In Memoriam
"When one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but
translated into a better language." -John Donne
It is with sadness and heavy heart that we say goodbye to those we
shared so much with. Try as we might, we do not have all the details
for friends we have lost. If you can share information for
classmates that have passed away, please send it to
Stephen Shake.
Eddie Chan
January 9, 1967 - April 13, 2010
Eddie was diagnosed with liver cancer on December 7, 2009; a large cancer tumor, 18cm, on the right lobe of the liver. He was scheduled for surgery on December 23, 2009 to remove the tumor at Northwestern University Hospital but unfortunate once they began the procedure, they discovered that the tumor had surrounded a major vein to the liver and the removal of the tumor was too dangerous. Eddie then worked with the Oncologist at Northwestern and started a medical treatment plan using the chemo drug called Nexavar for the next 7 weeks. At the next CT scan though, the tumor had grown about 50%. On February 26, 2010 the Oncologist called to say they had no other workable plans for treatment because other procedures such as direct radiation therapy was likely to kill the cancer cells but also the good blood cells which would shorten his life. The Oncologist provided both a worst case scenario of a couple weeks and a best case scenario of a few months to live. On March 8, 2010 Eddie met with an Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. There they offered several options all with the goal of reducing the size of the tumor and eventual resection or liver transplant to be cancer free.
Sadly, Eddie succumbed to cancer on April 13th, 2010.
Catherine Dreibelbis
February 26, 1964 - March 31, 2006
James Gassen
May 27, 1967 - April 19, 2009
Jim Gassen led a life fighting for the rights of the disabled. He participated in many campaigns, discussions and protests to enable those who have difficulty getting around able to do so. He received recognition for his efforts from every level of government. He also read and wrote about life and its challenges. Among the writings he cherished was “Desiderata” which ends simply with “Strive to be happy.” Jim lived by this even though the odds were always against him. Jim died of a stroke in April, 2009.