Posts like this are hard.
I met Dan Keitz many years ago when we both worked in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. I was immediately struck by three things: His sense of humor, his intelligence, and his huge heart.
Dan was a U.S. Navy Commander, a marathon runner, a semiconductor factory capacity modeler (and latte drinker), and is a fun-loving guy:
He’s also a family man, and a man of great faith.
And he has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy).
Both of which are horrific, and ridiculously expensive, diseases.
Yet despite what he is facing, Dan remains strong in hope, spirit and faith.
I’ve set up a site at DanKeitz.com where anyone interested can help contribute to Dan’s medical expenses, learn more about ALS and CIDP and even leave Dan a message that his caretaker can share with him. I’m sure words of encouragement, even from complete strangers, will mean a lot to Dan.
I don’t like asking people for money. I know times are rough for many out there. But any contribution, no matter how small, adds up. And when you’re speaking to the man upstairs, please put in a good word for my friend Dan.
Here is a video Dan’s son Kendal made that shows some of what his father is going through. What an expression of a son’s love for his father this is. Keep a box of Kleenex handy…
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You’re a good guy for doing this.
Nice post Jay, wish Dan the best. Really stinks you have to write about something like this but I am happy you took the time to do it.
.-= Alex Aguilar´s last blog ..$18,000 California Home Tax Buyer Credit Ends April 30th =-.
Very, very touching. Thank you for sharing.
So how much traffic will this post drive and how many home will it sell? Playing on peoples emotions to get traffic is a low life move
Anonymous –
Seriously?
A) This post won’t drive much traffic. Not many people search for the term “Dan Keitz”.
B) This post won’t sell any homes.
Neither traffic or selling homes is the point. At all.
I should have just deleted your comment, particularly since you don’t have the guts to put your name on it. But instead I left it as a reminder to people that the internet is full of assholes.
Fortunately, “people” like you are in the minority.
Now scurry back under your rock. You won’t be able to respond here as your IP address has been blocked.
I hate people like you.
.-= Tyler Hurst´s last blog ..Day Without Shoes =-.
Good job Jay! Your comment to the “anonymous” poster is spot on. Fortunately these “people” are the minority. Prayers for Dan and his family.
Hi Jay,
Thank you for the thoughtful post about your friend, Dan. I hope you find success in getting him some help with his expenses. I’ve followed you on Twitter and read enough of your Active Rain posts to realize you are a good guy.
I don’t know why anyone, in particular Mr Anonymous would care to make any contribution to this discussion other than a financial one to Dan. Shame on Anonymous. I agree with your assessment.
People amaze me. Thankfully, more positively than negatively.
.-= Jeff Turner´s last blog ..Looking For A Good Flickr Widget? =-.
My mom had ALS more than 20 years ago. I can’t watch the video – I know it will hurt too much. But I will be visiting Dan’s website.
Anonymous deserves every word that you replied.
Ditto what Jeff said.
I didn’t take your advice about the tissues. I should have.
I can see Dan is well loved and surely blessed to have a son like that. He clearly is a remarkable man. Thoughts with Dan and his family!
.-= Linsey Planeta´s last blog ..“If You Find a ‘Good Deal’ – We’ll Use You” =-.
My regards and condolences go out to him. I’m really happy that love is still alive in this world. Anonymous really deserves every word that you replied.
.-= John´s last blog ..Google Chrome 5 Beta Up Now: Features Explained! =-.
Jay – I wept like a little girl at the end of the video. I lost one of my best friends to cancer about two years ago, and this brought back some of the memories. I was encouraged to see that Dan is improving. I will be praying for him and his lovely family. As I was watching, a thought passed through my head, “Keep the faith!”. At that exact moment, the same words appeared in the video.
Kudos for helping to get the word out about Dan. I will share this on my networks, too.
As for Anonymous, you are an idiot. Period.
.-= Jason Crouch´s last blog ..Testing Out Scribefire =-.
I appreciatate your effort for helping out to your friend in difficult times. My wishes are with Dan and I will try to help him in the best possible way I can by spreading the word about it….
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