Calling on the Viper Family...Send Dave "OGO" a get well soon card !

One of the best friends I have made through the club, Dave C. aka OGO  O> has sadly been diagnosed with cancer.  Details are not completely clear at this point, but a positive plan of action is in place and will hopefully get him back behind the wheel of his Race Yellow Viper very soon.

I'm hoping the ENTIRE Viper Family will join me and help keep his spirits high as he begins his solitary battle with this insidious disease. 

Rather than flooding his email or cell phone with messages that he quite honestly has not been spending a lot of time with, I thought this would be a better idea. 
Let's all send him a playing card with whatever Get Well Wishes or sentiment you may want to include, along with your name or screen name on it.  If EVERYONE sends him at least one playing card, he will have a substantially stacked deck of cards in his favor as he begins his battle.

Please mail them to:
Big Brake Dave
17574 Bocage Pt.
San Diego   CA   92128



He has made it very clear, at this point in time, that he will NOT be taking Visitors.
Rest assured that he is in very good care.  We all want to know "How he is doing", but to force him to continually answer that question via email or phone will take away from his much needed focus to deal with what he must go through.
Please respect his request and allow him to get as much rest as he can.
I will post updates on his progress as they become available.

His parts and accessories business  www.davesbigbrakes.com (http://www.davesbigbrakes.com) is still up and running thanks to his wife and family.  So do not worry about any pending orders.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-6%20pendleton/DSC_0871.JPG)


We are all part of a very close Viper Family and your support will mean the world to him.

Thanks,
Lance

Get well Dave! We will miss you at the events! See you soon!

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-1%20polar%20bear%20run/DSC_7961.JPG)

I spoke with Dave today....He is still in the hospital and undergoing more testing :(
He is bored silly and is looking forward to getting home which will hopefully be in the next few days.

I spent some time and made this for Dave.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/misc%20pics/DSC_1342.JPG)

All the cards that you guys/gals are sending will end up here.
His spirit is gonna soar when he sees all the cards with your best wishes.
Keep sending them and lets fill this special card holder to the max.

Thanks everyone,

Lance

Cards and Prayers on the way...

Please keep us updated Lance.

 Any updates on OGO?   

I talked to OGO on Monday.
He is still in the hospital, soaking up as many sponge baths  as he can get.

He is crossing his fingers to get home either today or tomorrow.

OGO is finally home !
Still fighting an infection, but is no doubt extremely happy to be home.

Cathy spoke with Arlene last night and we set a goal of trying to get Dave to the Picnic.

He's getting a real "kick" out of the playing cards.

In this situation, it's good to have goals.  Sure hope he can make it to the picnic.

Dan

Vintage Marilyn on the road to OGO....


(mods can we get a super girl smiley?

From Arlene June 3rd...

Well Dave's finally home.  At least some of him is.  He's skin and bones.  I picked him up last night.  He still has the infection from the bowel being perforated and is on antibiotics and pain pills.  He can't start chemo until the infection is gone so we still don't have a date for that.  Mostly he sits or sleeps.  He's allowed only soft foods and eats very little.  Slowly he'll be allowed to eat solid food again and his appetite will start coming back.  He's definitely glad to be home.

Thank you all so much for your kind words and prayers.  They mean so much to both of us.

Arlene

From Arlene June 10th...

Well we had our follow up appointment today and know pretty much nothing more than we knew before.  They want to do yet another cat scan and maybe he can start chemo in a couple weeks. 

That's it for now.  Dave is doing a little better.  He actually walks around our cul-de-sac everyday.

Arlene

Well Dave is back in the hospital.  I took him in yesterday afternoon.  He now has blood clots in his lungs and is hooked up to yet more machines and medication to thin his blood.  In a day or so they are going to start chemo while he's still in the hospital because at the rate he's going, he won't be ever be out long enough to start it.  I'm guessing he'll be there until at least Monday.  A lot will depend on how fast the clots dissolve and he reacts to chemo.

He was looking so gray and pale before I took him, he's actually looking better.  He's even eating a little more. It's still only soft food, but he's actually eating most of what is given to him.

Arlene

GET WELL SOON!!! =14

I talked to OGO briefly today.
As posted earlier, he was back in the hospital but was able to make it  home for Father's Day.
He has to give himself shots everyday to help thin his blood.  This has really taken a lot out of him and he has very little energy right now.  He sounded so winded just from our short 10 minute phone call.  Nonetheless, I was glad to hear from him and really wish there was something that could be done to help him.
Unfortunately this is a solitary battle that only he can fight and it is going to take some time.
He knows we are all thinking of him and it goes without saying that he certainly appreciates all the thoughts and concern.
If you haven't sent him a playing card yet, please take time to do so;  if you already have, send him another.

Lance

Quote from: PCH VIPER on June 25, 2009, 09:22:33 PM
if you already have, send him another.

OK I'll see what I can find that might interest him  >m

Dave and I went to the oncologist this morning and the news isn't good.  He's back in the hospital because he's lost so much weight and he's anemic and dehydrated.  The doctor kept repeating that he will be there only a couple of days to make him more comfortable. 

Basically he had to tell Dave it's terminal and to get his affairs in order now.  The chance chemo would do any good at this point is minimal and he did not recommend it.  He would do it if Dave insisted.  Right now, although I knew this was coming, I'm still in shock.  I've told my daughter and will tell my son tonight.  I want to thank all of you for your kindness and support during these trying times.  I can't tell you how much it has meant to Dave and I. 

I'll keep you informed.  Right now, the best way to contact me is through email.  I'm really not feeling much like talking.

Arlene
[email protected]

 :(
Not the news we were hoping for....our support will never stop.

A very sad Lance.

This is truly a sad day for me. It is not often I am speechless; but this is one of those moments.  =16

Agree with Lance and Carlos.

Very hard to accept.....

I'm speechless...

This is very sad news... damn...

My prayers are constantly with Dave and his family.  Very sad news for a GREAT guy!

OGO, Arlene and the rest of the family are in our prayers  >o

Hey Guys,

Know this is late notice but Arlene just said "OK" for the Friday (tomorrow) drive by of Dave's house.  We'll do the "missing man" formation.  I'll lead, Lance will take up the end spot, leaving a car length or so between him and the car in front of him.

We'll meet at about 10:00 AM at:

Coco's Family Restaurant‎
16759 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego, CA‎ - (858) 485-9419‎ (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=16759+Bernardo+Center+Dr,+San+Diego,+CA+92128-2509+(Coco%27s+Family+Restaurant)&sll=36.101198,-115.172424&sspn=0.016314,0.033023&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=A)


We'll Depart at 10:20 AM and caravan by Dave's house and return to Coco's for an early lunch if possible.

Dan

A few of us will be leaving from Shady Canyon Starbucks at 8:30am...

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=6783+Quail+Hill+Pkwy,+Irvine,+CA+92603+(Shady+Canyon,+STARBUCKS)&sll=33.017951,-117.074625&sspn=0.008465,0.016512&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=A

Here's who we have so far:
Dan/Cathy
Lance
Noel
Eddie
Bruce
Hugh
David A
George
Paul H
Paul/Pam
Greg G

No way I can make 10 am, so I might try to drive down tonight...
I gotta figure out the best area to stay in... Any clues?

Kala,
If you are going to stay down in Rancho Bernardo, I've stayed at this place before.

Hilton Garden Inn   17240 Bernardo Center Drive   858-676-1660
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SANBEGI (http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SANBEGI)

Count me in.  I will see you at 8:30 am at Shady Canyon.

Please add
Bat
Randy Begin
Mark
Mike
Ulysses
Eric D

Dave

You were one of the first SC Viper members to fellowship me into the club.  Probably because I had a Race Yellow Viper.  We have been good friends ever since.  You are in my thoughts and prayers daily.  I love you, man!  God Speed to you.  You are "Mr. So. California Viper"!  Always so positive and organized, the club was held together with your enthusiasm and guidance.

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave9.jpg)(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave8.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave7.jpg)(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave5.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave4.jpg)(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave2.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave14.jpg)(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave13.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave12.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave11.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave10.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave1.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave3.jpg)

Thank you everyone for your show of support for a very dear friend.
With about 30 cars in single file line, we ran a "Missing Man" formation in front of Dave's house. Dave and his Wife were sitting in the garage watching as we all passed through. I took a brief minute to stop and deliver a bouquet of yellow flowers in a Viper vase and was able to hug my dear friend one last time. With tears streaming down both our faces, I managed to get out some words and assured him that there was support in spirit from across the entire Viper Nation there with us today.

His condition is not likely to get better and sadly will have to endure some very rough days still yet to come. Hopefully our visit today will provide him with some strength to fight through the pain.

A very sad Lance

Thanks for your report Lance.

I'm glad you got to give a hug to OGO.... Our thoughts have been with all of you today.

Glad I had the chance to sit with Dave for a moment yesterday.  I thanked him for letting all of us come by his house.  He told me that at first he was against our "drive by" but when we got there he became very glad that we came by.

Even in his current condition, he found it hard not to crack a smile with a group of Viper friends driving by.

He asked me for help in trying to sell his business and I'll work on that.

To all that couldn't make this "last minute effort" (sorry about that), I think we may have helped him understand how much we all care for him.  Also, I think we provided him with a few pleasant moments that helped to distract him from the pain he's now in.

Dan

Any news on Dave? Anyone sees or speaks to his wife please let him know Carlos is praying for him and his family.  Haven't known him for too long but long enough to know he is a good guy.

Unfortunately, it's only a matter of time now.  Our farewell was the drive-by.  >o

I got an email from Arlene today....
He has been unresponsive  and has not taken in any liquids or food the last 2 days.

It is better for him that it is going fast........horrible for all others.

Today, our friend Dave died peacefully at 12:30 pm. 

Dave was a great guy and a good friend.  He is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.  He will be missed.

In place of flowers, if anyone was thinking of sending them, please donate to the nonprofit center that Arlene works for.  Dave would like that. 

Ed Brown Senior Center (EBSC)
18402 West Bernardo Drive
San Diego, CA 92127

FYI:  There will be a memorial party planned in Dave's honor.  Info will follow.

I am saddened by this great loss to our club. Dave treated me well when we interacted and was a class act.  I first met him at Lance's shop when he brought his toys to weigh our cars. 
Rest in peace OGO =16

Horrible news, may OGO now rest in peace =16.  Thoughts and prayers are with Arlene and the rest of the family.

What a day.  I can't sleep.  I woke up this morning, and 2 minutes later, my phone rings.  My Mom tells me that my Grandfather stopped breathing and is unconscious in the ICU.  Later on in the day, I found out about Dave.

I can say I only met Dave in-person a handful of times, but even before the first time we met, I felt like I knew the guy.  I had started by reading some of his posts, then familiarized myself with the parts he sold.  Most importantly I gained a sense of his enthusiasm and fervor for sharing his hobby.  Then I got around to buying my dream car.

Within months, I called him to order up some highly recommended parts.  He spent a while on the phone with me even though he was taking the call from his cell phone (he was at the track) from a total stranger.  The more questions I asked the more eager he seemed to answer, over engines roaring in the background.  In February of 2008, the club was at Buttonwillow.  I sneaked away from my soon-to-be wife's family to go watch some Vipers.  Dave was walking in my direction, so I introduced myself.  Sure enough, he was the guy I envisioned.  Mellow and thoroughly enjoying himself, we chatted not only about the cars we loved but also about economics and history.  In many ways, he reminded me of my Grandpa, sharing wisdom with an ease that can only be gained through the years.  I am very happy with the short time in which our paths crossed.  Dave, my Grandpa is not up there yet, but when he joins you, show him what our cars are about!

RIP OGO

I am in Ireland  and this has saddened me today. I will miss his laugh and his enthusiasm. He was Mr. So Cal Viper
this is the passing of a true icon.

Wow.... What can you say. Such a great guy. Rest in peace OGO.

 

This is really a difficult note to write!  I really miss Dave.  He was my first contact with the SoCal
club.  He spent a great deal of time filling me in on all the details.
He always had a great relaxed smile and I immediately felt comfortable with him. He and Arlene
were a super couple.
I've been procrastinating having a colonoscopy for the past six months.  Dave's situation made
me bite the bullet and by coincidence I had mine scheduled for the day he passed away.......somehow,
I think Dave was looking out for me.
We will all miss you!               

Rest in Peace my friend.

Dan

Pictures from the past are posted on my site.

www.kouchicentral.com (http://www.kouchicentral.com)

 =17Boo-hoo!  We will miss you, OGO

Lance,

Very nice job on the pictures, really brings back some memories.....

Dan

Sad time for SoCal Viper Club. 

We lost a dear friend, a great car guy and a most dedicated and ethical vendor, technical advisor and really one of the "Anchors" of the Viper Club.

OGO is now "Member-at-Large", proudly representing the Viper community on the big track in the Sky.

Thoughts and prayers go to Arlene and the rest of the family.

R.I.P. OGO

Lance, thank you so much for the new page on your site, honoring Dave's cheerful personality with such artistic flair; as Dan said, brings back some memories of many great times spent with Dave.

Phil

Just got back from Europe,  I echo all that has been said.  There is also an important message here, one relating to all of our collective health.

Current recommendations are as follows:

A colonoscopy after the age of 50 and once every five years after that.  Colon cancer is rare before 50 and usually develops from polyps that are initially beniign and later undergo cancerous changes.  Polyps generally can be removed with the scope and eliminate the risk of secondary cancer.  I have had one, need to have another.  It is life insurrance.  Simple, painless, and you don't even remember the procedure.
EJ

Very sad, Dave will be missed by many, I met Dave at D.C. Performance days with my son Dylan he talked to us quite a while I new from that day talking with him what a special person Dave is. He loved the VIPER like we all do. Dave will live in or hearts and will be in our memories for ever. My prayers go out to family and friends Dave will be watching over all of us.

Thank you Lance for the wonderful pictures that will keep our memory of Dave for ever.   Eddie R.

       

           Hey Lance!  Great photos.  Thanks for the memories.      Ron

I remember this evening at the VOI9 dinner with all the regions and members in attendance.

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/dave16.jpg)

Mr. So Cal Viper!

Just finished "proofing" the latest club magazine.

Lot's of pictures of Dave.

Missing him every day.

Dan

  <m  To All the wonderful SOCAL Viper Club members that supported Dave Cawthorne and his family during his battle with cancer. 

Sadly he died July 10th.  But your kind thoughts, encouragement, playing cards and cards were a huge comfort to all of us.  I can't say enough about the way so many of you rallyed around us.  It has made his death a little more bearable.  The drive-by some of you arranged had me crying happy tears.  To have 35 of his Viper and other car club friends show up on a Friday with only a 3 day notice was amazing.  Dave was a very proud person and it was difficult for him to have anyone see him so thin and weak but after the drive by he smiled and said it was great.  For those of you who were not there, Dave sat in his yellow Viper chair in the garage by our yellow Viper to watch the parade of cars go by. 

The picnic after his death that you all sponsored was one more memory that will last forever for me and my family.  There were 155 people there.  About three fourths of them Viper friends.  I'm sure the Viper display in the parking lot put a big smile on his face.  I know it did me.  I have felt better ever since last Saturday.  Dave's death has definitely been softened by all of our Viper family.  I've said almost since the day I said I wanted a Viper, and Dave was already out the door buying one, that it was the best thing we ever did.  We've made the best friends anyone could ever ask for.  I'm keeping the Viper and this hot mama is driving it.  See you at the events.  Please keep in touch.  My email address is [email protected].

Arlene Cawthorne and family

You are just as much a member and part of our family. We all look forward to seeing you at all the coming events.

Hey Arlene,

We'd better get you out to the next car control clinic!

Dan  <2