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Self Portrait, May 2007
This blog is for us to update Albert's friends and family about his condition. It is also for us to share about the Albert we know, care about, and love. Emails are great and much preferred. Comments are scattered throughout usually linked with a posting. Click on pictures to enlarge.
Albert in Bryce Canyon
Self Portrait, May 2007
About Us
- The A-Team
- We are a team consisting of Albert's brother, Tom, and friends (Amy, Trinh, Peg, Natasha, Tse-sung, Nadine, Marina, Gerald and Stephanie). Please, Albert does not want any flowers or gifts. Emails, electronic or printed photos are great. Food and sentimental momentos are great too!
35 comments:
I got the news this morning and I am still in shock. It does not make sense.
Albert has always been a good guy. The type of person willing to give you a ride or let you park at his complex.
Always willing to share and help out.
And to say he was a good kayaker would be an understatement…
Let me know if he is accepting visitors.
What devastating news, I am so sorry to hear that Albert is having to go through such a tremendous battle. I am so glad to know that Albert has so many people caring for him and I know that means the world to him, even if he is not able to show it right now. I will keep you all in my thoughts. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
I'm at a loss for words....just hurt. We were at Octoberfest volunteering together with One Brick last month...shock. Sending Albert and his family love and comfort. I'm there in an instant if anything is needed.
He told me about the pain in his hips a couple of months ago, and he was delusional with the pain and lack of sleep the last time I saw him, on 10/21. I am at a loss for words. Still in shock at the severity. I send him all my love and prayers. If there is some way for a group of us to have a short visit with him to see him and give him our love and hugs, please let us know.
I'm in complete shock over this news about Albert. He was having trouble walking at the Oktoberfest a few weeks ago, but said he had injured himself during a workout. I had no idea he was ill. I would like to visit with him and bring some friends along if its possible. I'll post some recent pictures. Albert is in my thoughts and prayers.
Has anyone in Albert's family looked into alternative types of treatment for terminal cancer such as electromedicine? Here is one link - http://www.hidden-cancer-cures.com/
I know his cancer is very far along but I would love to think that there is something he can try.
Please post if you know anything about these alternatives. thanks
I just can't believe this. Albert is one of the sweetest guys I know -- life is completely unfair. I'm thinking of Albert and his family. The picture posted is perfect Albert -- I don't think I ever saw him without a big grin on his face. He always brightened my day and made me feel welcome. A truly special guy.
I just got the news and am in shock since I had no idea he was ill. Just saw him not too long ago and he was his happy, bubbly self. It is really great to know he has such a great support network around him and would love to visit with him if he is having people by. My love and prayers go out to Albert and family :)
I'm very sorry that this is happening. Some relatives of mine were afflicted by cancer, and it was a tough process to go through. Sigh...I'm at a loss for words to describe the emotions. I hope Albert is able to get well soon. Thank you for sharing.
This is horrifying news. I'm completely shocked and speechless.
In late October, Albert told me he would be in SD at the end of Nov/early Dec when I was going to be back in San Francisco for a visit. So he said he was going to try visit me in NYC the next time he was out on the East Coast.
Albert is one of the finest people I've ever known. He is in my thoughts.
This saddens me very deeply. Al is one of the nicest people I know. He will do anything for anyone. I know we will all do anything that is needed for him. Please do let us know.
Allison.
It still hasn't quite sunk in for me. Not Albert! He's such a positive life force. I'm thankful he has such a wonderful "team" at his side. He's in my thoughts and prayers and I do hope he can pull through.
Thank you for sharing information through this website.
This is such a shock...Albert is one of the most fun, happy, energetic guys I know. Please do keep us all posted on his health and anything we can do to help. If there's an opportunity to visit, I'd love to.
There are no words to express - I just want to see him as soon as possible. And please call or e-mail me if ANYTHING is needed - I am an RN and would of course help in his direct care as needed.
Please give him my love.
-Jenn #510-914-0966
I heard this morning, and like most, am right now worrying and hoping for the best. The last day I saw Albert (it's been too long!) was when he guided my first Alcatraz swim. He found me at the starting line, camera ready - beaming as usual. I know he kept an eye on me the whole course, and having him cheer me on got me through it. He makes others feel better just by being around him - a true light for those fortunate enough to be his friends. Please let me know how I can help in any way I can, and until then we will all be sending our light and our love to you Albert and your family.
I received the news last evening and am still in shock! Albert is the most positive, fun loving, and energetic person I've ever met. I am fortunate and very grateful to have him as a friend.
Please let him know he's in my thoughts and if he needs anything I can be contacted via c# 916-206-4904.
Please let me know when he's accepting visitors.
I just read the terrible news... took a while for it to reach Northern Ireland, but I'm just shocked.
Our thoughts are with you Albert, and it's great to hear that you have such a great circle of friends and family to support you.
John and Siobhan
Almighty God, I pray in Jesus' name that you will give Albert healing and relief from pain, and that you will give his family, his many friends, and teammates comfort and relief from worry.
From the Texas kayak polo players, we say, "Get well, Albert, we women need you to come back to San Marcos and help us out as goalie!"
--Tam Thompson
Albert is a friend of mine. Our lives overlapped for a brief time when he lived and kayaked in San Diego, which is already a number of years ago. I have many memories of better times with Albert.
I have been struggling with the news of Albert’s battle with cancer for a couple of days, and I am still finding it difficult to know what to write. Albert has freely shared his life, and his love of life, and I find it deeply moving to see this outpouring from people all around. It shows me how many other people have been touched in his wanderings.
He is at the forefront of my thoughts, as are the people around him who are supporting him through this most difficult of battles.
Chris
I received this terrible news on Monday morning, one day after my wife Vicki Chiu gave birth to our new baby daughter Lia. I was shocked hearing of Albert's illness and being reminded of the fragility of life, just after having witnessed the miracle of birth.
I've known Albert for many years, since his freshman year at MIT in 1981 when he moved on to my dorm floor. Over the past fifteen years I've enjoyed numerous kayak adventures, parties, and dinners with him here in the SF bay area.
I've always loved Albert's gregariousness and his ability to keep so many circles of friends together, and make new connections between people.
I'd like for him, his family, and his close friends who are helping care for him to know how much he means to me.
- Dave
Hi everyone,
Clyde here from the UK.
Having gone through a similar thing with my Mum over the last couple of years, I wish Albert, his family and loved ones and especially all those directly involved in his care, our fondest and heart felt thoughts, whatever the outcome.
We can take some comfort that Albert’s infectious and vivacious personality will continue on, in us all through the many activities and experiences we have shared with him.
So come Albert, sort yourself out, ‘cause you still haven’t taught me how to goalkeep !
Clyde
Albert always brings a smile and cheer wherever he goes. He's a fantastic person and our thoughts are with him and his family.
What horrible news. Albert is one of the nicest people I know and he'd do anything for you. My thoughts are with him and his family.
After a very grim week, I was excited to hear that treatment has begun. I feel for you, Albert. And I wish you and your family a lot of strength during this difficult time. (I lost my Dad to cancer a few years ago.)
GO ALBERT!!! SHOW THEM THE REAL HELMUT!!! (Hey, I still owe you that tennis match...)
In the past few days, thoughts of Albert have been recurring randomly. My first memory of Albert was a full moon kayaking overnight on Angel Island other BASK buddies. We had a potluck supper, and Albert's signature contribution was a whole roasted chicken, still warm, carried in the belly of his boat. The next morning, Albert's ear-to-ear grin was all over camp as he boasted that his thermometer registered 32 degrees in his tent, and he had frost.
Other random memories are that he was the one who introduced me to the pleasure of Bombay Sapphire, and I've been ruined ever since. I don't know why I ever saw this, but I have a picture in my mind of a much younger Albert playing an Oboe (?) dressed in lederhosen! ??? And Albert's rollerblading round-and-round-and-round the campsite at Russian Gulch at the annual Mendocino Bash.
Get better, young man, because I need more of these silly memories.
Lisa
Wow, I just read this from BAL Barley & Hops group site. This saddens me a lot. I last saw Albert at Mark Shepley's party in September. He wanted to know how he got on the invite list. He was cracking me up as usual. Albert, you are in my prayers, miracles happen everyday in our world. Albert is in my heart & I am feeling this one. Albert - I am praying for you! Lorraine (BAL)
It has been a couple of years since I have seen Albert and was shocked to here of his cancer. I have had the pleasure of paddling, camping and playing in the surf with Albert. I admire his many talents, his intellgence and have enjoyed his fun-loving nature.
I send my best wishes for Albert and strength for his family and friends.
Steve Brandon
I just found out...my thoughts and prayers are with Albert. Please let me know if I can be in any help...I have had two family members in the last 2 years been treated for cancer. both in their 30s...please tell Albert he is greatly missed by his friends.
Temoor "he know me better as TNT"
I received word of Albert's condition and have struggled to find a way to express my heartfelt sadness of such news.
Albert as we all know is bright, funny, quick to laugh and to share his adventures and his joy at life. I remember when he took me on a kayaking trip on the Bay one full moon eve and we ended up knee deep in mud at low tide next to the Oakland airport to experience the thrill of the planes landing seemingly on top of us. He had to get out and waded in the mud to get the kayak to move. This is a man that lives in the moment.
May the treatment allow many more such moments for him, his family, and friends to share with his jolly laugh and contagious smile.
My thoughts and prayer are with him and his family at this difficult time.
Not Albert. I just paddled with him at Nationals in mid-September. He has done so much for me and been there to encourage all of us for so long.
3 years ago he called me randomly to talk about being a goalie. Since this is a gift many have benefited from, I was honored that he was going to spend so much time with me on this. We ended up talking for about two hours; he had me on the living room floor, paddle in hand while he explained shots and drills from about 2,000 miles away.
Shortly after that we traveled to Japan. So many jokes, stories...good times. Waka-no-hana. Oh man. I am so floored by all of this. He is one of those people that keeps you going, no matter what. He can take a bad situation and really find something positive in it.
I first received the news from Joyce Mooney about Albert... I was so shocked...Kind and generous, I was so glad that Albert went to Mark Shepley's party.. I sent him an invitation last minute and Albert being so responsive and generous, graciously accepted.. I was so glad to see him amongst other wonderful BAL friends.. I have heard so many good things from Joyce Mooney about Albert.. Touched by his concern, I wish I could have know him more...Not only is he has a heart of gold, he is soul that you can count on. I will chant and meditate for Albert's health. He will be in my prayers always... Jocelyn Jacinto
May Albert feel the outpouring of love contained in these pages. They are the best reflection of the impact he has had on all of our lives.
Dammit, It may be a bit selfish on my part, but I still have not had a chance to do the channel island crossing with Albert yet, or show off my hand roll to him (still needs some work).He has a bit of this unfinished business with me (and I imagine other folks too). He has got some serious work to do to kick that cancers ass so that he can get back out there with us.
Finally got this blog address this morning... heard about this shocking news a few weeks ago from Ron. This still feels so surreal... My deepest sympathy for his family, and my prayer is with Albert. Yet, I still look forward to seeing him in spring as we were planning to make him try Kite Boarding next season.
Tomomi
After all these years, seeing Alberts smile can still make anybody turn a frown upsidedown. I can still picture him like it's yesterday. Paddling his polo kayak with at the CCK Wed night socials, playing around with the ball opps rolling oppps rolling. I miss the paddling community there.
I'm really surprised to hear the news. But I knew and know he can overcome it. With that happy disposition on his side, along with so many caring people.
A dear friend of mine just overcame late stage colon cancer, I have much faith in Alberts ability to win.
Don't forget to drink water Albert!
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