Dear Volks,

Mike is gravely ill and has not yet reached a turning point.  He may
very well recover; but things are piling up and things will be
looking tough for them for a while.  It's something of a race right
now between the illness and the treatment.  If you have something you
need to say to him, this would be a good time.  If you want to write
to Mary's address I'll supply it privately.

I'm sorry,
David