Wow.  That's got to be horrible for him, I'm sorry to hear that.  Good news is he's having a kid though, that part is fantastic!  It will change his life.  The fantastic part, today's technology is such that he can either witness it electronically (Skype or such), or you guys can at least record it so that he can experience it at a later time, if he's so inclined.  Honestly, to me, the actual birth part wasn't something I'd wished to repeat.  The first time, oh hell ya, I wanted in that room, but subsequently, it's a total feeling of uselessness and helplessness while the person you love is in so much pain.  I'd rather be on a bar stool down the block passing out cigars and celebrating!  So congrats on becoming an aunt.  

And as always, no problem for the vanishing!  You're still totally worth the wait.