My name is Chip VanAlsburg and here is a little bit about me. I live in Charleston, WV. I moved here in October 1997. I am and have been active in the community with organizations such as The Rotary Club of Charleston, Charleston Area Alliance, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Kanawha Valley, and many others that I don’t immediately recall.
My professional career has equipped me with in-depth knowledge of newsprint, radio, broadcast television, cable television, internet marketing, social media, eMail marketing, event marketing, sales, and community service. All thanks to a passion for learning and having great leaders to learn from.
Why this blog exists? In July 2007 I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeologenous Luekemia. Immediately upon diagnosis dear friends and family across the U.S. reached out to say, “We love you and support you!”. For that I am still humbled to this day. My dear friend, Paul Helmick, immediately recognized how important a blog could be in communicating with my friends and family, if I embraced it. So, thanks to Paul, I was introduced to the world of blogging and for that I am forever grateful. Can you imagine trying to keep hundreds of friends and family up to date on my situation through phone calls or emails? Not impossible but definitely not efficient. Because of this blog I have reconnected with friends that I haven’t seen or talked to in 20 years and have been able to keep folks up to date and to share my experiences, life and thoughts on living with Leukemia and how it has and continues to change my life.
July 15, 2007 at 12:24 pm
It’s strange how past relationships can be rekindled. Aubrey’s e-mail provided me this link.
Having only been on the periphery of your circumstance (my wife and others), I have but a sense of the thoughts and emotions playing through your mind. I know it’s both overwhelming and numbing. With that said, I’d like to wish you the best of news as you begin your work to overcome this challenge. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Regards,
Pie
July 15, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Chip,
It is impossible for me to understand what you are going through. I do know that you have great friends and family and that we will all do anything we can to help you get through this! If anything needs to be taken care of have Kate or someone get in touch and we’ll help! My aunt put you on their prayer list at church and you’re in our thoughts every minute!
July 16, 2007 at 10:07 am
Chip:
Words cannot descibed how taken I was when I heard the news this morning. I will keep you in my thoughts an dprayers as you travel this diffifult path. Keep your faith!
Brent
July 16, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Chip,
Not sure what words to say as I just found out what’s going on. I do know that should you need anything from me, in any way, you know that all you need to do is let me know!
While words are escaping me at this time, please know that you are in my prayers daily and that your faith is so extremely important to hold on to right now. You already know this so keep on being strong, fight hard, and know that there are great numbers of friends that are here for you.
“Patience and encouragement come from God”
Romans 15:5
“Encouragement costs you nothing to give, but it is priceless to receive.” Author Unknown
July 17, 2007 at 11:12 am
Hey Chip.
Words can not express my concern and surprise. What I can say is that I know you have courage, great depth and the will to push forward. If there is anything I can do or you need please be in touch. Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last year I feel I can relate on some emotions you may be experiencing. If you need to talk I’m here. Maybe I could help you sort through them. In the meantime, keep your hopes high and your heart strong. Your in my thoughts.
Heather
July 17, 2007 at 11:50 am
Chip,
My friend, I really don’t know what to say. I was just informed about your situation and wanted you to know that I am here if you need anything! I am only a phone call away!
Be strong and fight hard. You will be in my prayers and also on the prayer list at church.
If you need anything please let me know!
Josh
July 17, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Chip
Anything I might say would be redundant. Word is spreading like wildfire. Jim Frame is a super physician. Thoughts, prayers and whatever help I might offer.
David Clayman
July 17, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Hey Chip! It’s about 11pm and I decided to check my emails. Thought I would read the Rotary newsletter to see how Brad Sims’ newsletter compared to Chuck’s. Needless to say, the news in his letter was shocking. I immediately sent an email to a great friend whom I don’t see to often since he moved to Columbus. His name is Rob Hall and I played hockey with him for years starting around 1990. A few years after 1990, he was hit with the same sort of diagnosis, possibly a really rare form. I remember a group of the hockey guys and I took Rob on a rafting trip in high water down the New. I think we all thought it might be the last fun thing we would do with Rob and not because I was the guide taking my first solo trip with passengers. Silly us! Rob still plays hockey. Frankly I think Rob lives to play hockey. He went through some very tough fights and I think he has a lot to share. His faith, hope, positive outlook and great sense of humor have served him well over these years. I figure you share those same traits, so you will win this battle too. I hope Rob gets in touch with you because if nothing else he has some great stories not necessarily about his battle. Ask him about meeting Randy Amo, his hunting with his beagle and his sledding mishap. You will bust a gut laughing. See you soon. Will
July 17, 2007 at 11:16 pm
P.S. Notice the time I coincidentally submitted the above message. 1111 I always consider that time as lucky four aces! They are for you! Maybe a little hokey but there is a lot to say for a positive state of mind. Later, Will
July 17, 2007 at 11:54 pm
I read Will Slicer’s email. Do you know a good lawyer. I may have representation for “slandar”. I was diagnosed with CML at age 38. I am 54. I still play ice hockey and waded WV’s Elk River about 2 miles fishing just this AM. We live in Columbus during week and in log home in Big Otter, WV every weekend. We are involved in a “church plant” in the woods of Stinson, WV. Mud Fork Church (imagine that). Anyway. Know this: your illness is a marvelous gift > perspective. Your life has just greatly been blessed! Maintain your sense of humor. Be your own doctor, yet basically trusting them. Stay away from “cancer support groups” (they actually really act sick). “As I have planned, so it will be. As I have purposed, it will stand. No one can change My hand”. Simply trust Him, and use this opportunity to reach many for the Lord with the gospel…and occassionally use words. “To live is Christ, to die is gain”. I sure hope to chat, and perhaps to meet you. Take care of yourself. Change little. Rob Hall
July 18, 2007 at 12:20 am
Gosh. Reckon friends give all leukemia patients the book, “A Walk in the Woods”. It’s a good’n. My original white count was 122,000. I have been on hydrea, interferon, bone marrow transplant, Gleevic, and…..All failed to put me into “cytogenetic response”. .. yet nearly 16 yrs. later…Heck, I just keep volunteering for “experimental protocol’s”. I forgot to tell you what drug I am on at the present time. I just finished a protocol out of MD Anderson, Houston, TX. The drug was finally approved, after much “oinking” by me and my friends. I understand it may be among the best drugs available today for leukemia. It penetrates deeply with goal of total elimination of PH chromosome. I am nearly there. I do not know the “real” name of the drug, but it’s street name is BMS. You might want to ask your doc about it, Chip. Take care, bro. Rob
July 18, 2007 at 3:55 am
Chip,
Hey! I havent had a chance to get online lately. I wanted to tell you that I have been thinking about you! I stopped by your room on Saturday at Memorial in the afternoon and you weren’t there, so as in typical Shaffer response I hit on one of the cute nurses! haha. If you or your family needs anything just let me know. You are one of my best friends and I so appreciate you trying to help me work wise as well. I’ll be in touch and call me if you need someone hang with you!
Love ya!
Scott
July 18, 2007 at 8:40 am
Chip, I just read the Rotary newsletter and wanted to let you know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you and your family the strength, courage, and faith you need during your treatment.
Steve
July 18, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Chip, I can’t imagine how stressful this must be for you. Not so long ago you proved to me a friendship never ends and it sounds like you have great friends who care for you the same way, you are in my thoughts.
Richard
July 20, 2007 at 11:41 am
Chip,
I was totally speechless when I heard the news. But you’re such an upbeat, cheerful person, that I know in my heart that everything is going to be OK. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy
July 22, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Chip:
I just returned from vacation and received an email from Carole at Suddenlink. She gave me the link to this site. My gosh…so much in such a short period of time! I know there isn’t much I can say or do, but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
If there is any way I can help, please don’t hesitate to call on me.
…Mary Dillon
United Way of Central West Virginia
July 26, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Chip:
I just talked with Mike Collins today and he gave me the address to your blog. My wife, Cheryl, and I have been praying for you ever since we heard the news. We brought up your name last night during prayer requests at our church.
I am inspired by your positive, courageous attitude. God does have a great plan for your life.
Great news on your lowered wbc!
Looking forward to the day when you’re back at the Standard! We’re all rooting for you. —– Keith
July 30, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Chip, just wanted to touch base with you and let you know you are in my prayers. I found when my daughter was ill that the only comfort I could find was knowing that so many people were praying for her. I’m sure you will find comfort in that as well. I guess we’ll never know why certain things happen in life. Just take it as it comes and stay positive.
Ryan
August 17, 2007 at 10:53 pm
OK Chip,
You know I am a softie, I mean , for God’s sake I cry when old people win on the Price Is Right! But, today I am going to try to make you and Kate laugh. For instance, I have wrecked my car three times in one month. Of course it is “Ginormous” because we now have four kids (yes, I do know what causes that!!) Everyone was okay all three times, but it is sad to admit that yes, I did get my license at Sears Driving School. The last accident occurred beacause my youngest, Carmen, wanted to hear “Fergaliscious,” and yes, I looked down for only a second and, you know the rest. Needless to say, I can’t hear “Fergaliscious-Def….Fergaliscious-Def…” without cringing!!
I am thinking of you all daily and praying for you. I had what they thougt was a silent heart attack in June and I can relate to your fear, but please know that I also understand what you are enduring and there is nothing I can say to comfort you except “It sucks!” Chip, I know I often mentioned my mother when we worked together. She was amazing and brave and defied all odds presented to her. She actually laughed when given her prognosis and stated, “You guys don’t know *#@!!!. I have alot left to do!!!” And by golly she did it!
You and Kate have our love and support and we will do anything you need. We have connections in the medical community across the country, so don’t hesitate to call should you need to talk!!
Much Love,
Nancy & Chris Bellomy and the Four Urchins
August 20, 2007 at 8:51 am
Hi Chip,
Rex recently forwarded your blog to me. He and my Mom have also been keeping me up to date with all of your awesome progress!
I am very excited that you are making great strides in getting better so quickly. That being said, I am not surprised to learn that you are doing so well. You are a dedicated, and strong person.
I am so happy that you and Kate found eachother. She seems like a truly wonderful person, and from reading your blog, the two of you are made for eachother.
Hope to see you soon,
Owen [your old whiffle ball nemesis!]
August 19, 2008 at 8:36 am
Chip,
I am so glad things are looking up for you….you are a wonderful person. I enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion. Let’s try to get together more often and talk about old times. I miss those days alot…don’t you? Take care and keep us posted! Matt and I will be praying for you.
Erin
November 26, 2008 at 11:10 am
Looks like a lot has happened since we last met. Hope to catch up with you soon.