I'm very sorry to hear about your friend Chris and I wish him a full recovery and many more years joining you at the meetings as well as future fishing trips. Life is truly fragile ! One only need to take a drive on any highway to realize how quickly it could all end. Myself, I learned about it at the ripe old age of 34 when I was diagnosed with endocarditis and had to spend 13 weeks in the hospital and eventually have open heart surgery.
The surgeon told my family I had less than a 20% chance to survive surgery because my body was so weak, but survive I did. And now, 23 years later I still carry the same heart valve, move a bit slower due to a bad knee but I can still hike the Cap canyons and sing
and laugh with my family and friends. Just saying Chris, never give up hope. It may look bleak but its alway darkest before the dawn.
Wishing your friend the Best Chris and I wish the same for you.