Helping Rod Anderson's family

[Jorge]

Last week I'd put something together to help the family of a member that has recently passed away. Rod Anderson was diagnosed with cancer last August, after he wasn't feeling well and went to see a doctor. Immediately after getting the result, he and his family traveled to a contest they already had scheduled. Rod wasn't up to doing as much as he'd like, so his wife and son carried the load. They won their first GC that weekend. Fate, they were due, who knows? For family reasons I canceled my planned trip to the Royal in October. At the last minute things changed and I made the trip to see friends, and contacted Rod to see where he'd be so that I could say hello.

Rod canceled the trip, at the last minute after becoming very tired while trimming his chicken before they left. He had treatment scheduled for the following Monday, and decided that cooking back to back contests probably wasn't a good idea. The thing that amazed me was that he WAS going, had purchased his meat, WAS trimming it up.... That's dedication to BBQ. In the end he made the right call, and he was looking forward to this year.

Rod had a form of cancer that was very aggressive, and so was his treatment. He didn't just spend a morning or afternoon getting chemo. He spent days in the hospital. He'd gripe about the lack of sleep, etc... based on having labs drawn all the time, different drugs administered etc., but that was the end of it.

When I last saw Rod in Kansas City, in mid January, he said he was feeling good and was looking forward to cooking the Royal in October. He sounded good and was very optimistic. It sounded like he'd turned the corner.

As things turned out, he had not. They never were able to get Rod's #'s to where they needed to be to try a different method of treatment. He endured a lot of pain, while they tried and when it became clear that it wasn't going to happen he opted to endure more pain and take radiation to buy time to put things in order for his family.

I shared that, in the hopes that some of you that were never fortunate enough to know Rod might understand what kind of man he was. I think we'd all like to believe that we would have that sort of courage. I hope I do.

While I've been buried at work I've been working on a way to help Rod's family out. He's survived by his wife Dawn, and 14 yr. old son David. I can't tell you in terms of money how great their need is. I know, that no matter what kind of insurance he had, that based on his treatment they will be extensive! I'm 45, and when Rod passed he was 40. I know I'd have left my wife with a mountain of debt, had I passed at that age, after the long fight that Rod put up.

Originally I'd worked out a plan for members to purchase product from other members that have a forum in the Ventures section of this site. To their credit, the members that have those forums were ALL more than willing to contribute and help and some were willing to be more than generous. I came to realize, after talking to several people, that sending a large quantity of product to the fundraiser planned for next weekend would only raise pennies on the dollar. After exploring some options, and communicating with some of the folks handling the fundraiser in Des Moines, I've come up with an option where I believe the contributions will do the most good.

Sara Anderson, is willing to make her Paypal account available to members who would like to contribute to helping Dawn and David Anderson. Instead of a $6 bottle of rub generating $2, the entire $6 will go to the family. Sara has access to the account set up for them, and is handling the silent auction. All funds contributed will be going to someone directly tied to the family and the event to raise funds in Des Moines.

For the PayPal account please contact a moderator. They will have that info available. I will try to work with Sara, and Phil (BBQChef33) to set up a page in the next day or so that will make the process easier. Besides being buried with work, I will be leaving DFW shortly to spend some time with my Mom in San Antonio who is also having some health issues. If anyone has any questions for me personally please feel free to shoot me some email via the forum, if you don't have my personal email already.

[Scottie]

You can count me in George. Life is not easy for Dawn and David right now. I understand that feeling of having the rug completely ripped out from under you. the support that they receive from others goes a VERY long way. Trust me. I talk with Dawn almost on a daily basis to try and offer any insight that I may have and how to deal and cope. the love and support from things like this go a very long way in the healing process for them both. It's not about how much you give or can give. It's about the thought and the respect that you are giving the anderson family.

Whatever I can do George, I am in for it.

CANCER SUCKS!!!!

[Ron_L]

Thanks for setting this up, Jorge! You can count on us for a contribution, too.

As Scottie said...

CANCER SUCKS!!!!

[J_Don]

I didn't know Rod or his family but you can definitely count me in. I know personally what cancer can do to a family and just maybe some day someone will find a cure for this deadly disease. Gods Love and Peace to the Anderson family.

[Big George's BBQ]

Will be glad to do what I can Thanks for doing this

[pat]

My dad passed away from cancer when I was 13 so I can relate to the things I assume David is going through. Having people to turn to definitely makes a huge difference. Thanks for setting this up Jorge.

[HoDeDo]

You know we are in Jorge! Just let me know what we need to do.

[Smoke'n Ice]

My wife is a 16 year survivor, I will do what ever is needed. My pledge of $1 dollar per participant in Goodbudies is still on the table.

God Bless

[Rich Parker]

I am in PM sent.

Cancer Sucks!

[monty3777]

I am a member of the Iowa BBQ Society, so I'll make my donation directly. But thanks for putting this together!

[Big George's BBQ]

Donation Made

[txschutte]

I lost my best friend to cancer almost a year ago to the day. I would like to contribute in Allen's memory.

[ModelMaker]

Thanks for helpin from afar G. I have some things for the auction and hope there is a good turn out. I know he would be in the line if it was one of us.

Just a reminder of the fund raiser sponsered by the Iowa BBQ Society on March 19th in Ankeny from 10 to 4. If anyone needs more info PM me.
Ed

[Wayne]

You can count on my wife and I for a little help.

[Sticks-n-chicks]

Wow, very well written Jorge, Sticks-n-Chicks will be sending in as well.