Harvey died yesterday afternoon, around 4:30pm.
This reporter has lost a husband, best friend, partner and soul mate. The sun is just coming up as I break this news to our extended family - but the world will always be just a little darker and colder for me from now on.
In the days to come we will publish a full length obituary for our fallen hero, both on this Journal as well as CLL Topics website. As he wished, Harvey will be cremated in a private service and for a few days his ashes will drift on the winds around his favorite hiking trails in Sedona.
We will hold a farewell party for Harvey at our home in Sedona, in a week to ten days. Details will be published both here and on clltopics.org Please come and share the time with us if you can, electronically if you cannot make it in person. We want to celebrate the life of this gentle and brilliant man - there is much to celebrate about Harvey.
Harvey would not have wanted any pomp or circumstance. If you wish, please make a donation to your local SPCA or animal shelter in his memory. Harvey loved his Aussie Shepherd dog almost as much as he loved any human being.
You would have been proud of your hero - he served your cause right up to the end. His case history has puzzled the experts. No one can quite explain what happened, why a perfectly engrafted transplantee suddenly took a turn for the worse with such devastating consequences. They asked, and I agreed, to a full autopsy. If lessons learned from Harvey’s poor beat-up body can help experts understand things a bit better, if just one transplant patient in the future benefits from it, Harvey would have been proud to be of service.
I do not know what to say, what to feel, what to think as I try to come to grips with this tragedy. I was so sure Harvey was going to beat the odds, and we would soon be heading back home to Sedona. The CLL was defeated - but the dreaded TRM (treatment related mortality) claimed the life of my guy.
Not too many things are in my control right now - I drift in and out of reality, “normal” for a while and a basket case the rest of the time. But I am told this too shall pass. When it does, I will be back. What Harvey and I started by way of patient advocacy is more important than either of us. It will surely not die just because Harvey’s body decided to go AWOL. It will be hard filling his shoes - much of the “soul” of CLL Topics - its look and feel, the gentle tones and soothing art work - all that came from Harvey. Some things may have to change - but with your help we will persevere. So, please be patient, please wait for me.
Chaya
UPDATE: Harvey’s farewell party will be in Sedona, on Saturday, July 5th, starting at 5pm Arizona Standard Time, continuing till whenever. Please contact farewell@clltopics.org to RSVP and for more information regarding location, driving directions, lodging, etc. as well as electronic contact info for those who can’t be there in person. Thank you all!
272 comments on "Death In The Family"
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackLove, hope and memory are three things that only die when we allow them too. I have no doubt that your love for Harvey and our collective love and memory for him will live on forever, as will our collective hope that you and your family will continue to find meaning and purpose to this crazy, mixed-up life that we all lead.
DWCLL
Chaya my heart breaks as I read this. I did not know you or Harvey but I felt like I did through CLL Topics. The CLL Community has lost a brave fighter. Harvey you are at peace now and your beloved Chaya will continue your fight to beat the dreaded CLL dragon. Chaya take care of yourself.
Elyse
Dear, Wonderful Chaya,
I am so saddened to hear of PC’s passing. Please let your family know that many of us are here and grieving with you.
Jenny Lou Park
Dear Chaya,
I am so sad to hear of PC’s passing. I don’t think I can come up with the words to express what is on my heart for you. So, I will pray, wordless prayers at times and trust that He understands. I know that He is caring for you in ways that I cannot.
We are indeed grieving with you.
With love and care. Praying for comfort for your body and soul.
Liz W
St. Paul, MN
I don’t know any words to convey what I feel for what you are going through.
Thank you for letting us all know.
It’s unbelievable, and I have not come to grips.
You have the love, support, and admiration of everyone in the CLL community, any one of whom, strangers we may be, would do anything to lighten this grief for you if we could.
So, if in the days to come, you want to reach out and ask for something, don’t hesitate to do so.
Harvey did really die a hero, in trying something that all will learn from. Unfortunately, not the lesson we wanted. But value will come of the knowledge.
I’m so, so, so sorry.
Helene
I share the grief of you and your family and all the fans of the wonderful Clltopics site. I know a few brave souls have to take the chances in the trials to find better therapies, and you two certainly did that. Not only do Cll patients benefit, but the medical community learns a lot too.
I have powerful mental hugs for you and all who have followed this story. You have my contact info if you need me. Love, beckmark1,minneapolis
Dear Chaya,
Words fail me now.Just know we all loved PC even though we never met him.You have both been an inspiration and Beacon in the Dark world of CLL.I’m glad you will continue to let your light shine for us now and all CLLers to come after us.Thank You!!If I can ever help in anyway please don’t hesitate to ask!
We will be lighting candles at dusk tonight at CLL Christian Friends in Harvey’s honor from all over the world!
God Bless
&
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Deb
http://www.cllcfriends.com
I am writing this through tears this morning. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. PC is a pioneer; both of you are an inspiration to us all in the world of CLL. We are privileged to have PC, you and CLL Topics as a guiding light through our journey. You truly cannot know the enlightenment and comfort you have brought to us personally and the thousands in the CLL family. You are part of our family you know. Mary and I are so glad we were able to have that short visit with you in Sedona a while ago. PC’s positive attitude was contagious. Your sharing of your CLL story is so generous. Please know you are in our thoughts. We will be with you in spirit now and especially in the celebration in Sedona.
Sincerely
Tom & Mary
Chaya -
I am deeply saddened by this morning’s news. PC fought the fight and in that he is to be commended. I sincerely hope that the hole in your heart (and all of ours) will shrink with time. The “family” will surely carry on his and your fight with your help. And we will be there for you, too. We will miss you Harvey.
Dear Chaya,
My heart aches for you with the loss of your beloved PC. May his memory always be a source of strength and comfort to you.
Though I never met PC, he was my strength also.
Take care dear friend.
Rita
Chaya-
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know you are in pain and confusion right now. That will pass with time. He will be missed. My love and prayers are with you and the family.
My heart breaks for you as I read this devastating news, Chaya. My deepest sympathy and many prayers go out for you and your entire family at this very difficult time.
I was saddened by the news. May you be comforted in your time of sorrow.
Chaya
Our hearts are broken in grief over our dear friend’s passing. Our hopes & prayers & thoughts have been with you every step of the way. Please know that we are here for you. If there is anything that we can do to help, please contact us. We will miss PC so much that words cannot express our grief. You have been so very brave & strong throughout this ordeal. Our love & hugs for you.
Anne & Alan
I am in shock and my heart is broken. I have no words to say. You are in our whole family’s heart and mind. You and PC have been amazing and so inspirational to so many people. We all learnt so much from both of you. Please accept our deepest sympathy and love.
Chaya
I am crushed for you. I am so sorry.
Chaya,
We grief with you during this incredibly difficult time. PC was a true pioneer and died a hero. Even though we never met, we will never forget him or you and the paths you both blazed. PC’s soul and gentle nature did indeed come through in CLL Topics. Thank you, Chaya, for sharing him with us. God bless you and your family now and always.
Hardip and Robert
Chaya, I’m reading this message with tears in my eyes. You guys have meant so much to us in your fight and have inspired all of us in our fight. But, once again life is just not fair and there’s just too many unpredictablilities with our CLL. Our love, hugs, and prayers are with you. You guys will always be in our hearts.
Oh my dear Chaya,
How sad we all are for you and your family. I’m so very sorry. PC will live in our hearts and memories forever. Let our love surround you, as your memories of life with that fine man comfort you. Let the knowledge of how both of you have enriched our lives (and saved and prolonged them) also comfort you. The contribution you two have made to our knowledge of CLL and our courage to advocate for ourselves is immeasurable and more valuable than anything I can think of. Do take very good care of yourself. Let the tears flow and the anger rage. Walk around those beautiful hills and drink in all the peace that nature provides. And know that we’re all holding you in our hearts.
Much love,
Sherry
My sincere condolences
Chaya,
I am not usually at a loss for words, but there are none that can adequately convey my heartfelt sympathy for you and the death of your beloved. You and PC have always been a pillar of strength and support to all of us, and I hope we can provide you with a fraction of that strength and support as you grieve. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Jenn
Hardip and I are very, very sorry to hear this tragic and terrible news. We wish you the best in the most difficult time and hope that you have lots of family and close friends to help in your time of need.
My heart goes out to you in deepest sympathy at the loss of your soulmate and beloved. I am so, so sad and grieve with you. We all have suffered this horrific loss.
Please know that you are and will always be a true beacon of light for all of us in this extended CLL family. We hold your hands and give your our caring support throughout this ordeal. Chaya, you were truly the best wife and partner PC could have wished for. You shared a magnificent bond, and you were with him always. That is a gift beyond measure.
A celebration of his life will be a beautiful tribute. May you feel a measure of peace knowing that you did everything humanly possible to help your buddy through this.
We have leaned on your wisdom, now lean on your extended family for support and to help you through this valley.
Chaya,
I am stunned and incredibly sorry to hear about PC. You both have been a lifeline for my family and I as we have traveled this CLL path. I am so so sorry.
Sharon
I am so sorry for your great loss. You and your husband have been so brave so share your story. You both have made a difference and Harvey will always be remember for that.
Dear Chaya -
I’m deeply saddened to read the news here this morning, as is everyone in this community I’m certain. I’ve learned so much through you and PC by way of CLLTopics, I’m eternally grateful - and when you’re ready to return, we will all be here to welcome you.
The visualization I will always hold in my heart of PC (even though it’s something I’ve only experienced vicariously) is of him hiking with his faithful companions through those beautiful desert landscapes that have always graced these web pages. This is something I will need to do for real some day, and PC will have been the inspiration.
This evening, though the time has come far too soon, I will raise a toast to celebrate PC’s life and the courage, wisdom and humor that came through him in his struggle!
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Harvey was a real hero with incredible courage.
Words are never adequate at a time like this. Just know that people all around the world are grieving with you and for you this day. Praying for comfort for you.
Chaya,
Our hearts cry for you and your family today.
Though we never met him, we will always remember Harvey as a hero for his dedication to this community.
We keep you in our thoughts and prayers and send our deepest condolences.
I just don’t know what to say. Since I first read the sad news some hours ago, I have been trying to come to terms with it and what I could possible write that might comfort you. All I can say is that everyone in the CLL community worldwide is saddened by this tragic news. What you and PC have managed to do in CLL Topics defies belief. You have brought people together from all over the world and tied this incredible bond between us. As I write this here in Ireland at 4.20 in the afternoon, there are members of our community from Australia to Europe, from Canada to the USA not to mind in Sedona trying to come to terms with this devastating news. As a previous post said it is hard to explain to “actual” people around us why we am so upset about events happening to people we only know of thru cyberspace on the other side of the world. But this is a testimony to the community you have build up through CLL Topics. All of us owe so much to you. We are one big family and we have lost one of our guiding lights.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Clum
Dear Chaya,
I am so very sad and so very sorry. I will keep you both in my prayers. I don’t know what else to say. Thank you for everything.
Chaya,
My heart goes out to you. No-one will know quite what to say to you for a while. You will wake up and then remember he is not here, and have to suffer the loss all over again. Bereavement is a painful time. We will remember him as a kind and patient man who did so much for other CLL sufferers. A whole world will be crying tonight.
my heart is breaking with yours, no words…
The tireless efforts by the Venkat team on behalf of the CLL community provided tremendous solace to us from watch and wait, to treatment and finally transplant. Although we have never met, and spoken only once, we shed many a tear these past few days. Please know that your husband will always live on in our minds and hearts and we (and one day, our two young children) will always be grateful for the efforts of you and P.C. We are so very sorry for your loss.
With much love,
Elsa & James
Dear Chaya
I would like to express my warmest sympathy with you and your family. I have followed Harvey´s journal and I can imagine the very hard time you are passing through.
For the 3 years as a CLL patient I have very much appreciated CLL topics. It has in many ways helped me to cope with my situation. I am very grateful to you and your husband for sharing all your knowledge and experiences with other CLL patients.
I´m indeed grieving with you and missing a great hero
With Love and Care Gunnie
Chaya,
We are so sorry. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Chaya,
So sad. So sad. Keep the conversation alive, between you and Harvey. You know how he would answer your question. His voice is still reverberating in your heart and soul
I am leaving for City of Hope for my transplant with tears in my eyes He was my personal and heroic trail blazer.
Much love
Brian
PC was a bright light..a soft, special and gentle man.
I will miss him so dearly.
My thoughts go out to you Chaya and to your family.
Chaya,
What a tragedy. I am so, so sorry for your enormous loss. I don’t know what else to say except that I am crying with you. Be kind to yourself and lean on others at this difficult time.
Love to you — Julie
Dear Chaya,
I am so sad and send to you my deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of your beloved PC. After I was diagnosed with CLL, one of the places I received the most help and comfort in was CLL Topics. I am so thankful for all the ways in which PC and you contributed to CLL Topics. My heart aches for you and I pray as each day passes you will receive comfort and peace in your life. You are in my prayers…
Georgie
Oh Chaya,
I am so sorry to hear about you and PC. My heart and prayers are with you. It was good to meet you both at ASH a couple of years ago, and look to forward to another meeting with you someday.
LC
Dear Chaya,
I am deeply saddened by the terrible news. You and PC have done so much for us all, and if anyone could have prepared properly for the transplant, it was you two. If it is any consolation, thousands of us CLLers are grieving with you.
Colin, Italy
Dear Chaya, please know that you and PC have touched hearts with people all around the world and from the other side of the world I send you and your family my deepest sympathy. Sandy
Chaya, I’m just so sad to hear about PC. I have no other words. Please know we are all thinking about you and your family.
I never met PC but I feel like I have lost a member of my own family. I am so saddened by your terrible news today. Although I have never met you either, I thank you for your amazing friendship and strength. May God bless you, keep you strong, and give you peace. Namaste.
Greatest sympathies to you Chaya. You could not have done more. Your dedication and devotion to PC was the best care possible, and I’m sure he knew that to the end. Thank you for sharing his story. You have done so much good for all of us. I wish you peace and comfort in knowing you did everything you could. With love, Jack.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your love for your best friend shines through your writing. Chaya, you and your daughter were truly blessed with an incredible man. PC will always be in our hearts.
Chris and family
Chaya,
My heart breaks for you. I wish I knew what to say to comfort you right now. Just know that those you have supported and encouraged all these years are now here to support you. PC’s courage and dedication in the fight against CLL will never be forgotten.
Chaya. Words cannot express the sadness that comes with the passing of PC. His journey was one that helped guide untold numbers of us on this challenging life experience. I am, and will always be, grateful for the knowledge that you and PC have passed on to us lay persons. I felt like I was falling into a dark hole until I stumbled onto CLL Topics and began to see the light again. You both have been such an inspiration and guiding light for all of us the world over. We share in your pain and our prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Dear Chaya,
This truly is a death in the family. Through my tears, I have forwarded your words to other members of this family across Canada. Although “Harvey” is away, he is not gone. His legacy will continue. Your faithful work of bringing him to us as a person and family member remains in place. I will pray, I will be patient, and I will wait for you.
mh
Dear Chaya,
Please accept my deepest sympathies… The path, the guidance that you and PC have provided lives in all our hearts forever…
God Bless,
Randy
I’m speachless. I’m sorry for your loss. It certainly is a loss for all of us.
The CLL comunity will not be the same. You folks have been a blessing to me. I will continue to pray for you and your family
I have been following PC’s transplant journey since the beginning-me being new to this nasty CLL disease and subsequent diagnosis.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you daily. The words on this website have certainly helped me, a “newbie”, get more comfortable with what lies ahead. I am eternally grateful. The CLL community has lost a great man. A small prayer for you, your family, and all of us:
Living one day at a time
Enjoying one moment at a time
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him.
Forever in the next.
Amen.
With Love and Hugs, Janeen
Dearest Chaya:
I know what you are going through as I just lost Tony to CLL on 4/28/2008. PC’s last days were so similar to Tony’s that I was reliving them with you and he didn’t even have the transplant. I know how difficult this is and how there are no right things to say and how it is to lose your best friend, your lover, your life. I am slowly trying to learn to live my life without him and you will too. It is not easy, it is not fun, but I know both our guys would not want us to just give up on life. I had spoken in emails to both you & PC on several occasions (you may not remember since you speak to so many people). You both were so loving and giving of yourselves to those with CLL. You both have made a huge difference in so many people’s lives and their hopes for a cure. Chaya, if you need to talk or vent, I am here for you. Trust me there isn’t an emotion you are feeling that I haven’t been through. Love to you & your family. You will find signs that he is still with you, subtle as they may be.
Dear Chaya,
I am very saddened by the loss of PC. He was a hero to us all. In the UK as the rest of the world, many people are thinking of you and praying for you tonight and in the future.
Jane B.
Dear Chaya,
I don’t know what to say. I am so sorry for your loss and our loss. I have only been a CLLer for a year, but I have come to depend on PC and you when I am feeling down. You both have been, and will continue to be, such an inspiration and source of information. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found CLL Topics when I did my search on CLL last July 3.
My love and sympathy to you and your family, including EGCG. My heart aches for you. Know that the entire CLL community shares your pain. Perhaps, if we each carry a part of the pain, we can make your load lighter. You have done so much for us, there must be something we can now do for you.
Chaya, I am so, so sad and shocked, and walking through a fog. Not many find the true love you two have had in this life, not to mention the great love you two have shown for the rest of us. I am hoping that you find peace. Love, Elaine
I am stunned, without words to convey my profound sorrow. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Chaya, I am so sorry and wish with all my heart things would of turned out differently. My sympathy to you and your family.
“Harvey” was a hero. You, dear Chayra, have been our best and brightest and now - our bravest. Tears, prayers, and gratitude -
Dearest Chaya,
You and PC have done so much for all of us dealing with this horrible disease, and now it seems there is nothing we can do for you except offer our sincere condolences. I wish we could take some of this heaviness from your heart, but only time can do that. I remember a couple of email exchanges I had with PC when my husband, Vince, and I were going through hard times with the squamous cell skin cancer that turned to a head and neck cancer. PC bolstered my spirits. Please know he will remain in our hearts, just as you do. And please take good care of yourself. Let us know how we can help.
Much love,
Chris
I am greatly saddened to hear this news.
I consider it a great privilege to have briefly met with PC and youself at Romsey on your trip to England in 2024.
The work done to inform and help CLL patients in so many countries will be a lasting testament to the memory of PC.
My sincere condolences
mike
Chaya, I am at a loss for words. I am so very sorry. You and Harvey have both made such a contribution to CLL patients and I know will continue to do so. You and Harvey’s strength has been a inspiration to all of us.
Kathleen
Dearest Chaya,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. All of us, as your dear friends and circle of strength, will stand by you and your family as you go through this difficult time. I lost my beloved husband to cancer,so have been through the fire. I am here for you if you need a cyber ear any time-day or night. “Harvey” was (is) our hero and we love him for the legacy of shared information, inspiration, courage and hope he left all of us.
Love, Betty
Chaya
I also write to you now choked up and tears. I would talk to my husband about you and PC like you were best friends. I’m so sorry to hear this. My sincere appologies. I was so looking forward to hearing better news. I thought things were looking up. I will certainly give to a animal shelter for PC. I can only say I too am out here and have learned so much from PC and yourself. I am very grateful for all he has done. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My heart just sank when I read your note today, I feel like I lost a dear friend, even though I never met him. You both have helped me with my desease so much, I can not begin to thank-you for all the great work you have done for all of us. The world is a better place to have known PC. He is in a perfect place, and he is totally at peace. He will be the breeze on your face, the rustle of the leaves, and in the sound of the falling rain. He will be the ray of light, and the perfect joy in your heart, when you hear people tell you how he touched their life and made their life easier. God bless you and your daughter during this extreamely difficult time.
Dear Chaya-I am so very for your terrible loss. I cannot begin to tell you how much your postings have meant in my life. You and PC have made such a contribution to all of us by unselfishly sharing your vast knowledge and making very complicated things make sense. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Chaya,
I’ve been dreading this moment all week and hoping against hope that it wouldn’t happen—I’m writing this with tears for you and your family. It meant so much to me that you took the time to talk with me about my husband before you left Sedona. I wish we could come for the celebration of his life, but we will be there in spirit. There’s nothing more I can say that all of these others in your extended family (we are all family) haven’t already said. May our love help carry you thru—-
Marilyn & John
My very dear Chaya, I am stunned! My deepest sympathy! I do not know what to say, I was so sure he is going to make it. I myself am recovering from Campath treatment that left me in hospital for 3 weeks, almost dead, with 4 viruses in my system, including the dreaded CMV. But is this can cheer you up a little, after only 10 treatments and 3 weeks, a bonemarrow test showed me MRD negative.
I am still in shock, it was so unbelievable.
I wish you the comfort of God and good friends. Wish I could be there. Both of you are so amazing in what you have done for CLL patients.
Love,
Marie Pansegrouw
Dear Chaya,
I send you my sincerest sympathies. We all have truly lost a family member. Thanks you for al that you have contributed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Warmest regards,
Loren
http://www.cllcfriends.com
“I want it said when I am gone - I moved the world just one step on”
Chaya thank you and PC for moving the CLL world on by many steps.
With love and respect
Steve and Jo.
May God be with you and your family. You will be in our prayers to help you through each day. You both have been such an inspiration to us.
Chaya, my heart breaks for you. My prayers are with you at this time. I’ll be lighting a candle tonight in honor of your beloved PC.
Dear Chaya,
I am very sorry to hear your news. I fully expected to log on this morning and to hear that PC was still fighting. As his death came as a shock to me, a stranger, how it must have affected you and your family does not bear thinking about.
Your website with the eloquent documentation of Harvey’s trials and tribulations is an invaluable resource to thousands of CLL patients and their carers and will make a fitting and lasting memorial for PC. Whilst his life on this earth may have ended his and your work will continue to give guidance and comfort to others in their time of greatest need. I hope that this knowledge brings some comfort to you and your family.
As a walker myself I am sure PC will appreciate having his ashes sprinkled on the trails around Sedona.
Richard
Dear Chaya ,please accept my and my wife Cathy’s deepest sympathies to you and your family. He was a true and brave hero. He has provided inspiration to me thru my cll journey. In a way he belonged to all of us, I feel honored to have him answer me personally at the beginning of his transplant journey. You have educated us well Chaya, on these very pages you stated “there are no guarantees” but it it still tough to take.
Be well
Dearest Chaya,
We have lost our Prince and you your beloved P.C. and we all mourn for the loss. But P.C. made the decsion to engage the beast rather than go meekly and he died with his boots on.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss and will always remember your collective courage during this time.
Love,
R.
Dear Chaya,
With terrible pain and deep grief we read minutes ago about the fact that is a nightmare for so many people. We cry because we never met and we will never meet your good and multi-talented husband and soulmate. We will certainly keep in touch and hope that you find the strength and the support to go through this dark corridor of time.
Love,
Sandra and Koen
Dear Chaya,
There are no words. . . .The magnitude of the silence is overwhelming. Death is so very humbling. The time with PC was a gift you will cherish forever. He will always be close by. Take all the time you need and heal. We are always here. ncd
Chaya,
My heart goes out to you in this dark hour. You, with Harvey, have been so much on the giving end for this large community of CLL patients. Your gift to us is
huge. And now with the news that Harvey’s transplant ended in death, I too feel the pain of his loss even though we’ve never met. I have been following your journal since April, always with the hope that good health will come back to Harvey. May the memory and love of Harvey sustain you every day of your greiving. You obviously are made of the right stuff, happiness. May the sunshine rise again for you.
Arlyn Fuerst
Chaya,
I am so sorry. I am at a loss for words.
Dear Chaya, so very, very saddened by your loss. Your website has been a wonderful source of CLL information for many of us. You and PC did so much work on this earth for everyone but obviously he has greater urgent work to do beyond. He will carry on in even greater fashion now that he has shed his earthly shackles. May you find peace in knowing all that you have accomplished together in this lifetime and find comfort knowing he will be patiently waiting for you.
Dear Chaya,
My heart is so saddened for your loss of P.C. Your beloved soul mate in this life. There are no words to express this grief. Our gratitude for yours & P.C.`s work here remains. May P.C. rest in peace & you be comforted in knowing all these loving hearts are around you. Howard
Oh Chaya, I feel so terribly sad for you and your family. The death of a spouse is just about the most disheartening and disruptive event to be survived in our life. I have some notes for a widow, based on my own experience 25 years ago, which I will send you in hopes that they will be helpful. I know you have a deep well of courage which will help sustain you.
I am thinking of you often,
Diane
Dear Chaya-
I am simply stunned by the news of PC”s death. You have gone through so many ups and downs in the past few months that you must be emotionally ravaged yet you have vowed to continue your work. And I know that significant work is a good way to fight through grief. My husband died suddenly 25 years ago and it helped me to realize in the months following that the hurting is part of the healing.
with love and gratitude for all that you and PC have done
Cathie
Dear Chaya,
Harvey could not have asked for a more perfect advocate than you. Words are inadequate to express my wife’s and my sorrow. Harvey’s passing is a great loss for all of us and though I never met him I feel as though I have lost a brother.
In any other of the many games we play in life one might philosophically say “but it is not the winning but how one plays that counts” however in the game with CLL the winning is what counts and the way you both played, with such intelligence, determination and perseverance makes the loss all the more tragic.
It is my hope that you can find peace with in yourself Chaya. May gratitude and love surround you in your grief.
Oh Chaya, it just seems like yesterday when I first felt the love from one of your emails …you answered my questions with a caring that one usually only feels from best friends and family. I remember when my Father died at a young age{ he was always very much into the sports scene} the minister said it matters not when we win or lose the game but rather how we play it..of course you and PC needed to win the fight and I would have put money on the fact that if anyone could you and PC would. It is of course not a game but a real time war that you were fighting..well Chaya you and PC managed the war with knowledge- class -caring spirits and always the time to give way over 1000% to any of us who needed your advise. I am rambling I know but I tend to do that when I am upset and I do not cry easily but my face is wet with tears…oh how sad ..know if I may..You are loved- PC is loved …Our hearts go out to you and your family in the deepest of sympathy .. Chaya we pray you will be granted strength to endure the time ahead of you. Oh please do continue to share with us we need to know how you are and what you are feeling. Most Sincerely Sent across the internet miles..Paula and Gary…
Dear Chaya,
I am so sorry. Losing one so beloved, one who is irreplaceable, is so painful. Harvey will always be in your heart. always. This is small comfort, and it is amazing, but eventually we do go on if only, as a start, in the spirit of our beloved.
Although i did know Harvey, my fried Lisa told me about how helpful you and Harvey have been to her and her quest for understanding CLL. Your generosity of spirit and your enormous effort to share your experiences will be forever appreciated by so many people - people in need of information supplied with such thoughtfulness passion.
I love that Harvey cherished animals, I do too. He must have been extraordinary.
you are in my thought, Louise
Dear Chaya
I am deeply saddened to learn this. The personalities of you and PC shone through CLL Topic, that marvelous resource, so this is like the death of a dear friend, A saying from ‘The Prophet’ which has helped me is ‘Grief is the price of love’. PC was clearly loved by so many people. My thoughts are with you and your family. David
You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Kevin
Your love for PC and life comes through with every article that has been written. That will be remembered and cherished for me in this unknown journey.I thank you for taking me along too!
Dear Chaya,
It hurt so much. So wonderfull people. You and PC.
You helped me a lot every time. Again and again
Almost can’t believe he is death.
Love,
Sandra (Belgium).
Dear Chaya,
So sorry for your loss,we have all been very hopeful that things would be better. I would like to thank you both for your very honest and painful account of Harvey,s transplant journey and the CLL Topics site. This has been the only place that I have been able to get easy and honest information, and some comfort from with this disease.At a time like this words are inadequate but I feel I must say something because I am a stranger from the other side of the world who you personally answered my email when I was first diagnosed,your information and compassion will never be forgotton.Take care Chaya you will always be in our thoughts,love from Australia.
I am devastated like so many others. The gift you have given us in sharing these times is the same gift of love you have given each other every day for so many years. The price we pay at this time is well worth that gift. Thank you so much for that gift.
Dear Chaya
Words seem so inadequate at this time - both you and PC have been such an inspiration and wealth of knowledge to all through CLL Topics. My deepest condolences to you and your family - PC will be forever in our hearts.
Gwen xx
I am so very sorry. I to lost my husband and best friend of 40 years two weeks ago to this disease because there was no treatment out here to control his aggressive CLL.
There is no way to describe the feeling of loss and overwhelming sadness. We can only channel it into positive ways like taking up the cause to find the answers.
He is not gone just in another place keeping watch and keeping you safe.
Diane
Chaya,
It is with heartfelt sadness to learn of PC’s passing. He is in my eyes a pioneer and hero, one who I will never forget. Now, you must begin the long process of grieving and recovering. The CLLTopics members will be with you through this difficult recovery period.
Chaya, So sorry to hear about pc’s passing, may god bless you in your time of need. Dave
I am so saddened by this, it is hard to write. Dear wonderful PC, so kind, so charming, he made such a great cup of coffee, he had art in his soul on the website, he loved his family so much and his beautiful dog too, so many more things of course but at this moment these are the things I think of. We will miss him, and we worry about you Chaya and your family now. Damn the Gods for this turn of events!
Chaya,
My wife and I want to express our heartfelt grief at your deep loss. Both of you have worked so long and so hard to educate the rest of us, a fact that we shall forever appreciate.
May God bless you and your loved ones at this time and forever more. We wish you the strength to get through this time of mourning.
Steve
Chaya,
I am so sorry to read the news, I am in shock. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chaya,
I am so sorry. You are in my prayers and I hope you will find peace in the sorrowful days ahead.
Lawson
Chaya,
I remember when my husband was first diagnosed I reached out and you were there immediately. You answered my questions with compassion. I felt like you were a friend just waiting to pick me up and comfort me.
Today I send that same compassion and comfort as I know you must feel lost. You have given so much of yourself, please take time to help yourself. With a deep saddened heart, I send you my love.
Cindy
Dear Chaya:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult and challenging of times. You, “Harvey/PC” and your CLL Topics web site have been a fountain of knowledge, objective and timely information, insight and inspiration for my wife and I during the past nearly 2 ½ years – since I was initially diagnosed with stage 4 CLL.
Now, unfortunately, two of my real life hero’s who you brought to us (both “Harvey” aka PC and “Forest Bump”) are gone – but they and their courage and love of life will not be forgotten! Both of these fine individuals (and many others) have been true inspirations for me to keep on learning more about CLL, to continue to try new treatments, to continue to “push the envelope” and ask questions and to continue to live each and every day of life to it’s absolute fullest! For all of this and much more, I am forever grateful to both Harvey/PC and you!
Oh Dear
Dear Chaya & Harvey, God’s comandment to Love your neighbor is beautifully fulfilled by the example & legacy of your lives. My wife & I pray that His Peace be with you. Stan & Dorrie Wencley
Dear Chaya,
We are all thinking of you and sending you loving thoughts. Thank you for all you have accomplished. The good works that you and Harvey have done for so many will live on in our hearts
Dear Chaya
I am deeply sorry to hear of PC’s passing.
Michael
Dearest Chaya,
We are so sorry for your unimaginable loss. “Chaya and PC” is a phrase to us like “the sun and the moon” or “the earth and the sky.” We cannot imagine one without the other.
If there is any solace here it is that you and PC did everything right and sensibly. PC carried on his struggle with the intelligence, focus, and determination that were his hallmarks. He was a gentle warrior with Herculean strength, a mentor to patients everywhere. He would not have wanted it to end this way, but if he had to go out, he would have wanted to go out fighting. And so he did. We cannot ask any more of ourselves, or expect any less.
PC has left a mighty example, one that he made with your magnificent love at his side. We will miss him greatly, and our hearts go out to you and your family.
With all our love,
David & Marilyn
Chaya, I was terribly saddened to read your posting about PC losing the battle. But the tributes to both of you in the over 100 preceding comments tell the real story. You have meant so much to so many-we CLL patients and others. May you find comfort in the coming days.
Jim in Minneapolis
Dear Chaya,
This shakes us to the core. What you and PC have done for each one of us is profound, and will never be forgotten. May PC rest in peace. We are with you in your sorrow. I always think of PC every time I update my CBC spread sheet. It will now be tear stained.
With much love,
Bob Larkin
Dear Chaya,
It is difficult for me to think about CLLTopics without PC. Both of you have contributed more to the field of CLL than you can appreciate at this time. You and PC have the ability to summarize complex medical concepts to accurate but more simply understood articles.
I never missed reading your postings for the past 2 years.
Yet another doctor with CLL (SLL).
R Neuhaus
Dear Chaya,
I am shocked, saddened, and so sorry for your loss. Your advocacy has helped me more than you can know, and I wish there was something I could do to ease your transition in this difficult time.
My heart goes out to you,
Anna
Dear Chaya and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of our CLL hero, PC. I just knew in my heart if anyone was going to win this transplant battle, it would be PC. I cannot begin to imagine the heartache you are feeling right now. Take time to grieve, to heal, to celebrate PC’s life. We all know he will live on everyday, as his fingerprints are all over the CLL Topics Website. What a beautiful, powerful legacy to leave the world he has left behind.
I won’t ramble because I am actually just at a loss of words to say to you. But please know I am praying for strength and peace for you, dear Chaya. You are my hero, too.
With love and gratitude,
Stacie
Dear Chaya,
There are no words to express the sadness at the loss of your beloved husband, friend and soul mate. The CLL Topics website that you and PC established created a bonding of family for whom you offered the best advice and analysis of information available in the field. I read your articles and since February your journal religiously and I know we all gained tremendously for having this connection to you and PC. It is tragic that PC will not be with you physically each and everyday, but I truly believe that he will continue to live on through all he has accomplished and the people he has touched. I know he will be in my thoughts each and everyday. I look forward to the publication of the obituary for “our fallen hero.”
Always remember that both of you have done so much to help us through our own difficulties with CLL and I am confident we will all continue to benefit from
your wisdom and kindness.
Respectfully, Norman
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. CLL Topics gave me much help and information pertinent to the care of my husband in his 17th year of being treated. I thank you and PC. Fran Silverstein
Dear Chaya,
Any words I come up with just don’t cut it. We’re all sharing your grief now. For your sake, I hope it helps to know that.
With love and respect,
Fred
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your husband have been very generous to the CLL community but this is a time for you to take loving care of yourself. I’m sure your husband would wish that.
One day at a time. One hour at a time. It will get better.
Karen Kordisch
In reading through the posts about PCs passing I see the word “hero” mentioned several times. I think that is a very accurate term. People die for many reasons but few are thought of as heros. Not PC! He was a hero and a great inspiration to thousands of people. He brought passion, understanding, and hope to a collective group of people around the world. Through his (and your) sacrifice the world is a better place. In the end isn’t that the true definition of a hero? I think so….
Chaya, we are so sorry for your loss.
You and Harvey have been heroes to CLL/SLL patients and anyone else who cares about this horrible disease. You were soulmates who worked hard to reach out to help so many.
May God give you the strength to sustain you as you.
Harvey’s love for you and yours for him will never die.
Marlene
Chaya, when I had my first conversation with my buddy from the L & L Society your was the first site she suggested I look at and keep an eye on as I was very new in the knowledge of my disease.
I went to yours and PC’s site every day and remember the disappointment when there wasn’t any new information on our disease.You both were guiding lights for me and my wife and we want tothank you and let you know how saddened we are at your loss of a real “Pal”.
Danny
Chaya,I was shocked and saddened to hear about PC. He was such a brave soul and fought hard, in so many ways. He has mad an immessurable contribution to the CLL community we will never forget him. I’ve often wondered about the art on Topics, its serene and beautiful, I will always think of PC when i see it. My thoughts and prayers are and will be with you. God Bless.
Dearest Chaya,
Confronting the CLL dragon we became a community.
Through people like you and PC we became a family.
We’re connected by the heart.
Many hearts are breaking tonight for the loss of PC.
May God grant you peace and richly bless you for your steadfast devotion to your beloved and to the many CLL’ers around the world.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Janet
Dear Chaya,
I am so terribly saddened to hear the news of PC’s passing. I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through. I think each of us grieves in our own, unique way. But, I hope you will give yourself some much needed time to start healing, and set aside some of the work you do on other’s behalf for a while. This is a time for you and your loved ones. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I will be thinking of you and PC.
With love,
bill
Chaya,
You have all our love and sympathy. I have religiously read every world of your tireless, unselfish, and extremely talented work as an advocate for CLL patients and have so greatly treasured your emails to me. You are a wounded angel now and I only wish I could lighten your grief. PC’s spirit lives and he exists in another space now. People like you and PC are so extremely remarkable.
Michael
Dearest Chaya,
I just learned of PC’s passing and am stunned beyond belief. You have been providing an education and a shoulder for me to lean on for several years now as I face the uncertainty of life with CLL. I feel a deep deep sorrow for your loss and want you to know that my love and prayers are with you.
Lovingly,
Carol
I also was sure PC would come through, one does not know why these things happen,I feel devastated with such news.You need all the strength you can get at this very sad times, we are all with you and wish one was closer to give you a very warm hug, can’t stop the tears running down my face. PC was such a lovely gentleman, a joy and priviledge to have met.
My heart is with you at all times.
with love
Chonette
Dear Chaya
I am so sorry to hear the news and send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I had such hopes for the transplant and can’t believe the turn of events - if I am feeling devastated, I cannot begin to imagine what you’re feeling. Take care of yourself…
With love
Dorothy
We stand in support with thoughts, love and prayers, Chaya.
Kathy & George (cll’er) Martinez
Dear Chaya
I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of your beloved PC’s passing and offer my sincere condolences. The CLL community worldwide honour you and PC for your exceptional, ground-breaking and untiring contribution to the welfare of all those with CLL. We can never thank you enough.
May God comfort you in your profound loss.
Jeanette
Chaya, CLL Topics provided me with a lifeline when I was floundering and did not know where to turn. The information and knowledge I gleaned from your site has been invaluable and empowering. What came through and struck me most of all was your generousity,caring and dedication.This in itself is what I found most uplifting. I am very sorry to hear the sad news about PC and wish there was something I could do for you. I just wanted you to know that I so appreciate all you have done. Much LOVE to you. Warmest regards, Heather
Dear Chaya-what sad news, deepest sympathy. CLL Topics and your huge joint contribution are a tremendous legacy
which will live on.
Thank you for all your efforts and if anyone deserved a
cure it was PC.
Dear Chaya,
I am sending you my deepest condolences and love from England. Thank you for all that you give to the CLL community, — we treasure your work and also PC’s contributions. May he rest in peace.
Love from
Sue
Chaya I am so very sorry. I remember PC as such a lovely man, it was an honour to meet him and see you both together, a great team. I cannot imagine how you are feeling.
Thank you for your honesty in describing your difficult journey over the past few weeks.
Those of us still in the trenches and on the battlefield salute our fallen CLL warrior.
Chaya -
I’m not an emotional person, but as I read about “Harvey” tears began to form. I wish you a very good recovery for yourself, and know that “Harvey” will be watching over you. With life will always come death, doctors don’t save us from death, just postpone it perhaps.
My belief is that life is just one part of our being and death takes us upon another journey, maybe back “home”. At some time we all will join our families and friends perhaps. I wish there was something I could say to ease your pain, maybe take a break from the site for awhile, and concentrate on yourself, your daughter and family with “Harvey”.
Best wishes and God Bless you and “Harvey”!
Bill Smith ‘DX98
Beavercreek,OH
I am so saddened and shocked by PCs death. My deepest sympathy to Chaya and family. What a wonderful brave and tireless advocate for your husband you have been Chaya. He was very privileged to have you on his team. We have all gained so much from your contributions. I feel like I have lost a part of myself.
P.C. you made a difference, Thank-you
This is sad and shocking news, and my heart hurts so terribly for you, Chaya. God bless you and your dear family.
A good and kind man has passed, a great being.
“Let the world be quiet. Let the heavens and the earth be still. Let the world be waiting…”
May we somehow see that “Spirit pours through each and every opening in the turmoil, and bestows new splendor on the setting sun.”
We love you Harvey. How we miss you already.
“O Nobly Born…death has happened…it happens to everyone…merge with the clear white light. So remain awake, O Nobly Born, O you of Royal Birth…Please don’t be afraid of your own radiance. Merge with the Light.”
Gentle rain is falling steadily tonight in New Zealand. And our tears of sadness. We can only offer our love and gratitude to you Chaya…it is all we have left at this moment.
Dear Chaya,
There are no words to express how deeply sorry for PC and you that Barb and I are feeling. The two of you have been and always will be such an inspiration to us. PC will live on in the hearts of the CLL community. His body may have gone AWOL but his spirit and love will live on. May God bless both of you.
Steve and Barb
I am very sorry to hear this news. Both of you have done so much for so many. I pray that you and your family find peace and comfort to match the love you have given.
Sincerely.
Dearest Chaya,
I can’t say anything that hasn’t been posted already, but I also can’t leave the site without adding my heartfelt condolences for two people who have touched our lives so completely. I will always remember that PC took the time to answer my questions when my husband was first diagnosed with CLL and the time that you answered my e mail fears…you said you would lay awake at night just listening to PC breathing…as did I when Kenny was suffering with an abnormal pnemonia. I cried then as I do now, feeling that,though we never met, we were conected, two people loving our parnter, feeling helpless, but still searching and never giving up hope. Heros you both are. My arms are siletly wrapped around you as you go through this next difficult journey.
Tami
CHAYA - I am beyond sorry, what a loss, what a tragedy. And you’re right, he died for a cause. Please stay with us, we need you and your wisdom. I’ll let my group know about this very sad news. John
Dearest Chaya,
You brought our family so much knowledge and strength. It so hard to see you go through this. Take care of yourself like he did you.
Love,
Priti & Elvino Saldanha
P.S: Let us know if we can help in any way…
I am so sorry and sad for all of us….this is so unfair…Doug.
Dear Chaya,
This morning I sent a message of profound sorrow via your close friend Anne, as I did not realise you would like comments.
It is so difficult for any of us who have been down the road with you and PC since the start and had our admiration, respect and love for both of you grow daily to infinity.
I remember in 2024 when I, like PC was diagnosed, we first interacted positively over the prospects of your purchasing a puppy which which later became part of your family, Jasper. Since that time you have helped me and many thousands of other CLL and lymphona patients immeasurably and helped science realise what a dreadful and perplexing problem CLL is. As part of your first discussion group I saw your mountainous mind in action and with PC’s quiet reflective probing your development of the wonderful adventure that is CLL Topics, which is a reflection of your great unquenchable love for PC .
Of course behind all of that is the humanity that is PC and Chaya and now we can only hope that our expression of our feelings for you both will be some consolation for you dear Chaya.
Thank you both
Dermot
Chaya - You both have touched my soul in so many ways. May peace be with you.
Mary
Dear Chaya,
I join the multitudes in offering my condolences to you during this difficult time. CLL Topics was my lifeline since first being diagnosed 5 years ago.You and PC gave me the courage to go on and face CLL intelligently, fighting armed with knowledge and science instead of blind fear and ignorance.I wish you the best, dear Chaya. You and PC have touched many hearts. PC fought the good fight, with you and Jasper by his side.
Thank you both for being such inspirations,
Pat Stanton
Chaya: Although I have never met you and had never met PC I feel a debt of gratitude to you both. (I’ll skip the details here, but it is more specific than just the general consolation of your excellent website.)
Respectfully, I offer you my sympathy, though that word seems so inadequate. The selflessness of your and his commitment to so many of us CLLers is, all by itself, a wonderful memorial to him
Ross
Please accept my most sincere sympathy. You and PC have touched the lives of so many. My heart is crying.
Chaya,
I’m heartsick for you and your loss. Your collective efforts at CLLTOPICS have been a literal lifesaver to so many (me included) and I feel like I have lost an important person in my life. Please accept my sincerest sympathies and gratitude to you and PC. We will miss him tremendously.
Kind Regards,
Jon
Dear Chaya
When PC passed away a part of me died too. All of us cllers are brothers and sisters, a family. Your loss is ours too. I hope you accept all of our love and sympathy and warm feelings towards you. You have been such a faithful and loving companion to PC and a good friend to all of us.
It is so sad for all of us…
Oh Chaya,
No. Tears and sorrow. Oh, I wish I was there to hold you. I do. It’s Wednesday-I just found out. More tears. I have called John to tell him. Chaya, you are so strong. I don’t think I can ever be that strong. And PC was so amazing, such a fighter, a giver, a lover of life. What to say right now-but may God stay with you and keep you. And yes we are all here, praying for you and PC and mourning with you and believing that you both have given more than is required of a loving, open-hearted couple. Peace in your heart and soul-I wish that for you right now. Some peace and stillness. Feel all the CLL family around you, please know you and PC are in our thoughts. All of our thoughts, Beth and John
Dear Chaya,
I just heard the news, and my heart goes out to you.
I have not yet become to fathom how lucky I actually am to be alive after my own ordeal with GVHD; mine was fairly straightforward compared to other fellow patients and to the HELL that PC went through…….
Chaya, if there is anything I can do from here in Hannover Germany, please let me know.
You have my cellphone nr; I am available 24/365 and I MEAN it.
A Big Hug and Kiss,
Daniel Rojas
I wa sorry to hear the news, I hope you can find some comfort inthe days ahead, knowing how a great a person Harvey was and will be……..always inyour memory
Chaya,
I am so sorry that PC did not make it and so proud of you for letting the world know what you both had been going through. Words cannot express the sorrow of your extended CLL family and I know that all of us send our love and sympathy
It has strenghtened my desire to fight and personally I owe so much to both of you for your counsel, kind words and for being there for me.
Sometimes we feel so alone as we face the demon of CLL and I know that once you come through these sad times you will still be there for all of us.
THANK YOU
No. It’s not fair. It’s too soon.
Please know that you have my sincere sympathy. Somehow I thought Harvey would be one who would stare the dragon down and make it back away. What he — and you — contributed to our knowledge in dealing with CLL is tremendous. If you find the strength to come back to CLLTopics we will be grateful; if not, we will understand.
Dear Chaya,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Chaya, my heartfelt condolences. Remember to take comfort each and every day from the loving and caring embrace (okay,cyberembrace) of your clltopics family. We are here for you, as you have been for us. Peace. Michael
Dear Chaya,
My heart goes out to you and Harvey’s family. You both have been a Godsend to your extended CLL Family. Words can not say how sorry I am that our hero is gone, but please know his actions will live on forever in our hearts.
Dear Chaya,
Harvey has made the transition, but he will be with his extended family always. I want to express my appreciation for all the help that you have done to the CLL community.
Friend To Us All, Chaya, you and PC were a fixture of hope and compassion for me during the last five years. Your writtings and alerts so helped educate CLL patients around the world.
Tears are flowing in my family over this sad news. I can only say thank you to you both. We will wait for you as long as it takes. Be Brave Chaya! Thank you again for sharing your journey. Take care of your family. There are no words deep enough to express this loss. Love, Colleen
Dear Chaya,
I feel your loss. We need to go to the next level to bond together for a less toxic cure.
Dear Chaya,
I am just devastated. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying that you find strength and peace in the coming days. I really can’t find all the words that could sum up my feelings for your and PC’s beautiful contribution to the CLL community. I had the highest regard for PC and have so much admiration for you. Know that I care.
Kathie Johns
Words can never adaquately express the many things we would like you to know as you work through your loss. People like PC never really leave this world. He lives on in the hearts of all the lives he has touched directly and indirectly. Certainly the CLL community has been blessed by his presence in our lives and will continue to be so, because of him, through this forum.
Dearest Chaya,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have always been there for me to answer my questions or give me advice. You and PC have touched the life of so many.
Love, Fran
Dear Chaya,
How many different ways can we say thank you, and somehow it still wouldn’t seem to be enough. My deepest condolences and love for the both of you.
Dearest Chaya,
We have been corresponding since we both joined GrannyBarb’s list in 2024. I am so sorry to read of the loss of your dear husband. Words cannot express my sorrow and sympathy. I wish I could be with you to give you a hug. Please know that PC was loved and admired by many and we will always be grateful for all the two of you did for CLL patients. God bless.
My name is already on the list of those who have expressed appreciation to you & PC for what you have given us in CLLTopics. Now add my name to those grieving today, and add my tears to the sea of tears being shed for both of you.
Thank you again.
Praying for you.
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Harvey’s passing. I looked forward to all your posts and information about CLL. Thank you for all you both did. Vicki Varela
I am so sorry to hear this news. We were all pulling for Harvey. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.
Mark Cornell
Dearest Chaya,
My heart is here for you to rest your weary head apon if you need it. Special tears flow free for a true american hero. P. C. stepped foward and placed his life on the line, for each and everyone of us. My dear, you have certainly earned your star in the Kingdom of heaven for all you have done in standing by your man.You are a hero to all of us too!!
I hpoe that all of our love can fill a place in your heart, because I know it is empty without your husband.
Sending all my love and respect,
Raymond Parker
Chaya, I truly don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry for your loss and for our loss also. You and PC were among my first CLL friends. I will always remember PC as a kind and gentle person.
Reach out, you have many friends. We’ll be waiting when you’re ready.
Love, suz
Chaya:
I send my deepest of sympathy to you and all in your family for the loss of PC. Your worldwide CLL family sheds tears and grieves with you.
I had such hope that you and PC would show the world the step by step chronicle of a way to free yourself of this disease. I admired PC for continuing his fitness as he fought his CLL and felt sure he would be a success story for all of us to look up to.
PC and you were so very thoughtful to share “Harvey’s Story” with the entire world. You inspired and educated us and brought the unknown to us as reality. PC by his actions and willingness to share and you by your excellent reporting and always valuable research have led us all, so many lives, as we face our individual battles.
There is so much sorrow that PC is gone but it is really good to learn that you intend to carry on with CLL Topics. I feel sure it is what PC would wish and provides a beautiful memorial to a great guy called up way too soon.
Please know that we all are thinking and praying for you and your beloved PC. He will be in our hearts and memories forever!
Elwood
Chaya and Family,
I am shocked and saddened at Harvey’s passing. You have all done so much for us. I keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I am really at a loss for words-it is all feelings now and my heart goes out to you. I will always think of him when I hike in Sedona.
Chris Randolph
Dear Chaya,
You are in my heart today. PC has been a hero and a brave pioneer for so many with CLL all around the world. There is gratitude beyond speaking for all you have done to help us understand what often seems beyond understanding. And now your grief is shared by us all. We hold you in our arms.
Carol
Oh, Chaya, I am so sorry.
I read your site often. There is no doubt you are a strong person just as Harvey was. You both have contributed so much by way of your publishing and courage. Words can never comfort one when a loved one passes. Time doesn’t heal it only allows one to cope better. May your strength take you through this difficult time just as it did with your journey with Harvey.
wishing you peace,
Tony
Chaya, I am so sorry. You will never know how much you and “Harvey” have affected so many. We have all benefited from all the love and help you two have provided. My wish is for some of this to come back to you. You are in our thoughts.
Dear Chaya
I am deeply saddened at the terrible news of your enormous loss. Your caring for Harvey showed through so much on your commitement to the CLL topics, for which as new CLL you both gave me so much reassuring information.
My condolence to you and your family and wish you all the best through this very difficult time.
Nick Halepas
From UK
Dearest Chaya and family,
My heart broke this morning when we read about your loving husband’s passing, the world will be a much poorer place without PC in it.
The love and care that you both have shown to us over the years is awe inspireing and we will all miss him.
Our sincerest coldolence goes out to you from everyone here in Australia.
Love and many hugs,
‘Tricia and Bob (aka Aussie ‘Tricia)
Chaya,
I feel pain and sadness. And I know why: the man who has paid forward so much to so many, including me, becomes your friend and mentor.
May G-d gives his soul a comfort. Chaya, you do have reasons to celebrate his life.
Chaya,
I am very sorry to learn of your loss. You loved PC so much. He was everything to you.
Thank you for what you have done to further research and promote awareness of CLL. I know PC is grateful for your tenacity and support. Thank you PC for being the behind-the-scenes person to make CLL Topics successful.
Sincerely, Gretchen Cover
My deepest condolences. Thank you for your and PC’s kindness and generosity in sharing your experiences through the years of this most difficult and courageous battle. Thank you as well for your informative posts and your advocacy for the CLL community, which have provided a source of hope, support and inspiration for me and so many others.
Dearest Chaya,
My heart is heavy with yours. All of us are more than thankful for all of your hard work for our cause. PC will be greatly missed. I know that a part of you will drive yourself even harder in the CLL world as part of your grief process. I can picture PC helping you even more now that he is on the other side teaming up with Granny Barb and others. My beloved grandma died of CLL complications in 2024 right when PC was diagnosed. I then was diagnosed myself in 2024. Because of you I found Dr. Kipps and also learned so much from all of your research. My prayers will go with you and your family. I do live in Phoenix and will try to make it on the 5th. My first grand baby is due right now. If he is born prior then I will be there.
Much love,
Lori
My deepest condolences Chaya. I am so sorry to hear that PC lost his stuggle.
Paul
Dear Chaya,
Thanks to PC we are all smarter, more informed about CLL than we could ever hope to be. Like Granny Barb, you and PC have done a heroic deed with CLL Topics and sharing all your research. We will miss PC tremendously. His journey helped so many and with my own decisions for my allo transplant back in 2024, I will be forever grateful to him and you. Peace be with you, Carol in Detroit
Chaya -
We have just returned from a long vacation in Europe and I eagerly signed on to CLLTopics to see how Harvey was dong — and I was devastated to hear the terrible news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We hope you will continue the wonderful service you have been providing to the CLL community in his memory!
Chaya, I am so saddened with this news. While we’ve never met, you are a part of my family. The contributions you and PC have made to the CLL community and to me is beyond description. PC’s and your love for us all, just bounces off every page and word of CLL Topics.
While I won’t be with you on the 5th, you will be in my thoughts.
Dear Chaya
Please accept my condolences. The news is a shock.
Please know that there are many people with you.
Dear Chaya,
May your heart be held in the loving and caring community of family and friends that you have so generously cared for. You and PC are so loved.
Grateful for all you both have given,
Robin Sale
Dear Chaya,
Just few words from France in memory of Harvey.
Be proud of him and you too, and thanks for helping medecine and community.
Claude, (MCL dx 04/2007)
Dear Chaya,
We are all so grateful for the treasures your mutual love created in response to adversity. You and PC are in our hearts and minds.
Love
Karl Schwartz
Patients Against Lymphoma
Dear Chaya -
This is such heartbreaking news. I can’t remember the last time the death of someone I never met affected me so deeply. Reading all the comments brought tears to my eyes. You and PC truly have created a CLL family that we all belong to, CLLers and spouses and supporters alike. Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Fran
Words, I do not have to express my saddness in the loss of PC. PC and you haave done so much and given so much of your selfs to this cause. Thank you, and may you find comfort in the memories.
Connie (cll/sll dx 2024)
I am at work and I just now found out and I can’t stop crying. I am devestated. Chaya, you are such a part of me and PC was also. You gave me strength and hope when I was first Dx’ed. CLL topics was my graduate course in CLL. You took time out of your life to write me, to inform me, to comfort me. Now, I wish there was some way I could reach out and comfort you. You and PC have done so much for all of us. I just love you so much and know that my heart is united with yours. I have a family wedding the weekend of the PC celebration or I would be there with you. Nancy
My life has been so enriched by your work, and I know that I speak for many others who also share this diagnosis of CLL/SLL. I feel as though our “family” has lost a connection. I share your grief and sorrow. From here in San Francisco, I send you peace and hope for healing.
Dear Chaya,
We hope you are finding comfort in the gratitude and concern for you and PC expressed in these messages-you have certainly given the ultimate sacrifice to help us all!! We were and are devastated by this sad news-and like others we feel your pain and loss. Please know we are with you in spirit and are praying for you and your family. You have touched the lives of so many in need of your knowledge and your generosity has made the world a better place!!
We send you our love and heartfelt sypmpathy for your loss, and ours.
Love,
Nancy and Coy
Chaya,
Feeling so sad for you, and sad for us, as well.
PC did as much as any of us can hope: he helped others even as he carried his own burden.
Please rest, then reengage; we need you.
Dear Chaya,
I am so sorry for your terrible loss. You were a wonderful, generous, loving couple. I hope you find comfort.
Dear Chaya:
I am so sorry to hear PC passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Chaya,
We are shocked with the news and soo very sad for you. My family and I wish you our deepest sympathy.
Robert & Family
Chaya,
I feel I know you and PC and I do feel such sorrow for your loss. Pioneers are heros for those of us left with this battle. Peace to you and your family.
Karen and Charlie
Chaya,
I don’t have any word that will comfort you, I know how it feels. But one thing I know for sure is a person is remembered for the work they have done for society and for human well being.
PC and your contribution to the world of CLL has helped save many lives and you two have been a great resource for all of us. PC will be remembered as an icon in the field of CLL and I know PC will always remain alive thru all his work and contribution to the world of CLL.
My dearest Chaya — my heart is broken an I am crying. It will take me a while to digest this. What a journey we are taking. We too believe we must try all things in hopes that there will one day be a way to stop this terrible disease.
Love and many hugs,
Penny
I am so sorry to hear that your best friend and husband has been claimed in death. CLL is a monster…don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, don’t let anyone say it is the good cancer. My thoughts are with you.
JoAnne
It’s obvious how many of our lives you and P.C. touched. I’m terribly sorry for your loss.
Loralee
Dear Chaya and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved PC. Countless friends of yours are mourning around the world with you. Thank you always for the immense amount of work you both did in the CLL universe, my heart goes out to all of you.
Now cracks a noble heart. Good night Sweet Prince,
and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
With All Best Wishes Always,
Debbie Groff
There is a yiddish word “Mensch”. It is a person with amazingly admirable qualities. If there is a Mensch hall of fame, you & Harvey will be the first inductees…Allan
Chaya,
Just a note of condolence to you and your family on the passing of P.C. and my prayers will be with you. Because of CLLTopics I was able to participate in Mayo’s Green Tea clinical trial and I will always be grateful. Thanks to both of you for your efforts that made that trial, and others as well, possible.
Take care and God Bless!
Tom
Chaya!
We are shocked and griefstricken to hear about PC. Although we have not met - yet - you and PC became a part of our family. Our thoughts and prayers have been and will be with you. You and PC have been pillars of strength for people around the world. You both stood on the horizon with a flashlight to guide us all. Know that we are here to do the same. You’re going to reach the shore. You and PC have a special bond between you that lives on. Even though you may not be able to see him and touch him, you will still speak to him. There are thousands of arms around your broken heart and We will all hold you through this…until you see each other again.
All our love,
Blair & Barb
Dear Chaya,
As a survivor of CLL, I appreciate so very much what you and PC did for the CLL community. You and PC were unselfish in your devotion of keeping us informed of the latest research and the pros and cons of existing choices of treatment.
I am so sorry that you lost your best friend, but at the same time, I am sure that you are proud of him of his accomplishments and devotion to you!
God Bless you both in Life and Heaven!
Ronald Isaacson,
115 Gables Way
Jackson, NJ 08527
I am devastated by your loss: I feel as though it is mine as well, though I never met PC. PC’s illness gave us CLLTopics, a site which has become the backbone of support for all of us CLLers. Perhaps the cruelty of his death will bring an even greater blessing. We can only hope. May God be with you.
No words can express the feelings of loss that so many share with you and your family. You and your soulmate PC have done so much for so many. You guided my husband and I, on our search for care and treatment, thru your remarkably intelligent and witty reviews of research and available data. Thank you to you both. You have paid the ultimate price. your in our prayers, we are eternally grateful.
John & MaryBeth
Oh, Chaya,
what heartbreak!
Chaya,
I am so,so sorry to hear about PC. We all had such great hopes. He will always be around you, I know that I can still feel my dad around every day. Your gift of love to PC has amplified out into the world into both of your gifts to all of us. The 2 of you have helped more people than you can imagine. It was only in finding your wonderful website when I was diagnosed that I could put some structure and understanding and hope to this thing. I am truly heartsick that PC should be one of the people to go so soon. Bless you both.
Tim O’
I am saddened by your loss. He touched many lives.
Lou Preziosi
Chaya:
I don’t have the words to express how much we grieve for you and your family. After my beloved Joanne was diagnosed this site was and is so incredibly important to us. I read and re-read. I still do. Thank you for all you two have done.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’ve had this Cherokee Indian Poem on my wall since diagnosis:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond’s glint in the snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in mornings hush
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet
birds encircled in flight,
I am the soft star that shine’s at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.
He (and you) have been bright lights for us all. Thank You.
Dear Chaya,
We have ALL lost a dear, sweet, caring person who’s touched our lives in so many positive ways. Know that I grieve with you. And that I’m keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself. I hope you find some comfort in your many memories of your life together. I’m sure a group hug is going out for you from all over the world.
Margaret
Dear Chaya
I am so sad to hear of PC’s parting. The two of you have been such a wonderful source of help, strength and information. Your service to the CLL community is second to none. May you always be blessed.
John
Dear Chaya, My heart is aching for you and your loss, and for all of us and our loss. May you find great strength in the days ahead, knowing how much you and your love did for CLL and all of us who have struggled through. Thank you. May only good come to you now.
I can’t stop crying from the loss of PC. You and he joined together to fight the battle against CLL-and were absolutely the best at this!!! Thousands of times I have been thankful for your passion for life and search for treatment help, expert knowledge, and enormous generosity of spirit to share this with all the rest of us with CLL. I hope you feel the enormity of gratitude I and so many others feel for you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
IN AUG.2002 GEORGE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CLL AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER WE WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO FIND CLL TOPICS. THIS SITE HAS NOT ONLY BEEN A CONSTANT SOURCE OF INFORMATION IT IS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF INSPIRATION. WE WERE SO SADDENED TO HEAR OF P.C.S PASSING. WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH SINCE THAT FATEFUL DAY IN AUG. BUT WE CANNOT IMAGINE HOW YOU MUST FEEL. PLEASE BE STRONG AND TRUST IN THE LORD AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-Dylan Thomas
PC did not live to see old age, much to our sorrow. But rage he did, in his own gentle, inquisitive and artistic way. I never met PC in person, but I am proud to call him my friend and advocate. Oh my, how he will be missed in our CLL community!
Chaya, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I write this from Prescott and I will be with you on the 5th.
My love to you both,
Betty
My dear dear friend Chaya - I was heading out the door when something made me check my email before leaving…….I received your sad news and made it mine. My heart fell to the floor — I cannot believe it.
My tears are for friends that I have never met, yet touched my heart and mine more than you could ever ever know.
I and many like me have relyed on your friendships to get through our hardest of time — and I must lend you my heart ……..you know how special your husband was……both of you side by side faught to defeat this dragon that lies silently at times within us……..yet time and time again rises to attack us out of no where.
I want you to know - that my prayers and my heart are with you as much as it possibility can be. You were both dear dear friends to us all and to be without one of you is like losing a part of ourselves……..
Be brave - know that you must now draw strength from PC spirit which is now at peace and in the wind and country that he loved………we will miss him but he will always be with us with all he has left behind and given to us.
My prayers and love to you and your friends and family……Darlene Dorsey
Chaya,
What a shock, what a blow, what a loss. And that’s just to those of us, your readers, who have not only benefited from your distillation of research but have listened to your distinctive voice (in CLLTopics) and through it imagined we know Harvey and Serena, P.C. and Chaya.
What must it be like for you? Scientist and realist that you are, you knew all along that a card-counter from the MIT math department still has a rough time beating the Vegas house. But out here on the cyber-frontier, we thought if anyone could outwit the clever leukocytes, it would be you two, the scientific Bogey and Bacall of the CLL set. And perhaps you did. That an odd and unexpected twist, manifested as the reaction of P.C.’s body to the transplant (or perhaps something else) — that it could be waiting around the corner to sandbag our hero … is just too too much.
You both have done so much for so many whom you do not know. P.C. has given us the last full measure of devotion. Yet to you and your daughter and your extended family, all that may well be valuable to hold onto, but it probably also is a bit too thin as real consolation. The loss of a loved one, of a dearly loved husband and dearly loved father, when put on a scale can’t be balanced. The hardest things can’t be fixed. (A line worthy of a refrigerator magnet, but true.) I don’t mean CLL can’t be fixed — I think it is being beaten back, step by step (agonizingly slow for us patients), and I think eventually CLL’s communications circuitry and genetic and epigenetic regulators will be unraveled and counteracted. By the hardest things, I mean loss. It can’t be fixed. It can only be lived through.
This post is too long, and still I haven’t found the right words.
I’m thinking of P.C., and I’m thinking of you, Chaya, and your daughter. I wish I could have thanked him directly for all he’s done for me and others, and for his extraordinary good judgment in having you as a wife and partner in life.
I am so sorry for your loss.
J.
Chaya,
I am so sorry for you and the family at this awful time and cannot imagine how you are feeling.
Your battle with PC’s Cll has been such an inspiration to so many and we have all learned so much and become, in some way, a part of your extended famuly through this process.
We were all willing this treatment to succeed and are shocked and bereaved too in a sense.
Our love and thoughts are with you at this awaful time.
Graham & Andrea
Dear Chaya
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep strong and know that all the friends you have made throughout the world are thinking of you and PC.
Sincerest sympathy
Trevor Haw
Durban, South Africa.
Chaya, PC shared his life and travels with us, and you helped us see his journey. We will miss him greatly, and we hope to continue to hear from you and wish you well. Sarah
Chaya, you and PC have given so much to our community, when I was diagnosed,
your site was where I found the answers to questions I didn’t even know to ask.
My heart aches for you and your family, you are in my prayers. Mike
I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Chaya,
i am deeply sorry for you loss.
thanks for everything you and PC have done for all us. it is so much.
we’re all proud of him and praying together with you, your family and friends
paolo, Italy
I am so sorry to hear of PC’s Passing. He will truly be missed by the thousands of lives he has touched. My prayers will be with you.
David,Tulsa
Chaya,
I am devastated by the news about PC and can only hope that the collective sorrow of all of your readers can bring you and your family some solice at this moment. Our thoughts and wishes are with you. Please know that your’s and PC’s work have been our lifeline and that PC, despite our never having met him, will live on in our hearts, and particularly our minds, for we are more knowledgable and wiser because of what he did for cll.topics and through his personal struggle against cll.
Dear Chaya,
Your and Harvey’s compassion and empathy for others suffering from CLL was so evident since my first discovery of you and your website months ago while searching for help for my dad.
In fairly short order, I learned that your husband, too had been suffering from this condition but also, equally motivated for its cure.
When, after writing to you several weeks ago and not hearing from you in your usually prompt way, I began to pray more earnestly for Harvey. I felt his course had changed though not wanting to admit it.
I am deeply sorry for his loss.
I wish you continued strength for yourself, your family and for your invaluable advocacy. Indeed, you have helped my family greatly.
Namaste,
Mark
Chaya. I am deeply saddened by the loss of PC. It took alot of courage to go through the path to find a cure for CLL. I want you to know that all the work that you and PC have done is not in vain. Thank you for being out there for us CLL patients. In time I hope you will continue this fight for a cure. My prayers are with you dear friend.
Dear Chaya,
My heart and prayers are with you, your PC left a great legacy and you as his companion, support, best friend, soul mate and many more good things are making a great difference for CLL sufferers. I first contacted your site when we found out my father-in-law had it, then I went back to it when a dear friend of mine announced to me a couple of years ago and I referred him to your site. My father-in-law lost his battle three years ago but my friend is still fighting, he is on remission now and doing OK.
Thanks for a great job, I pray that in due time you continue the fight for a cure, you are awesome!
Take care,
Marta G.
Dear Chaya. The past two weeks, I have not read the journal due to health issues here. Oh, I so feel for you that I cannot seem to stifle the tears here at my desk at work. There are no words that I can say to help heal the heartache you feel, but, just know, there are thousands of us right there with you. Thank you and PC for all you have done for this big CLL family.
Sincerely,
Debbie Andrews
Chaya,
Harvey truly touched all of our lives. Thanks for making somthing so private, public. You are Harvey are an inspiration. All my best, Katie
Dear Chaya,
I am crying as I type this condolence to you. You and PC have thaught me so much about CLL as I also have a body subjected to this crazy decease and truly know how it feels waiting for the other shoe to fall. You are so caring to go on with CLL Topics and I applaud for your strength especially now with your loss. PC, as the wind carries his ashes, will enlighten all of those you are truly interested in combating CLL.
I remain your CLL Topics reader who appreciates every word you have written and intend to write from this day on.
Sincerely,
Joan McEnery
Dear Chaya,
We were absolutely heart-broken to read of PC’s passing. May you feel the hugs of all the love surrounding you. We will never forget your kind words of encouragement when Bill was first diagnosed two years ago. Your web site bolstered us and kept us informed. Thank you both so much for all you have done for the CLL community. PC truly is a fallen hero. Although we never knew him personally, we felt very connected. We will be with you in thought and prayer as you all gather to remember PC, who will be with you always in your heart.
Sincerely,
Robin and Bill
Dear Chaya-
We were so sorry to hear that PC had lost his battle with the dreaded infections and we send you and your family our love and sympathy.
Several people have written of belonging to the ‘CLL Community’ or the ‘CLL Family’ and the fact that such expressions are used is largely down to you and PC and CLLTopics. Thanks so much to both of you for all the information you have given us.
We will be with you in spirit on 5th July and will have a quiet time here in England thinking of you.
Melissa and Phil Budden
Penzance, Cornwall
Chaya & Family
PC was a tremendous man. He was an incredible husband, best friend, Father, soul mate, and he left this material world far too soon. We feel fortunate to have known him & to been graced with his intelligence, personality, & sense of humor. We will miss him terribly & our thoughts are with you & Radha. Although we will not be with you on the 5th in person, we will be with you in spirit to celebrate Pc’s life. We will see you in the Fall for a personal celebration.
All of our love,
Anne & Alan
Dear Chaya-
You and P. C. have made unique contributions to a significant segment of
Dear Chaya-
You and P.C. have made a unique and lasting contribution to the world.
The audience reached by your website is worldwide and its size is in the millions. I believe that the help and guidance that you have so selflessly offered worldwide is and will remain unmatchable. I will miss P. C. and I
will be waiting for you. My sincerest condolences. Glenn Davis
Dear Chaya, it is with profound sadness to hear that “Harvey” your beloved gentle man PC passed away this week. I truly believed that PC would beat the odds and shame this brutal disease into permanent remission/cure. Try and remember that PC has escaped the bonds of earth and is now a healthy and pain free spirit living with his maker. Shalom, Eileen
I, too, felt such profound sadness when I learned of PC’s passing. I found myself uttering No! No! No! The two of you have been so special to so many of us for a long time now, and I just couldn’t bring myself to accept this.
As I read the many comments that have been posted, I was struck by some of the words and phrases that were repeatedly used about PC and you; examples such as:
hero, inspiration, pioneer, enriched our lives, a pillar of strength and
support, beacon of light for all of us,a lifeline, tireless efforts,a true
trailblazer…
PC fought the good fight with you in his corner every step of the way. Please accept my condolences. Take all the time you need. We will be thrilled to welcome you back - when you are ready. You are in my thoughts.
With much love,
Hazel
Dear Chaya,
The outpouring of emails sent to you from all around the world is a lasting testimonial to the impact you and your loving husband has had on our lives. For myself, plus the thousands of others who share our plight, your website has been one of the very best sources of comfort and information.
I am very sorry for your loss. You and PC will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
Pat Ready
Dear Chaya and family,
You and PC via CLL Topics helped my family more than you’ll ever know. If only there were some way to support you and your family as fully in your time of sorrow. Just know that there’s a web of love that the two of you created that will never die.
Namaste.
Mary Beth
I am sitting here staring at the computer, and I don’t know what to say. I
feel like I just lost my brother. The two of you have done so much for those
of us who have CLL or have loved ones with CLL; it just seems impossible that
P.C. is gone. I am dumbstruck. You can’t believe how saddened I am. I can’t
be there in Sedona physically, but please believe I am there in spirit. I
wish the very best for you, I wish you peace; both P.C. and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dearest Chaya I can’t tell you how sorry I am about your husband. I hope you are managing and I wish there was something I could do to help you.
When I first had the privilege of reading CLL topics I was so moved that you were devoting your life to helping your husband with his illness. I often thought about how lucky you both were to have each other. Most people live their entire lives and never experience such a love. But you knew it and you shared that love and dedication with every article, with every answer to every question, with all your hard work. Being able to share in your husband’s experience with CLL helped all of us and I thank you both from the bottom of my heart. I read somewhere that “to live in the hearts of those you’ve loved is not to die”. He will not be forgotten.
Dear Chaya,
Like many of us, we never met, but you and PC helped to give some control and hope to the lives of so many.
I salute your bravery, dedication and service.
In life, PC gave gentle hope and knowledge to us. In his passing, he will surely inspire others to follow, and for all of us, this will be the best living testament to his memory.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family in this moment of loss, and sadness.
May PC’s spirit always live on in those Sedona hiking trails, and in this forum.
Indi Singh (UK)
Dear Chaya,
I feel an enourmous sadness learning last night from your e-mail that PC has passed away. It is so tragic.
PC and you have meant a lot to me as a CLL patient and I can only pray that you will have strength to continue the important work that you both started.
In my thoughts I am with you and your famly.
Rolf (Stockholm, Sweden)
Chaya I know you through my brother and mother who use the site always as my dad fights his battle with CLL. I am SO sorry for your loss and you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
You both touched the world and made it better.
Sherri Price
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for this wonderful website. My prayers are with you.
Dear Chaya
Words seem inadequate, my condolences to you. PC was a brave soul.
An angel is now among us .
Dear Chaya,
I cannot even begin to say how sorry I am. When I was diagnosed with CLL, it was Harvey’s story that gave me hope when I was so very afraid. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Thank you for sharing the story of Harvey and PC.
He will continue to live on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Christine
It is with shock and sadness that I receive this news. Both P.C. and you have done so much in helping those with this disease. Please accept my condolences and be aware of our appreciation for P.C.’s and your dedication in giving hope to those of us with the disease through your wonderful website and envolvement.
Guy
My heart and tears are with you.
You two have given a lifeline to people like me who have CLL and live in the remote parts of the world. Because of your generous contribution, the world is a better place for us.
I hope you find the strength to continue your work if beating the CLL dragon.
I just returned from a lengthy trip and am completely at a loss at this news. What a brave man and a beautiful and important legacy and family he leaves behind.
I will continue to pray for us all and will be comforted in the knowledge that there are many of us out here who have learned so much from this amazing family and that knowledge and their strength will live on.
Many blessings on your family.
Raymond
My deepest condolences on the tragic loss of your beloved soul mate PC. He was incredibly strong and brave; sadly the CLL was a bigger monster. From my heart, I thank you for your dedication to CLL topics and Harvey’s patient advocacy. God Bless you and your family.
Chaya, family, and friends,
My heart goes out to you on your loss. P.C. is a person I would have loved to personally have known – his pictures say it all — the infectious smile, love of the outdoors, hiking, and of dogs. This coupled to his (and yours too) commitment to a cause and of contributing to a needy group of people – those of us with CLL. What the two of your have done with creating CLL Topics has met a lot to me – and undoubtably thousands of others. He will be missed as P.C. or as Harvey “the bald headed kid”. He will live on in all our memories.
Thanks for sharing details of his life with all of us.
P.C. is irreplaceable in so many hearts …
Dearest Chaya and Radha, our love pours out to you in your grief and sorrow. Your beloved was taken too soon, too young, too early. May your memories give you comfort.
I won’t be able to be with you at the celebration of P.C.’s life on July 5, but I will be thinking of you at that time and with you in spirit.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Chaya,
What a chaotic roller coaster of facts, emotions and physical condition to go through in such a short time. I’m hospitalized in the midst of scary post-transplant complications and my sister is riding these crazy ups and downs with me. I’m sorry everything changed so rapidly and you never got to talk more before he went into the coma. I’m shocked how things change so rapidly day to day. Thank you enormously for putting his and your experiences into the journal even when it was tough. I’m so sorry he died.
Barbara, MD Anderson
Dear Chaya,
When I originally opened your e-mail telling of P.C.’s passing, I could not respond to it at that time and needed a few days to absorb it. My deepest sympathy. My husband and I have turned to CLL Topics as THE source for news and updates regarding this disease. Although my husband was only diagnosed about a year and a half ago and is currently asymptomatic, I have tried to stay current on any new treatments or information. It would have been very difficult to do without yours and P.C.’s dedication. Thank you for your gifts to all of us. I only hope that in time your pain will lesson and that the support from so many of your followers and friends will comfort you.
Dear Chaya,
I was never fortunate enough to meet either you or P. C., but through all your caring and sharing, you became friends.
You have both been here to take our hands and provide us with comfort as we journeyed through an unknown world. Now, the many people you constantly encouraged and provided comfort to, are here to provide the same support and comfort to you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We shall never forget P.C.
Since reading you email to me on June 26, I have tried each day to write a response that would bring you some solace.
I kept writing drafts each day, and then reading them over the next, and always ended up discarding them as inadequate.
There are no words that convey our sense of your loss and bring you real solace. You most of all, but the rest of us too, have suffered a great loss.
P.C. and you have done so much for us. Please know that we mourn so deeply for P.C. and for you.
i am so sorry to hear the news about pc , i really feel for you and i feel for him . i read your stuff all the time as a support and i forward your brilliant thoughts to friends who need support and even though i am involved with non hodgkins lymphoma everything that you cover is relevant .
thankyou for you combined spirit and courage and sharing
keep strong chaya
you are inspirationa;l
i send you love and support at a shocking and difficult time
no one can ever prepare for this kind of moment
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
max
Thank you, PC, for fighting the good fight.
And thank you, Chaya, for sharing this wonderful man with us. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You’ve done so much for those of us with CLL, more perhaps than you’ll ever know.
God bless.
Bill
Dear chaya,
As the wife of another CLL patient, we have been dealing with it now for 3 years that we have been aware of his disease. I have given several of your articles to our hematologist and he was impressed. Larry is still in Stage 0 and I hope he stays that way. We feel that the ECGC candy that “Harvey” told us about is helping. I only wish that you had more years with your husband. My heart breaks for you and your family and I am so every grateful for the information that you shared that is helping us.
Pat and Larry
Dear Chaya,
My heart goes out to you and Radha for your loss.
What shone and shines through CLL Topics through the years and even now, is your unwavering love for P.C. and undeterred hope for the future.
“The transplant had taken hold, and prednisone seemed to hold the slight fever”
That was last news that I read before being away from your web-site for a while.
I am so sorry for this turn of events.
Jo Bunkenburg
Dear Chaya,
I’m deeply sadden to hear of Harvey’s passing. You and your family have suffered a great loss of the great man you loved so very much. You have both been an inspiration to me. You have helped myself and others more than you will probably ever know. You will be in my prayers.
John
My husband has cll and is making a very troubled recovery from an autologous stem transplant Ive read your cll topics since he was dignosed 4 years ago and it has given me strength to support him through continuing ill health. Im so sorry to hear of your loss-your man was so brave to trial this new proceedure but as I know too well these things dont always work out.Thank you so much for all your valiant efforts for cll sufferers over so many years.I do hope that all the support you are getting will help just a little to feel that you and your husbands battle has not been in vain.