Parallax's Chris and Wendy Savage - an important call to our customers for assistance
Ken Gracey
Posts: 7,386
Hello,
This is the first time I've felt compelled to ask our customers to contribute financially to a need we feel is very important.
You are already familiar with our Tech Support Lead Chris Savage and the http://www.savagecircuits.com/content.php community he has built around the electronics and programming hobby we all enjoy. Parallax hired Chris from the very distant Upstate New York area over ten years ago. He came complete with a very supportive and kind wife Wendy along with their two sons to Rocklin, California. They're a very unassuming couple with positive support for each other. As Chris might say "in upstate New York we don't do things like you do in California" - a reminder that they're used to a simple life but have adapted to a place some may consider totally opposite of where they're from.
His commitment to Parallax and our customers is significant, having answered tens of thousands of e-mail and phone support inquiries while contributing to (and designing) many product improvements along the way. Between Savage Circuits and his articles, Chris seems to breath electronics and community.
Just recently, Wendy Savage was diagnosed with terminal stage four cancer in several portions of her body, including lungs. This was her second diagnosis from a brief reprieve that lasted over a year. Doctors have given her a limited lifespan of a few months to some period of time longer. Since the diagnosis, Chris continues to hold the course for his family and Parallax though this is not necessary, even training two replacements quickly. We're supporting Chris to take all the time he needs and to see that the parents are able to visit. Wendy continues to smile and keep a positive spirit at the same time, a humbling thought for people around her. We all realize what they're up against and the whole Parallax team stands together with them.
I'd like to ask our customers to consider making a financial contribution to Chris and Wendy. From what I'm seeing even at this stage, they're going to need a lot of help. The costs are significant: deductibles, urgent care appointments, very expensive medicines not covered by insurance, needs at home, etc. Having funds won't change the outcome, but it will make the coming days a lot easier with one less thing to worry about.
http://www.wendyjosavage.com/?page_id=357
There's a simple way to donate using PayPal, right here (edited from my prior post where I provided an incorrect link):
knight_designs@yahoo.com
I encourage you to consider a donation.
A refresh to this thread would be helpful as we keep this request visible.
Sincerely,
Ken Gracey
Parallax Inc.
This is the first time I've felt compelled to ask our customers to contribute financially to a need we feel is very important.
You are already familiar with our Tech Support Lead Chris Savage and the http://www.savagecircuits.com/content.php community he has built around the electronics and programming hobby we all enjoy. Parallax hired Chris from the very distant Upstate New York area over ten years ago. He came complete with a very supportive and kind wife Wendy along with their two sons to Rocklin, California. They're a very unassuming couple with positive support for each other. As Chris might say "in upstate New York we don't do things like you do in California" - a reminder that they're used to a simple life but have adapted to a place some may consider totally opposite of where they're from.
His commitment to Parallax and our customers is significant, having answered tens of thousands of e-mail and phone support inquiries while contributing to (and designing) many product improvements along the way. Between Savage Circuits and his articles, Chris seems to breath electronics and community.
Just recently, Wendy Savage was diagnosed with terminal stage four cancer in several portions of her body, including lungs. This was her second diagnosis from a brief reprieve that lasted over a year. Doctors have given her a limited lifespan of a few months to some period of time longer. Since the diagnosis, Chris continues to hold the course for his family and Parallax though this is not necessary, even training two replacements quickly. We're supporting Chris to take all the time he needs and to see that the parents are able to visit. Wendy continues to smile and keep a positive spirit at the same time, a humbling thought for people around her. We all realize what they're up against and the whole Parallax team stands together with them.
I'd like to ask our customers to consider making a financial contribution to Chris and Wendy. From what I'm seeing even at this stage, they're going to need a lot of help. The costs are significant: deductibles, urgent care appointments, very expensive medicines not covered by insurance, needs at home, etc. Having funds won't change the outcome, but it will make the coming days a lot easier with one less thing to worry about.
http://www.wendyjosavage.com/?page_id=357
There's a simple way to donate using PayPal, right here (edited from my prior post where I provided an incorrect link):
knight_designs@yahoo.com
I encourage you to consider a donation.
A refresh to this thread would be helpful as we keep this request visible.
Sincerely,
Ken Gracey
Parallax Inc.
Comments
You can use the first link to Savagecircuits.
http://www.savagecircuits.com/conten...-and-Gratitude
I have used that before to donate.
I used the link on the Savage Circuits link, and it worked fine.
I am so sorry to hear of this news.
Thanks for posting, Ken. God bless Wendy, Chris and their family at this very difficult time. Thoughts and prayers their way.
Many small streams a large river makes...
As a note, if you've sent Wendy a donation you've been added to our Thank You banner on the side of the page. Sometimes people don't want to be listed or the name PayPal gives us isn't exactly right. Please let me know if I need to manually change anything on that banner.
I was saddened to learn about what you and Wendy are going through. My best to you both, and to your family. You're in my prayers.
Paul
'
I closed my PayPal account years ago, But I was able to donate via Visa card. Just an FYI to others that have done the same.
Anything will help, so it's appreciated. - Ken
Thanks to Ken too for this reminder.
Stay strong
http://www.savagecircuits.com/content.php?227-A-Heartfelt-Personal-Thank-You
We may not have had the opportunity to meet one another, but know that each of you are in our prayers every day.
I couldn't agree more with Andy, this thread needs to stay at the top and in front of the most eyes possible!
Tim
Thanks a lot! We really appreciate all the support the community has shown us. Wendy just posted an update that was important in the sense that for quite some time we've been worried about the amount of pain she was in constantly and it turns out that it may be the majority of that pain was related to something non-cancer. We haven't confirmed this yet, but that's what it seems. So while her cancer is still progressing and she's still stage IV (terminal) the pain has gone down significantly, which means she can now focus on her bucket list, which was very difficult up until Saturday. You guys are great! I've been reading all the posts and messages sent to us. She is in awe at the community support out here on the internet.
I value your friendship through many years going back a long time on things BASIC Stamp, I think even before you started working for Parallax. You've been so steady with your helping hand and with your insights and contributions to the community. Now I am very saddened to learn how much you need that steady helping hand at home. And insights, I expect you and Wendy now have insights into frailties of body you never imagined or wanted, and strengths despite that. To both of you, and your family, my heartfelt hugs. And as a member of this community, we are at your side.
We're going to try and plan for Wendy to visit Lake Tahoe next week. We haven't seen our youngest in over a year so she's really looking forward to that. The rest of our family is in NY. It's the support of the community that really makes a difference in times like these.
I found another way to donate and get Parallax gear as a plus!
Commander Data is selling two Professional Development Boards WITH a BS2pe chip for $80.00 each.
http://www.savagecircuits.com/showthread.php?695-Professional-Development-Board(s)
You will have to sign up with the SavageCircuits to buy. You should sign up anyway. It's a great site!
So sorry to hear the troubles you and your family are going through.
Just add me to the list of folks keeping you in our thoughts.
Tom Sisk
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Publison, good point, Data does have two listed. However if someone is interested and doesn't want to sign up they can contact him directly via email. Just PM me for the address. If I post it and he gets spammed I'll never hear the end of it.
I have been following you since before you joined parallax, I remember you posting about getting the job, and thinking Parallax scored a great employee. I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through. Stay strong and enjoy every moment you have!
Joe B.
If a moderator needs to scold you, maybe they will wait a week or so when it needs another bump!
Tim-M Bump away...it's important!