he gets stronger."

Another colleague, Councilwoman Candace Andersen, said she holds out high hopes for Shimansky's recovery.

"Mike is someone who is so strong in spirit and energy that we hope he'll make a very strong recovery," she said.

Town officials have asked that well wishers direct any e-mails to shimansky@msn.com. Get well cards may be sent to Mike in care of the Town Offices, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville, CA 94526. Cards will be forwarded on to the Shimansky family.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Danville Councilman hospitalized with bacterial meningitis- died

Source: http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_13343534?source=most_emailed

Councilman Mike Shimansky of Danville dies
Sophia Kazmi
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 09/15/2009 04:58:12 PM PDT
Updated: 09/15/2009 11:00:46 PM PDT


DANVILLE ? Long time Danville Town Councilman Mike Shimansky died today in San Diego County.

Shimansky, 65, was being treated for bacterial meningitis, which he came down with in August while visiting family in San Diego County.

He was the longest serving member of the Danville council, with 20 years as a member. He was first elected in 1989 and then again in 1993, 1997, 2002 and 2006. He served as mayor in 1993, 2003 and 2007.

"It is a sad day," said Joe Calabrigo, Danville Town Manager. "It is a terrible loss for his family and it is a big loss to the town."

Calabrigo worked with Shimansky for 20 years and described him as someone who loved to be out talking with the people he represented.

"He was not an e-mail and cell phone kind of guy," Calabrigo said. "He enjoyed the face-to-face interaction. He was always approachable and ready to act on behalf of folks in the community if it was appropriate to do that."

Shimansky, who had been in a coma, had taken a turn for the worse, said councilwoman and friend Karen Stepper. His wife sent a message on Saturday saying he was losing the battle.

"We knew there wasn't going to be any relief," she said. "He's got peace now. It's peace for him and grief for the community."

Aside from his role as an elected official, Shimansky was involved in many community organizations. He was a longtime Red Cross volunteer and traveled with the organization to help
victims of Hurricane Katrina. He served with the San Ramon Valley Historical Society, the Diablo/ Silverado Boy Scout Executive Committee, the All Wars Memorial board and the Loaves and Fishes Food Kitchen.

Calabrigo reminisced about a love of sports that he and Shimansky shared. When Shimansky wasn't busy with town or other community work he was often officiating either at soccer, lacrosse or track and field events, Calabrigo said.

"He will be missed not only as a politician, but also as a friend," said San Ramon Mayor H. Abram Wilson. The two became close after both served as mayors for their respective cities.

Wilson said Shimansky embodied the spirit of working together and creating a friendly rivalry between the neighbors.

"Mike was a unique individual who cared about his family and cared about his community ? it was quite obvious with his activities with the Red Cross, playing Santa Claus in front of Safeway and working for those he served," Wilson said.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sue Shimansky; his son Greg and daughters Lori and

Cyndi, his daughter-in-law Shannon and son-in-law Mark, and grandchildren Morgan, Luke, Paige, Payton and Michael.

Memorial arrangements are pending, when arrangements are complete details will be posted on the town of Danville Web site at www.ci.danville.ca.us.

According to the Web site, condolences to the Shimansky family may be directed to the Danville town offices, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville, CA 94526, and they will be forwarded to his wife.

Staff writers Robert Jordan, Jeanine Benca and Eric Louie contributed to this story.Reach Sophia Kazmi at 925-847-2122.