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Rick L
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 21, 2008 - 03:11pm PT
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As some of you know, Vern was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the Spring of 2004. The diagnosis was a Grade II Oligoastrocytoma. He underwent surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center and received follow-up chemotherapy and radiation. The 9 hour surgery is a whole separate odyssey as he was awake for the entire procedure. Since that time, Vern was able to, for the most part, lead a very active life- a blend of family, photography and, of course, his beloved Sierra. I saw him in Mammoth this Spring and he looked lean, tan and in the best shape I have seen him in years. Since the initial treatment, he has returned periodically for monitoring and, until recently, things looked pretty good. On May 9th a MRI revealed some new growth and an "aggressive treatment" plan was recommended, beginning with a course of chemotherapy. A follow-up MRI on June 4th revealed that the rate of growth had slowed as a result of two cycles of Tremador but the recommendation was to proceed with Gamma Knife Surgery on June 13. A "Gamma Knife" is a radiosurgical treatment that delivers a dose of gamma radiation to the target with surgical precision.(www.gammaknife.org) I was able to be with Vern and Margaret through the rather amazing process and am attaching (with Vern's blessing) some photos. He was first fitted with a "helmet" that is held in place via 4 small screws. The vast majority of the remaining time was then spent "mapping" the coordinates to hit the target area. The actual procedure lasted about 30 minutes.
Here is Vern with the helmet waiting for the mapping to be completed
Vern with one of his doctors
About to begin
Once the session was over, the helmet was removed and we all walked out together. Pretty amazing.
Vern is now going through another course of chemo and will then be re-evaluated.
I have to tell you I have never heard Vern utter one word of complaint, "Why me?" or any other form of self pity through this entire ordeal. He has approached this ultimate challenge with the same strength and focus that he demonstrated throughout his stellar climbing career. I imagine the entire experience feels much like it felt standing on Tuolomne crystal, miles above the last pro, trying to drill. His sole focus is on healing and taking care of his family. I have been fortunate to count Vern as a close friend since his high school days at Indian Rock and I remain humbled by how he has dealt with the most difficult issues life can offer- including this ultimate challenge. I know he has many friends- close and far- who would want to wish him well, so I asked Vern and Maragret if it would be OK to post on Supertopo. For more information or to contact him directly, his website is www.vernclevenger.com.
My Best to All
Rick
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dolomite_said
climber
the real
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:21pm PT
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sorry he's back in the hospital . just seeing him around town etc i got alot of respect for all his credentials : family-man , business-man , athlete , artist .
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F10 Climber F11 Drinker
Trad climber
medicated and flat on my back
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:31pm PT
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I had thought things were going ok. As I walk through my house I am reminded of him through the various photos I have from him.
I will have to take an extra minute and wish the best for Vern and his family.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:32pm PT
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Thanks for the update. Best wishes and Blessing for Vern.
peace
Karl
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Double D
climber
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:36pm PT
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Thanks for the update Rick. Please say hi to Vern and Margaret for me. Vern will be in our prayers, that's for sure.
Dave Diegelman
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
Taos, NM
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:41pm PT
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The best to Vern and his family...he is one of the nicest people in the climbing community.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Jun 21, 2008 - 04:40pm PT
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best wishes to Vern
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Jun 21, 2008 - 05:41pm PT
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Vern was always both tough and bold, and that will never change, apparently. That we can all be as courageous as Vern!
JL
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jun 21, 2008 - 05:50pm PT
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Best wishes Vern
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Jun 21, 2008 - 06:01pm PT
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Well said John, I'll just go with that!
Best wishes (prayers) to Vern and his courageous family.
Peace
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
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Jun 21, 2008 - 06:41pm PT
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RE:
"That we can all be as courageous as Vern! "
sheesh, no doubt.
My sincere wishes for full and speedy recovery.
Ray
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L
climber
Eating sand on the shores of Malibu...
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Jun 21, 2008 - 10:38pm PT
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Your amazing photos have been an inspiration to me (and countless others) for a long time, Vern. And I think you have many decades of vision left to capture and share.
Hurry up and get well so you can get back to it.
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jsavage
climber
Bishop, CA
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Jun 21, 2008 - 10:41pm PT
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Vern you are heroic! Looking forward to some more powder days with ya!
Jim
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jun 21, 2008 - 10:51pm PT
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hey there rick L... say, just a few nights ago i could not get vern off my mind... it was right after i wrote an email to my brother....
say, thanks for the update, as i had been praying and wondering how he was doing... i reckon it was just time for us to know.... and by your kind hand... thank you....
say, his website, used to have nice updates that were very open shares, so his friends would feel free to stop by and read....
HEY THERE VERN... say, not sure if you remember me---chappy's sister, me, neebee.... i wrote you a few times...
hope this will get you "back in the saddle" soon...
god bless to you and margaret and your whole family, work, and all.....
ps. i will send a note chappy's way, too... he sure would like to see how you are doing... last check has was very happy to see you a while back, at a party....
once again, god bless....
-----
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nita
climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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Jun 21, 2008 - 11:15pm PT
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Hi Vern & Margaret,Sending Prayers and positive thoughts for a speedy ...Full Recovery.
Much Love ..Nita & Andy :-)..... Salud..
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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Jun 21, 2008 - 11:40pm PT
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Many payers and much support, Vern & Margaret.
John
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chez
Social climber
chicago ill
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Jun 21, 2008 - 11:48pm PT
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Just saw Vern yesterday and he looked great.
He'll come out of this just fine i'm sure of it.
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martygarrison
Trad climber
The Great North these days......
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Jun 21, 2008 - 11:52pm PT
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Vern, gods speed! You won't remember but we did gold rush around 76 and you taught me how to extend my thumb so my small hands could fist jam that thing. I used the lesson many times. Thank you!
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Anne-Marie Rizzi
climber
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Jun 22, 2008 - 12:19am PT
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A new growth? So sorry to hear about this but hoping for the best outcome.
Vern and Margaret, hope you stay optimistic and continue to love your family and friends.
Anne-Marie
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10b4me
climber
sous le toit
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Jun 22, 2008 - 12:42am PT
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best wishes for a speedy recovery
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Jun 22, 2008 - 12:42am PT
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Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way Vern.
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captain chaos
climber
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Jun 22, 2008 - 03:29am PT
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Like others have mentioned, if anyone has the strength and courage to brush this off Vern does, he's as tough as they come. God speed towards your recovery Vern- Craig
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Fish Finder
Social climber
THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
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Jun 22, 2008 - 10:07am PT
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QUICK RECOVERY VERN
vern has a great gallery next to the starbucks in bishop
the town wouldnt be the same without him
you cant miss him in mammoth or bishop with his floppy red hair and smile
hope to see you out doing shows soon
it would be my pleasure to help you set up if needed , just email me
gregg
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TwistedCrank
climber
Ideeho
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Jun 22, 2008 - 10:30am PT
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I'm looking forward to seeing him positive as ever again at Boise Art in the Park later this summer. The year and for many years to come.
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Maysho
climber
Truckee, CA
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Jun 22, 2008 - 11:42am PT
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My thoughts and good wishes are with you my friend. Best to Margaret and the kids as well.
You are a strong force in life, and your life force is strong.
Peter
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hashbro
Trad climber
Mental Physics........
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Jun 22, 2008 - 01:25pm PT
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Here's some good wishes for Vern from the Pacific northwest. You're a fighter, survivor and self healer like no one else.
Get well soon Vern,
Spencer
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Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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Jun 22, 2008 - 04:10pm PT
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Plaase give my best wishes to Vern and my hopes for his speedy recovery.
Roger
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Mark Rodell
Trad climber
Bangkok
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Jun 22, 2008 - 07:18pm PT
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Hey Vern, wishing you the best. I am moving back to CA. Hope we can x-c ski again...remember Echo to Kirkwood? Cheers.
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LongAgo
Trad climber
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Jun 23, 2008 - 04:31pm PT
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Vern and family,
I'll check in more directly, but for the supertopo log, may all this intervention do the job. I am glad again you are monitored regularly by such excellent medical people and have the best possible care.
My heart goes out to you and family for the mental anguish and uncertainty which goes with such an ordeal. I'll be in touch ..
Best wishes,
Tom Higgins
LongAgo
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, Ca
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Jun 23, 2008 - 05:27pm PT
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Vern,
We've met once or twice but that is not important. I've done a few of your routes - Hair Raiser, Mr. Toads and Merriam Peak come to mind. I also have admired your great photography. Your sense of the mountains whether climbing, imaging or I am sure in many other ways is inspiring.
I had a similar rig pinned to my skull for radiation last year. My deal is vascular, not cancer, but looking at those pics rolling into the ct scan takes me back to the moment.
Wishing you the very best of all possible things...
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aida.wedo
Mountain climber
bishop
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Jun 23, 2008 - 08:01pm PT
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Hope all goes well. Vern most definitely is a great guy.
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Kathy D.
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Jun 23, 2008 - 08:02pm PT
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My prayers and best wishes, Vern. I will never forget the helping hand that you and Margaret extended to me when I was down and out back in 1980. The Greeks have a word for it, Paresteka. Kathy Dermitzakis
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Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
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Jun 23, 2008 - 08:05pm PT
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Vern & family,
It's been awhile since we saw each other but every time I go to The Meadows and do one of your many great routes.
I hope you have a speedy recovery and are back taking beautiful pictures once again.
All the best,
Jack Roberts
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Crimpergirl
Social climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Jun 23, 2008 - 08:09pm PT
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Best wishes!
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Fletcher
Trad climber
The hear and now, currently Pasadena, CA
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Jun 24, 2008 - 12:34am PT
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Peace, prayers and good wishes to you Vern and to your family.
My youngest brother also recently discovered that he has a brain tumor. We are learning that there is so much that is possible.
Namaste,
Eric
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Rick L
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 25, 2008 - 11:55am PT
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I spoke to Vern yesterday evening and wanted to provide another update.
He will complete the latest round of chemo on Monday. Incredibly, he has tolerated this course very well and I was amazed to hear that he an his son, Dylan, just retruned from a quick trip to Whitney. They climbed the East Face and then went on to climb one of the ridges on Mt. Russell. They were planning to climb the Fishhook Arete but ran out of time. He says he feels a bit tired but otherwise pretty good. They also made an earlier trip to climb Michael Minaret- a pretty wild summit from Vern's description- his fourth time on top. It is hard to fathom how he is able to do this in the midst of a pretty rigorous course of treatment but I know that being in the mountains with Dylan must be very good for mind and body.
He will head back to UCSF for follow-up testing toward the end of August. I know Vern and Margaret have appreciated all the support and well wishes. Thanks.
Rick
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L
climber
A chopper, baby...it's a chopper.
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Jul 25, 2008 - 12:41pm PT
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Thanks for the update, Rick. Talk about starting the morning on a high note!
Way to go, Vern--just keep climbing them peaks and living your adventure. You're amazing!
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 26, 2008 - 02:49pm PT
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Best wishes to you Vern for a speedy recovery and an easy climb back into the saddle.
Thanks for the timely update bump.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Jul 26, 2008 - 03:03pm PT
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Vern,
Best wishes for continued successful treatment. Hoping to see you this summer in Bishop.
Rick
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Double D
climber
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Jul 26, 2008 - 04:02pm PT
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Vern,
You're an animal! My prayers are with you for a full recovery. I only wish I could climb half the stuff at altitude without the handicap of your treatments!
Maybe we should start a new rating system...the Vern factor? (-;
Dave
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Anastasia
climber
Not there
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Jul 26, 2008 - 04:45pm PT
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Wow Vern!
I believe in your strength to get over this. I know there are many good years ahead of you.
Sending all my best thoughts, energy and prayers...
Anastasia
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jul 26, 2008 - 05:08pm PT
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hey there vern and family... may many sweet blessing be yours this summer... god bless you in all you put your self to do...
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10b4me
climber
the gray bands
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Jul 26, 2008 - 05:24pm PT
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awesome that Vern is on chemo and still be able to climb in the mountains.
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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Jul 26, 2008 - 09:06pm PT
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Thanks for the update, Rick. I remember Vern and I testing some cross-country skis and bindings to see if they were "Clevenger-proof." They weren't. I'm hoping this disease isn't either. Vern, our thoughts and prayers stay with you.
John
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captain chaos
climber
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Jul 27, 2008 - 04:41am PT
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Thanks for the update Rick... its good to know Vern has retained his spirit, although I can't imagine him dealing with it any other way, the boy has always had a great spirit. I just had someone send me this link about Maitake mushrooms, seems they are quite effective in fighting cancer. Since your in contact with Vern, please forward this link to him, hopefully it will help some, if nothing else it won't hurt to try. Also tell him Calonica says hello and that I send my best wishes to him and his family...
http://www.healthcastle.com/herb_mushroom_maitake.shtml
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Rick L
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 1, 2009 - 03:27am PT
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Vern called this affternoon on his way back from the UC San Francisco Medical Center. It seems hard to believe that his brain surgery took place 5 years ago today and the Gamma Knife procedure is coming up on a year. I am happy and relieved to report that there is no growth and everything looks pretty damned positive when compared to a year ago. He is still on a course of chemo but it hasn't slowed him down much. He is working out like crazy and has put in a bunch of days on the slopes. He and Dylan are planning a backcounty ski trip in the near future; I'm sure most of us would find their agenda sufficiently challenging without the debilitating effect of daily chemo pills. I doubt there are many others on the planet who have met the physical and emotional challenges that go with the diagnosis with such dignity and flourish. Yesterday, he gave Dylan a tour of U C Berkeley (Dad). Today, he learned of his immediate fate (cancer patient). Tomorrow, he will be in Palm Springs to attend an art show in what can be best described as a very challenging marketing environment(businessman). It's all very humbling.
In a time where the daily news is very depressing, it is nice to hear some good news. And this, most certainly, is good news.
Best to all
Rick
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there rickL... wow, thanks for this news!
thank you so very much... i had been wondering...
god bless...
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Again Best Wishes To Vern.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Thanks for the update, glad to hear he's continuing to do well all considered. I still look for his routes in Tuolumne when I climb there, I have a Vern guide book hand written from tuolumne, route info goes something like this....find obvious crack at base and follow to face, go left to the top. This for a 5 to 9 pitch route! I've never gotten lost on his routes.
Peace
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Double D
climber
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Thanks for the update Rick. Vern you're amazing my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Chiloe
Trad climber
Lee, NH
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That's an encouraging picture you've painted, thanks.
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Flanders!
Trad climber
June Lake, CA
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Vern, an amazing fellow ! In his early Tuolumne days it was noted
by Tom Carter that Vern lost more yardage than he gained. And we're
not talking modern day sport routes here w/ the bolts every
body length. Vern is one tough guy, all the best to you Vern.
Doug
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Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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Good luck, Vern. Hoping for the best for you and your family.
Roger
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Mimi
climber
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All the best to Vern and his loved ones. Way to go! Keep up the good work and God bless!
Thanks for posting this update, RickL.
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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Thanks so much for that great news and update. Vern is an inspiration! Prayers that it all continues to be good news.
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rodermck
Social climber
san jose ca.
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Apr 10, 2009 - 02:39pm PT
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vern sorry to hear about your setback hope you get better and can keep doing your wonderfull photography best wishes always rod
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survival
Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
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Apr 10, 2009 - 03:22pm PT
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All the best to our hero and his family!!
"hang" in there Vern!
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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Apr 10, 2009 - 05:17pm PT
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I was just wondering how Vern was doing and then this thread came back!
Awesome, thanks Rick.
Vern is a real inspiration, he is one of those folks I think of when I think things are just too much. Ha!
I'll have to try to thank him wihtout embarrassing him too much when I see him next.
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lars johansen
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Apr 10, 2009 - 07:33pm PT
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Vern-
Although we have never met, I have always admired your climbing and vision. I wish you a full and speedy recovery so you can return to the mountains.
Best wishes for you and your family,
lars
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Anastasia
climber
Not here
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Apr 10, 2009 - 10:31pm PT
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Bump! Wishing you a successful treatment/recovery.
AF
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noshoesnoshirt
climber
dangling off a wind turbine in a town near you
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Apr 10, 2009 - 10:38pm PT
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I don't know what impact it might have but I'm trying to send some good thoughts towards Vern.
You're one of my big heroes, stay strong.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Apr 11, 2009 - 01:01am PT
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Go Vern!
JL
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Apr 11, 2009 - 04:44pm PT
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from the mid-seventies
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Mimi
climber
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Apr 11, 2009 - 05:00pm PT
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He looked like that when I met him in the mid-80s.
Best to you, Vern!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Apr 11, 2009 - 05:02pm PT
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hey there vern, happy easter you and family,
from chappy's sis, neebee... (lizzy)
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