Comments on: P. C. Venkat, 1949-2008

By: Nini from California

Nini from California — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:44:51 +0000

Dear Chaya and Radha,
My heart goes out to you. I was shocked and saddened to read about P.C’s passing. I was actually researching about my own CLL, when I read on a different site that P.C. Venkat died. I immediately visited clltopics.org and was very saddened. Clltopics.org has been a valuable tool for me in my battle against CLL. It gave me hope and a lot of information when I needed it the most. I am a young Cll patient with agressive form of CLL and have no support system. So it meant a lot to me when I heard back from Chaya right away.
I am sending my deepest condolences to the Venkat family, mainly to Chaya, the Venkat’s daughter, and Jasper…And I feel your pain with you…At some point my nose hurt from pain. The only other time it happened or happens is when I think about my dear cat’s passing…
Kindest thoughts your way…
Nini

By: Harry Stoof, Steenbergen, Netherlands

Harry Stoof, Steenbergen, Netherlands — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:25:21 +0000

dearest chaya, radha and raju,
Only today I read the terrible and chocking news about the passing of PC.
my heart and feelings go with all of you and I sincerely hope you will find the strength to overcome this huge loss. I feel to be part of your family through the impressive CLLtopics site. the site and so many replies of Chaya to my worries and questions have been a great fundament for my talks with the doctor.
the fight of PC to overcome and beat his disease could not be won but for sure thousands of CLL patients around the world have been encouraged to take up the gauntlet and follow in the footsteps of PC.
CLLtopics has been a stronghold, a fortress, an anchor for thousands and we all pray, Chaya, that you will be able to continue this great site and most important and appreciated work.
god bless and love
harry stoof

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:01:45 +0000

I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to Chayra and Radha. I was very upset when I learned of PC’s death. I discovered your web site when I was diagnosed with CLL in 2005 and doing research about my illness.I greatly appreciate all the time and effort you have put into the web site. Thank You

By: Linda Deunk

Linda Deunk — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:28:53 +0000

I have waited this long because even though I never met (or even directly e-mailed PC as most of my contct has been with Chaya), I have shared his journey and it is emotionally difficult to comment. I will miss him. We were diagnosed with CLL close to the same time, but I seem to have the “slower” kind. I was so encouraged by the hope for a cure for him. As I say–I will miss him.

By: Sandy Huseby

Sandy Huseby — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:28:20 +0000

Such sad, sad news to learn today. Our deepest condolences, Chaya, to you and your daughter who wrote such a beautiful remembrance of P.C. Ever since we first met via the Internet back in 2003 with Lincoln’s CLL diagnosis, we have always known that we could look to clltopics to inform us and give us hope for enduring the cancer road.

Now, we look to the community reaching back to you with sympathy and love and add our caring for your sorrow in this time. We will remember P.C. and his gift to all of us, and we will look forward to brighter tomorrows.

With warmest regards, Sandy and Lincoln

By: R Neuhaus

R Neuhaus — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:16:28 +0000

Chaya & Radha,

I too am quite addened by the loss of PC. I hope you both can find comfort in the knowledge that, by my own rough count of e-mail addresses, there are a least three physicians that regularly use your website for information regarding their own mangement of CLL, including myself. There are undoubtedly many more docs that have gained tremendous insight into their CLL beyond the information shared by their oncologist.

R Neuhaus

By: Al from Ohio

Al from Ohio — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 05:26:27 +0000

Chaya & Radha. My heart and soul go out to you both for your loss of P.C.—the perceptive and inspirational pilot of this site. When I looked at clltopics tonight—first check for a couple of weeks—I was shocked and saddened by the announcement. I have been an admirer of the site since I was diagnosed in 2003. In fact Chaya, I was looking to re-read your comprehensive and engaging posting—A Facelift for Bendamustine—when I discovered the announcement about P.C. [Just to bring the story full circle, yesterday and today I came through my first course of Bendamustine with what appears to be a good outcome—no side effects and noticeably smaller nodes. Your incisive review—with the large chemical structure (I share your passion for Chemistry)—first turned me on to this unique by-functional molecule from Germany.]

Again, I extend sincere sympathy to you both for the unexpected outcome after what appeared to be a successful procedure. All we CLLers share your grief. You should have great solace in the fact that P.C. went out fighting—per your mutual promise to ‘battle his CLL with everything within your power’.

Regards,
Al Sullivan

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:29:22 +0000

When I got the email, “Farewell to PC”, I gasped. PC and Chaya have been beacons of hope to those of us who have been diagnosed, or had loved ones diagnosed with CLL. What strength they had to go forward with a double cord transplant! And that Chaya would be updating the website with new information just days after PC’s funeral, is almost unbelievable. When my husband was diagnosed, I emailed Chaya with some questions…and what a surprise and delight to receive a personal and informative return email, almost immediately! Chaya and PC are like members of our family, although they do not know us. We have been following their journey for several years. Our most sincere condolences go to Chaya, who advocated for her husband with intelligence, love and humor. Chaya, you did everything you could to keep PC with you, and it was not to be. Thank you, with all our hearts, for your intention to devote the rest of your life to research and, as you do SO well, the dissemination of research for us laypeople. PC will love you forever and be so proud of you. Our sincerest condolences to you on the loss of the love or your life.

By: Dave (UK)

Dave (UK) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:03:32 +0000

There is nothing else can I say that would add to all these wonderful comments – our thoughts and love are with you!

By: barryrb

barryrb — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:29:23 +0000

Radha, I’m yet another person with CLL who has been informed and inspired by PC and your mother. The sense they created that none of us is alone in this fight and that we can support one another will survive. They performed an enormous service for a great number of people, and PC will be remembered with love and gratitude by many of us who never knew him personally but who benefited and continue to benefit from his and Chaya’s efforts.

Barry