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Although recent heart bypass surgery has prevented him from attending city functions in the past couple of months, Cupertino Councilman Patrick Kwok has not fallen behind in his responsibilities as a public servant.
During his absence, Kwok has followed important issues by watching city council meetings at home and has communicated with other council members and city staff on a regular basis.
Kwok says he's ready and eager to return to his seat in the council chambers on July 7.
"I am very eager to go back. I am ready to get more involved. Mentally I am 100 percent ready, although not physically. I still get tired easily. But hopefully I'll be ready by July 7. We'll see how it goes," he says.
As a matter of fact, Kwok was so anxious to get involved that he attended the June 16 city council meeting, even though his doctor had advised him to rest until July 7. When he stepped into council chambers that night, those in attendance broke into applause.
"There were some important items on the June 16 council agenda that I wanted to discuss and be a part of, like the city's budget," he says.
Since his April 23 surgery, Kwok, 62, has spent a lot of time resting and exercising, which he believes has helped him recuperate from the ordeal.
In addition, Kwok credits his family and friends and people in the community for his quick recovery from his five-hour heart surgery.
"I really appreciate the strong support I've received during and after the surgery," Kwok says. "My family has been there to take care of me. My colleagues on the council, city staff and many friends have stopped by to visit me since the surgery. I've received so many flowers and over 100 get well cards from the community. It's been great."
About a week before he went into surgery, Kwok felt discomfort in his heart. After an angiogram, his doctor informed him that circulation in five of his arteries was about 80 percent blocked and recommended surgery.
During the five days Kwok spent in the hospital, his family and friends stayed by his side. His friends from St. Joseph's Church of Cupertino, which he has attended for the past 30 years, also visited him to provide spiritual support.
"I am very grateful for all the support I've received. I really needed it," Kwok says.
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Courier file photograph