Over the last year or so he lost a couple toes, and had a wound that wouldn't heal and they had to take off part of his foot. He went into the ER the other day for an infection at the surgical site. It turned out, thankfully, to be a false alarm, apparently discoloration and peeling skin caused the concern.
As far as Pipesandcigars.com goes, love it or hate it, Russ O has stepped up to the plate, countless times, in a big way to help ease customer's concerns and offer any help he could. The man is a giant in the pipe community in my opinion, and one who deserves our thoughts and prayers.