Bert, The Flying Dutchman!
Donazione protetta
Flying Dutchman Battles to “Rock On”
“This is not a dress rehearsal!” Today doesn’t come back! I first heard these words from my stepdad Bert almost twenty years ago. This is the way he lives his life...everyday with such a kind heart, loving soul, positive and vibrant spirit, a deep love for his wife, (my Mom), God, all his girls, Micheala, Jackie, Clarisa & Reina, his family and FRAMILY, and of course his love of rock n’ roll! He began singing as a young boy in the Netherlands, often referred to as the “the southern Dutch Elvis”! It is a joy to see him perform! His goal is to ROCK OUT for his 75th birthday in July.
Last February Bert was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and even though the shock was indescribable, his attitude from that moment was, “Ok, let’s deal with this and get on with celebrating life”! Within the first five months, Bert endured oral chemo and radiation, cancer surgery, sepsis, an emergency ileostomy, (his only fear); massive hemorrhaging requiring eight units of blood and a birthday stay in ICU! The last nine months he’s received chemo treatments every two weeks. His spirit and faith are so strong and alive! Again, he said, “Ok, let’s deal with this and get on with celebrating life!” Bert was a long distance runner, so he is completely devoted to his “Trail Walkin’ Pals” here in town. Even through the challenges of these past fourteen months, he walks at least three times a week, up to six miles! Amazing! Another one of Bert’s favorite pastimes is to hang out with his former “Westwind Band” boys, and shoot the breeze about working on the Queen Mary in Long Beach as tour guides when Bert was VP of Operations! It’s a hoot to hear about all the crazy fun times!
After retirement, Bert continued to work in his small promotion/marketing business (began in 1982) until his diagnosis last year. This significant loss of his income, plus additional expenses for medication not covered by insurance has really impacted their financial situation, and my Mom is working as much as she can around Bert’s medical schedule. It has been a struggle to keep things afloat, so it is my hope and prayer we all can help out just a little to lessen the stress on them, and help Bertie fight this cancer beast and get ready to “Sing at the top of his lungs” for the show of his lifetime!
“This is not a dress rehearsal!” Today doesn’t come back! I first heard these words from my stepdad Bert almost twenty years ago. This is the way he lives his life...everyday with such a kind heart, loving soul, positive and vibrant spirit, a deep love for his wife, (my Mom), God, all his girls, Micheala, Jackie, Clarisa & Reina, his family and FRAMILY, and of course his love of rock n’ roll! He began singing as a young boy in the Netherlands, often referred to as the “the southern Dutch Elvis”! It is a joy to see him perform! His goal is to ROCK OUT for his 75th birthday in July.
Last February Bert was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and even though the shock was indescribable, his attitude from that moment was, “Ok, let’s deal with this and get on with celebrating life”! Within the first five months, Bert endured oral chemo and radiation, cancer surgery, sepsis, an emergency ileostomy, (his only fear); massive hemorrhaging requiring eight units of blood and a birthday stay in ICU! The last nine months he’s received chemo treatments every two weeks. His spirit and faith are so strong and alive! Again, he said, “Ok, let’s deal with this and get on with celebrating life!” Bert was a long distance runner, so he is completely devoted to his “Trail Walkin’ Pals” here in town. Even through the challenges of these past fourteen months, he walks at least three times a week, up to six miles! Amazing! Another one of Bert’s favorite pastimes is to hang out with his former “Westwind Band” boys, and shoot the breeze about working on the Queen Mary in Long Beach as tour guides when Bert was VP of Operations! It’s a hoot to hear about all the crazy fun times!
After retirement, Bert continued to work in his small promotion/marketing business (began in 1982) until his diagnosis last year. This significant loss of his income, plus additional expenses for medication not covered by insurance has really impacted their financial situation, and my Mom is working as much as she can around Bert’s medical schedule. It has been a struggle to keep things afloat, so it is my hope and prayer we all can help out just a little to lessen the stress on them, and help Bertie fight this cancer beast and get ready to “Sing at the top of his lungs” for the show of his lifetime!
Organizzatore e beneficiario
Courtney Ozovek
Organizzatore
Placentia, CA
Bert Sijen
Beneficiario