[TimorLesteStudies] Sharing sad news concerning Dr. James Scambary

Sara Niner saraniner at gmail.com
Tue Sep 15 15:01:25 AEST 2020


Dear Friends and Colleaguas

I am very sad to tell you all that James Scambary is very ill in hospital
and today the doctors said he is not expected to recover. He will remain in
hospital (the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre https://www.petermac.org/ in
Melbourne) and they are making him as comfortable as possible.



He has had Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (known as “pre-leukemia) for a
while now and been very private about it not wanting to worry anyone. Last
week he went to hospital for some regular blood tests and treatment and
they kept him in hospital. A few days ago he developed a blood clot in the
heart and bleeding in the brain which they have been unable to stop. He is
lucid but in pain and about to start some strong pain medication.



Due to Covid restrictions in Melbourne we are unable to visit him. James’
brother Ben is now in Melbourne and has said he will be able to take
messages to James for us or help him read texts from his phone (+61 438 023
820). I can also send in email messages to the hospital if you would like
to send them to me. Ben has asked to keep messages light and good humored
rather than sad and sombre as James, true to form, is still cracking jokes
and making light of his situation.



James has been a dear friend and colleague to many of us and for more than
a year has also been my close neighbour and am very sad he will not be
coming home. Please share this sad news with anyone you know he had a
connection with especially Timorese colleagues who knew him. He was very
kind to many of his Timorese friends and paid for quite a few to continue
with their education.



Love and abraços

Sara


-- 
*Sara L. Niner*
Australia 0417 357 298
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