Kelowna city councillor Charlie Hodge in intensive care

KELOWNA – While doctors struggle to find what is ailing Kelowna Coun. Charlie Hodge, his wife, Theresa, is just grateful for the show of support from the community.

Hodge, who has suffered serious health problems in the past and deals with emphysema on a daily basis, started feeling unwell on Dec. 30 and went to his doctor Wednesday, Jan. 2, Theresa said today.

“The doctor took one look at him, and said nope, you’re going to emergency,” Theresa said. “We knew, at that point, there was something really wrong, so they admitted him and that was it. Now they’re trying to figure out why.”

At first they thought it might be flu but that was ruled out, as were blood clots, she said. There is some thought he might have pneumonia.

Hodge is in intensive care in Kelowna General Hospital and is sedated with a tube down his throat to help him breathe. He is in stable condition and is conscious at times and can hear Theresa.

“People love him and send him their well wishes and they’re well appreciated and I thank everybody for just being so kind,” Theresa said. “They have been coming out of the woodwork. Anything I can need, you know they’re going to be there. That means a lot. So I don’t have to worry about a lot of minor things in life. They can take care of themselves. I’m grateful for that and Charlie would also appreciate that.”

Hodge was first elected to city council in 2008 but lost in 2011 before coming back in 2014 and then was re-elected with his highest vote count ever this past October.

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