Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

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Richard Kaufman
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Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 2nd, 2009, 11:49 am

Updating my earlier post:

From a reliable source in Paris, I've just heard that Ali Bongo, 79 and President of The Magic Circle, was in Paris last week performing at a small convention and somehow hit his head. He was taken to the hospital (still in Paris) for observation and this morning suffered some sort of cerebral hemorrhage or stroke and is in serious condition.

His heart is weak, so they are concerned about operating--not sure exactly what the medical prognosis is at the moment.

Ali is conscious, sitting up in bed.

Ali is a great guy and I was saddened to hear this. Hope for the best.
Last edited by Richard Kaufman on February 2nd, 2009, 12:10 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason: Updated with new information
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby naquada » February 2nd, 2009, 12:34 pm

we've been reading the news on the magic circle list about Ali..

our prayers are with him, and I hope he knows just now much we all cherish him, and admire him, I hope he takes enough strength from that to pull through and come back to us soon..
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby John McDonald » February 2nd, 2009, 3:09 pm

Please get better soon Ali - thoughts and prayers are with you Ali - Get well soon.
Best John

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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Tim Ellis » February 2nd, 2009, 3:57 pm

I just spoke to Boris Wild who, along with several other French magicians, has been looking after Ali and visiting him in hospital.

Accortding to Boris, Ali was waiting alone backstage to go on and fainted. When Boris went back to see him he was already back up but his heart was beating very irregularly.

His condition is serious, but Ali is Ali and in very good spirits (showing his visitors his latest trick ideas). The doctors need to do some work on his heart first, then they can work on the cerebral hemorrhage.

Ali has friends all over the world praying for him and hoping that he'll get through this one.

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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 2nd, 2009, 8:03 pm

It seems to have been determined that Ali has had a stroke, and his right side is paralyzed and he's having some trouble speaking. However, the first few days immediately afterward are always vital for a stroke victim in recovery, and he seems to be doing well. He is awake and communicating.

I'll update further as news becomes available.
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby hugmagic » February 2nd, 2009, 10:14 pm

Prayers are with you Ali.

Oddly enough I just picked up a copy of the Ali Bongo Book of Magic this week. I was paging through it today.

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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Anthony Owen » February 3rd, 2009, 2:15 am

I'm just one of the, probably, tens of thousands of magicians who owe Ali Bongo a huge debt of gratitude. The magic community here in London are all thinking of him.
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Matthew Field » February 3rd, 2009, 12:58 pm

Ali called me from the hospital last Wednesday, prior to his stroke and his spirits were great. I've spoken to Boris Wild, who has now left for a South American tour.

Ali is doing well (relatively) and has been taken off the critical list. They have sorted out his health insurance and are working to get him back to England.

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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby John McDonald » February 3rd, 2009, 1:39 pm

Ali's illness seems very serious. I hope all of us in the magic world can pull out all the stops for him.
Is there anything we can do? Feel helpless.
Best John

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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Donal Chayce » February 3rd, 2009, 2:23 pm

Ah, this is sad news.

I had the pleasure of being seated next to Ali at last year's IBM/SAM convention banquet (I was the only Yank at a table full of Brits--at least I was wearing Highland Dress.) Ali was a sparkling dinner companion, and I had a wonderful conversation with him. He even performed a new packet trick for me.

One of the past presidents of the Magic Circle, whose name I forget, was also at our table, and he correctly predicted that Ali would be the next elected president. For the sake of the MC (and the rest of us), I hope that Ali pulls through.
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby mai-ling » February 4th, 2009, 12:45 am

with his history of heart disease,
it is not too much of a shock
that he had a stroke.

i wish no one a stroke.

i told my p's about this earlier, and
the first thing my dad said at the dinner
table was..."he dropped his pants when
we worked in south america."
you will remember my name
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby StreetOfCards » February 4th, 2009, 12:32 pm

SOC-TV Street of Cards is a huge Ali Bongo fan. We love him and we are all pulling for a quick recovery. He is a unique character that is loved by the magic community world wide.

We had a chance to interview Ali during the 2008 IBM/SAM convention in Louisville this past July. He as you will see is full of life and energy. Below are the links to the exclusive moments caught with Mr. Bongo.

The Bongo Sausage Trick Great magic from a great Magician
http://streetofcards.tv/view/173/ali-bo ... age-trick/

Ali Bongo Exclusive Interview Candid Ali at 3oclock in the morning!
http://streetofcards.tv/view/174/ali-bongo-interview/

If anyone is monitoring this board and is communicating with Ali, please send him our love from the Street!
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Pete Biro » February 4th, 2009, 2:53 pm

Having worked with Ali many many times, he's a real trouper and a dear friend. I know he'll work through this. Having suffered a stroke a year ago myself I know what's he's going through, and I know with the proper med's he'll be able to get back with it.
Stay tooned.

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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Doug Thornton » February 8th, 2009, 7:57 am

From Alan Watson's "Magic New Zealand" ezine:

--------------------------------
Message by Jack Delvin
Vice President and PRO of The Magic Circle

"You will no doubt be aware that as the result of a stroke Ali
Bongo, President of The Magic Circle, is recovering in a hospital
in France. He is in a stable condition and if this is sustained
may be repatriated to a London hospital in a few days.

I will keep you informed of his progress."

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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Donal Chayce » February 8th, 2009, 6:40 pm

Thanks for passing along that update, Doug.
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Doug Thornton » March 1st, 2009, 12:08 pm

From this week's "Magic New Zealand" ezine by Alan Watson:

"Update on Ali Bongo from Rob and Mandy Davis (UK) who have been
visiting Ali in hospital he had his first real meal yesterday.
Keep sending those cards. Ali has significantly improved over
the last few weeks and been having speech therapy. His IV which
was put in his "good" hand he pulled out so it was put in his
"bad" hand and he managed to pull it out with his legs so his
determination and will power very much in evidence!

Messages and cards can be sent to:
Ali Bongo - 6 Poynders Court, Poynders Road, London SW4 8NL,
England."
Smiles all around
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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Ali Bongo Hospitalized in Serious Condition in Paris

Postby Richard Kaufman » March 3rd, 2009, 1:13 pm

An update on Ali's condition just received from Magic Circle Vice President Jack Delvin:

I am hugely pleased and relieved to be able to report significant new progress in Ali's condition.

I have visited him recently and found his speech improving with considerable mobility on his right side at last. He is now more independent and spends some of his time sitting in an armchair looking at a spectacular view of the Thames. He seems to be much better in himself and is now ready for more visitors. However, please contact myself if you wish to see him, so that everyone does not descend on him at the same time.

Jack Delvin Vice President of the Magic Circle.
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