Tough news for me

[Jon Van Wie]

I have sad news for my friends in the saxophone community. I’ve been diagnosed with bone cancer that has most likely migrated from my lungs. They guess I have anywhere from 4 months to possibly 2 years to live. In other words, they just don’t know. It’s hard for them to tell how long the cancer has been in me and how fast is will grow. To fight this I’m eating as well as I possibly can and taking as many supplements that fight cancer as possible. Above all, I’m trying to maintain a very positive attitude. Cancer seems to feed off from negativity. I look forward to seeing spring and feeling the warmth of the sunshine!

After all the snow shoveling I’ve had to do this winter, I thought I had aggravated my sciatica nerve. I had a lot of pain in my hip and back. After the problem didn’t seem to want to go away, I went to the doctor. They sent me to have x-rays taken that day. The doctor called me the next day and told me the x-rays revealed bone loss in my hip. The next thing was to go for a bone scan, CAT scan and blood work. After all that they still don’t know exactly where my cancer had originated from, but they do know I have bone loss and something growing on my lung.

I could have biopsies done to pin point where and what kind of cancer I have exactly, if I wanted to undergo chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a very harsh treatment and it will destroy the quality of the remainder of my life. With the kind of cancer this is, there is no chance of beating it. I don’t want to go that route. They may be able to prolong my life, but I’ll be very sick in the process. I’m still having a certain amount of quality living now and I’d like to keep it that way as long as possible.

The hardest part of getting sick like this is seeing the pain my passing will cause my lovely wife, children, family and friends. The worst part about death and dying are not the ones who have passed. It’s the pain in the hearts of the ones who are left behind. We all know that at some time or another we’re all going to pass on. I’m ready to go when the good lord needs me, but to watch the tears fall from my sweet wife’s eyes, after being married for only 8 short months, just breaks my heart in two. We love each other so much!

I know my clients will be saddened to hear this news too. I’ve made a lot of friends through my mouthpiece refacing skills. Saxophone players are among the greatest, smartest and sensitive people in the world. I know this from knowing so many of you on a personal level. Few players of this great instrument are undesirable as people.

I’m still able to work right now, but how long is up in the air. I will not work so hard as to shorten my life needlessly. Yet I love my work and I will keep going as long as possible. Some people might advise me to max out my credit cards and take the vacation of a life time, but I love my life the way it is and have no desire to see any other part of the world. Happiness dwells in the heart not in some far away land!

I have many pieces here right now that need to be finished. For those of you who have your piece or pieces here, please be patient in my getting them done. I’m doing everything in my power right now. If I pass on before I can get to them, I have made arrangements to send the pieces back along with a refund. With any luck I’ll be here long enough and find the strength to get plenty done!

There’s not a lot of money involved in refacing mouthpieces. The process, in the way I do it, is very labor intensive. I’ve been living from hand to mouth ever since I started doing this work in 1993. I know that jazz musicians are the ones that need my service and they don’t make a lot of money in the work they do. For that reason I’ve held my prices down. It’s a drag to be broke when you’re suffering a life threatening illness.

I will miss all the good things this life has to offer, but I look forward to learning where we go when we die. If dying means eternal darkness and I cease to exist, so be it, but if there really is a heaven and I’ve done well enough to get in, I can’t wait to hear the band!!!

Best of luck to all of you players of the greatest instrument the world has ever known! Jon Van Wie

[Dr G]

Jon, you just hit me with an incredible punch. What can I say, you've given me so many gifts of music in the last several years that you've become a part of me. I hate to accept that you'll be leaving us but I hope that we all can take heart in knowing that as long as there is someone still playing the saxophone, you will be a part of us.

I have been through these cancer issues so many times in my life already - mother, extended family, friends, acquaintances - that I would hope to better cope with it some day. I'm pouring tears into my keyboard as I write.

Thanks for everything you've shared, Jon, and please know that whatever you do, however you feel, that we are out here to support you.

George

[sessionsax]

Jon,

I don't know if this what you want, I don't know your faith, or your views on religion, but if you will allow, I will gladly include you in my daily prayers. I have seen God do some amazing things in my life. You have a gift and its my hope that you will see many more days.

Terry Thompson

[RS]

Jon--very sad news. I just hope the docs are wrong and you can beat this thing. Alot of us here in the saxophone community are pulling for you. --Randy Small

[T-MAN]

Jon,

I am praying for you and hope that you can overcome this. In the meantime, do the things that make you happy (mpce work! :D ) and cherish every moment with your loved ones. And most importantly, ask God to be with you during this trial.

Nothing but the best,
Todd

[Morry]

Jon,

I commend you on the courage of your choice to live life on your terms. Having seen most of my family lose the battle with cancer, I too will not be going down the chemo road when my time comes. I join the others on this board in lifting you up in my prayers, and I ask God to grant you an extra measure of grace in the coming days.

[Lee]

Jon,
As others have stated my heart goes out to you and I'll pray you beat this illness. I know you have stated you do not want to have chemo even though it may extend your life, I can respect your choice, but will offer everyday alive is another day closer to a possible cure for this terrible disease.
Whatever your decision live everyday the best you can and let your love ones be part of it all.

Lee

[saxgourmet]

Jon has always been the nicest, most upbeat guy I deal with. He's always had a good word for me when I was down. I know that I'm a long way from being alone in feeling this way.

[gary]

Jon - I don't deal with death very well and at first thought it might be better to say nothing than to say something lame and inarticulate. But if I didn't say anything then you wouldn't know that there's one more cat out there that cares about you and sends his warmest love.

I will be praying for you, your wife and your children.

Gary

[morgan]

With new drugs, chemo is much less brutal--and the side effects much more controllable--than even half a dozen years ago. It's no picnic at the beach, but it's not a torture chamber anymore either.

Of course only you have the right to make decisions on your treatment -- but base them on your core values and needs, not on erroneous beliefs.

My sympathies with you. There's been cancer in my immediate family. Very hard. Very hard indeed.

[max]

Like Gary, I've been coming back to this post all day, but not finding any words of use. I guess when it comes down to it, though, even inadequate, awkward words are better than not saying anything at all...

You seem to have a great attitude about this all. Our thoughts are with you.

[Jerry K.]

Jon, I was shocked and saddened to read your email moments ago. I have read and benefited from so many of your thoughtful and helpful posts here on SOTW for several years now and this makes me very sad. I have been meaning to send you a bari piece and a tenor piece for months now and sadly it's now too late to enjoy your work personally. I certainly wouldn't want to add to your workload at this time.

Please let us all know if you establish a fund to help out as you fight this thing. I'm sure that many of us would like to help out in some small way if you'd let us.

You will be in my prayers as well.

[MusicMedic]

I imagine that there are many out there that are speechless as I am.
Jon, best of luck to you and your family in this tough time. Curt Altarac

[Tharruff]

Jon,

Reading this was like a punch in the stomach to me. I was told 16 years ago when I was 29 that I had a 'treatable' but normally fatal form of leukemia. (98 % mortality in 10 years)

I had 2 young children at the time and a wife of 10 years and I detemined to find out as much as I could about the leukemia that I had, and the possible treatments.

Ultimately I decided to undergo a bone marrow transplant which included chemotherapy and total body radiation which was physically devastating to me. In the end I survived and I am writing this now long after I would probably have been dead otherwise.

I don't know your diagnosis or prognosis other than the little bit that you have posted here. I hope that you have been referred to a top notch oncologist in the area that you live in who is advising you wisely.

All I can say is that I encourage you to try to find out as much as you can about the type of cancer that you have and the possible types of treatments and their effectiveness. Even in the last 16 years since my treatment, there are a whole host of more effective and less devastating treatments available to leukemia victims. Treatment success rates are much higher than they were 16 years ago. I am sure that the same is true for other kinds of cancer treatments as well. Please investigate thoroughly what is out there that could help you.

Like many other Saxophone players, I have read your name and have known of your work. Also like many others I have never met you nor done business with you.

My heartfelt best wishes and prayers go out to you and your family at this very troubling time of your life.

Tom Harruff

[twowheels]

Jon, you add so much to the saxophone community and you're work is greatly respected, my main tenor mouthpiece is STILL the metal Link you reworked for me a couple of years ago. I'm greatly saddened by this news, and I'll add my heartfelt prayers for you and your family to the rest that have been posted here.

KC

[MitchP]

Jon,
Good luck, you are in our thoughts.

[Bnatural]

I've also always been bad at this kind of thing so i will keep it short..... "my thoughts and prayers are with u man"
Good Luck and keep blowin'
Dave

[ferrari]

Jon; You've never refaced a mouthpiece for me, but if the subject comes up I think of you. I've been visiting this forum for about three years now, and when questions about refacing work come up, your name is at the top of the list. I just wanted to wish you well and let you know that even though we've never met, or talked on the phone, or e-mailed one another, you have touched my life in a positive way. It's nice to know that there are people like you in the world.

[JEdge]

Jon,
I do not know you and I have never delt with you, but like almost everyone in the saxophone community I have heard of the great work you do. You are among the best mouthpiece refacers/workers in the WORLD!!! Just think of how prestigious that is!! And if cancer does ultimitly take your life I can guarentee you you will be remembered and missed.

Most of all stay happy and, as you said, possitive!! Doing your best to make the most of the time you have left.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Edge

[Jeff Foster]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm new around here so I haven't had the pleasure of knowing you up to now. Just let me respond to one thing you said in your post. I don't know what your faith tradition is (if any) and wouldn't want to cause problems on the forum by trying to use it to convert you to mine. However, I am a minister of the Gospel and would like to assure of something. You said that if there really is a heaven you hope you've done well enough to get there. The message of the Gospel is that none of us have "done well enough" but God is gracious and merciful and has opened the door to eternity for us through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We don't have to worry about whether or not we're worthy. We just need to know that God is Love. For God to truly be God, God must be eternal and infinite. This means that whatever is on the other side of this existence, God is there too if that makes sense. Again, I don't know what your faith persuasion is but I believe with every fiber of my being that God has made a way for you. As for your family, they will no doubt grieve. It will be tough for them, but the same God who has not forsaken you will not forsake them either. I hope and pray that God will grant comfort and strength to you all and that your remaining days, however many they may be, will be filled with love and grace.
In Christian Love,
Jeff

[Bill Mecca]

Jon,

I too, like some others, have come back to this thread several times today, hoping words wouldn't fail me, and hoping whatever I tapped out on the keyboard didn't sound like a eulogy.

And I guess that is the point I keep coming back to, I don't want to "talk" like you're gone, because you are not. You have a loving wife and family, a job you enjoy, and a community that appreciates and values you.

I'm with Tom, investigate it fully. The treatments are changing, getting more effective and less painful every day. My Dad was diagnosed with Lukemia (CML) about 4 years ago, too old for a bone marrow transplant he has undergone oral chemo, taken Interferon and is now taking Gleevec and doing fantastically well. He did have some trouble with some of the side effects, but it was relatively minor. He thought for sure he wouldn't be here at this point, but he is working several days a week, and enjoying his two children (my sister and I) and 6 grand children (2 of hers and 4 of mine) and still driving my mom nuts :lol: .

I guess what I am trying to say is, heck I don't know what I'm trying to say, except that my heartfelt thanks go out to you, and my prayers for you and your family in this difficult time.

[Grumps]

Jon,
I feel very fortunate to have picked up one of your refaced mouthpieces in trade. I still have another mouthpiece sitting in a drawer in my office that I was meaning to send to you for some work and I thank you for getting right back to me through e-mail on that job. I'll not bother you with it now as I'd rather you take that time to share yourself with your family and feel their love in return.

God Bless.

[paulwl]

Hard to know what to say, Jon. This should never have happened to such a nice guy and such a caring craftsman. I'm not usually a praying man, but you'll be in my prayers, and I'm sure, all of ours, as you face what lies ahead.

[Troy]

Wow! Jon, what terrible news. I am so sorry to hear this. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. I don't know for sure how this will work out, but I've seen what I think are pretty amazing answers to prayer. It seems to work, even if I don't know exactly how. Keep up the courage and keep your chin up. You might just beat this thing!

[Ritchie]

Jon - this is really sad news. Despite this, I think you must be a very happy man because you do not feel the need to change anything in the way you live your life being told its inevitable end is so near.

I do not have a god to pray to, but my thoughts are with you. All the best for your life with the cancer and I wish you many more months and years than the doctors give you!

[Bootman]

Jon,
Terrible news but as another one who has been healed of Cancer. You can beat it. You will be in my prayers.

I would also like to thank you publicly for all the mpcs you have fixed for me in the past.

Get well. Trust in God

[Harrell]

God bless you, Jon

[geo@loyola.edu]

Jon, you're a class act; you continue to be an example to us all. And you've manage to unite both those of us who pray and those of us who don't behind you.

Like many of the posters here, I have relatives who have succumbed to cancer and relatives who have survived. Go for it, man.

[Alan K]

Jon, I will keep you and you family in my prayers.
God Bless,

[SteveZ]

Jon,

i don't know you very well, i've only spoken to you a handful of times, but i know enough to say you're one of the good guys, you helped me with your immense talent, and i hope you kick this thing's ***.

my wife and i are pulling for you, and praying for you.

steve

[Balladeer]

Dear Jon:
Though you do not know me, I feel as if I know you through the numerous testimonials of your exacting work done to specifications that must have required a God-given intuition to identify. Your letter, above, to us reveals the depth of your character and your love for others. We need people like you in our lives. You will be in my daily prayers.

God Bless and Heal You.

Jon... I don't know you but said a rosary for you today and will continue to do it daily for you. I ask God to keep you in his hands.

Hang in there.
Bob Colvin

[GT]

Dear Jon,

I must echo all of the sentiments from YOUR saxophone community. I too feel as if I must know you having knowledge of your expertise for the past few years. Words are kind of hollow at this point and when I read this yesterday I felt like I needed to think about what I wanted to say to you. I am a cancer survivor. And while our problems are apparently quite different, being a survivor can happen. Keep that great attitude and I pray that you will come to know the Creator of the universe and his Son in a personal way. That's the only way I survived. And if I hadn't survived, that faith would have enabled my family to persevere.

Please give your precious new wife a hug from all of your saxophone friends and be assured that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Take special care,
George

[Dave Dolson]

Jon: My wife and I read your post together. Best of luck to you and your family. DAVE

[-j.]

Jon: Like some others here, I have not had the pleasure to do business with you. However, like ALL of us here, I also know of your outstanding reputation, both professionally and personally. And while I, too, am at a loss for words, your letter reveals a very curageous, strong, and wonderful human being. A true example and inspiration. I'll send a wagon-load of good vibes in your general direction. Keep on truckin'!

Jurgen E. Grandt

[Roger Aldridge]

Jon,

Several weeks ago I completed a certified teachers training program in a style of QiGong (Chinese energy balancing/healing technique) that is extremely easy to learn. Please know that I don't fall for snake oil products or things like that. I'm from Missouri (really!). Never the less, I've found -- in my own personal experience -- that certain QiGong practices can be beneficial to one's general health as well as helping in various ways with illness. I'm NOT suggesting that this can be a cure for your particular situation. But, it's possible that it could help to strengthen your body's natural functions and support the other ways that you are working on yourself.

If this is something that speaks to you, please write to me at nancyandrog@earthlink.net . This, of course, is being offered solely in friendship.

[BATMAN]

I'm sorry to hear this news. Though I have never actually had the pleasure of having a piece done by Jon, from my conversations via email I know he is an honest man and cares passionately for what he does. A class act indeed. Best of luck to you and your family.

[Brian]

Jon, I'm numb after reading this ...
There are many wonderful things that have and will be said, and I throw my hat in with all of them.

Suffice it to say that you and your family are in my prayers, and I do know that will make a difference.
Brian

[Jon Van Wie]

My wife and I are so grateful to everyone who has offered us their prayers and condolences. I believe that we are all a part of a collective consciousness. We all have a piece of God in us. My wife and I feel your prayers and I have had a very good day as days go for me these days! Many thanks to all my sax playing pals! Jon

[BlessedSax]

Jon, words seem so small at times like this. Even though we've never imteracted, as part of this sax community, your talents have added to my knowledge and understanding.

My beloved left us last month, but I say this to encourage you-The doctors gave her little time at the outset. But, because of her faith and attitude she exceeded the prognosis and lived an additonal three fruitful years beyond what the doctors imagined.

Lean not on your own understanding, but seek knowledge for your sake, your wife's and the kids.

You are in my prayers and thoughts. Be Blessed our friend. ray

[danny_tb]

Jon,

Your news is truly sobering. Whatever may happen, please DON'T GIVE UP!!!

There are many people around the world that have been cured of their cancer through conventional medicine and alternative medicine. Please don't rule out the alternative path - although conventional doctors may play it down, there is scientific research (particularly in Germany - one of the world's most progressive nations) that shows the virtues of various alternative medicines. And a lot of them are significantly cheaper and more effective than conventional medical techniques. Of course, the choice of whether or not you get medical help (conventional or otherwise) is yours, but whatever you chose to do, please DON'T GIVE UP!!!

I'll pass the message on to my friend, Troy, who I know you have been in contact with recently, and let him know so that he can pass on his sentiments.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the help and advice that you have given me. I greatly appreciate it.

Yours sincerely,

Danny Barrett

[Mike W]

Jon, Please beat this thing. The world, your family, and we at SOTW, need you--even if you never reface another mouthpiece. I wish I knew how to help.

[Pastor Rob]

Jon- Read your post and all the responses. Please allow me to add mine.
You and your family have been added to our prayer list. Faithful people whom you have never met will be daily praying for you. They pray out of love and experience; Love for a Savior who offers salvation to all who accept His free gift of grace through faith, based on His work, not ours, and experience that this same Savior hears and answers prayer. Many of those who will be praying are cancer survivors! You are not alone.

God bless,
Pastor Rob

[Harri Rautiainen]

Jon, this is a sad moment for all of us here on SOTW.
I wish you can gather all the strength and courage needed to fight the illness. You have a lot of positive in you.

[Cameron Wigmore]

I will pray for you, and for your family.

We don't know eachother, but you have touched me with your post, and before that with you website. I admire what you do.

[RobG]

Jon,
Although I only spoke with you briefly on the phone, I got the feeling that if we were ever to meet we'd be great friends. I hope that we still will someday. Please know that all of us here wish you the best.
Rob

[Bob G.]

Jon - I am relatively new to this site and we do not know each other. I was moved by the many expressions of acknowledgement and caring that many members have posted in response to your sad news. You are obviously a highly admired and loved man.

My mother is a breast cancer survivor. I read Lance Armstrong's book, It's Not About the Bike, when she was recovering from a mastectomy. His testicular cancer was so advanced when he was diagnosed that he was given very little chance for survival. He chose to undergo very intensive treatment and most everyone knows what he has accomplished since. I sent the book to my mother after I finished it and she said it gave her hope and courage. She is now 87 years old and going strong.

I don't pray often, Jon. I will pray for you.

Bob Garcia [/i]

[Ytrac Productions]

Jon, on 9/4/98, my daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. It was the most devistating moment in my life. I prayed as I drove to the hospital where my wife and daughter were and simply ask God to spare her. I said if He would spare her, I would give up my music forever. Thats how much my daughter means to me.

Well, Its 5 years later. She is completely cured of the leukemia, and God has blessed me with more music than I ever dreamed of. I not only play at church, but I also write and arrange and have had pieces performed in many large arenas around Atlanta.

I guess what I am saying is, I will lift you up in prayers if that is ok with you. I know the power of Prayer. I see the results every day when I say good morning to my daughter.

Jon, you have indirectly taught me much in the world of mouthpieces. I owe you much more than you will ever realize.

If I or my family can do ANYTHING for you...please dont hesitate to contact us. Email me at ytrac@aol.com and please dont be afraid to ask for the sky. "In God, all things are possible"

Your Friend
Bill Carty

[Paul Coats]

Jon, we'll be keeping you in our prayers.

Paul & family

[StevenW]

Jon,

God Bless and, know that you and yours are in our prayers.



StevenW

[danm]

Jon, like many others have said words do not seem to be easy to write at this moment. You are a class act in a world of unclass acts. We have added you and your family to our prayer list. Many people whom you have never met will be praying for you everyday. The reason that they pray because of their love for a God and Savior who offers salvation to all who accept His free gift of grace through faith, based on His work done a lone time ago, not our works, and knowledge that this same Savior hears and answers prayer. You can be a survivor in this world and the next. Do not give up. You can survive.

[Johannes Gerber]

Jon,

I was shocked and sad when I read the news.
I don't have many words.

You are like a father to me, you tought me refacing, opened a new world to me and I still use the chipped gauge you send me back then.

Stay as positive as you always have been. We all are in the Lords hands and he can heal you, mericles do happen.

I will pray for you and your family and be assured of my support in these difficult times.

cincerely
Johannes Gerber, South Africa

[Stacey]

God bless you, Jon.

I often tell people that I plan to live forever by just "not dying", and then I tell them "So far, so good". It is my sincere hope that you wake up each morning for the rest of your life (whether that is 4 months or 70 years), and tell yourself "So far, so good! What shall I do today?"

Will you give me permission to smash my unplayable Dukoff D8 with a sledgehammer rather than sending it to you for an attempted fix?

May your days and nights be richly blessed, and may you take comfort in the thought that you have touched SO MANY people who never even met you face to face.

Stacey Bowling

[Oakleaf]

Jon,

That's one of the most touching things i've ever read. I truely regret having never had the opportunity to meet you, or talk to you. May you pull through this, or if not may you find happiness wherever you are. I only wish there was something more i could do.

[gyrofrog.com]

Jon,

Thank you for the mouthpiece work, and thank you for all the information you've shared with us over the years. I'm so sorry to hear about this. Your post reveals an incredible inner strength.

--Joe C.

[Subtone Sam]

Jon,everything is possible.Don´t give up.Ever.

[djonk]

Jon, I do not even know you except through this forum, but that is enough for me to say that I have come to love you!

[1saxman]

Jon; I'm Gary Hartle, and you refaced a Guardala King Curtis for me a few years ago. Even though I've never met you, I experienced your obvious love for music, for mouthpieces and, it follows, for all of us trying to get something elusive from our horns. You have already helped many of us to do just that. A talent and craftsmanship like yours comes along only once in a great while, and it is my most fervent hope that you persevere in this great challenge that has been laid on you - not because you're a great mouthpiece artisan (and you are!), but because we know you now, and are nowhere near ready to lose you. Thank you for being you, and for giving us the love that you have lavished on these inert pieces of brass and hard rubber that we have to have, because as you have admitted, it is a labor of love - very few of us could afford to pay you what your work is really worth. What is it worth to give players the voice they've sought? It's priceless, and you love to do it. Please let us know how you're doing, and if I know the folks on this Forum, you'll be hearing more from us, too.

[Jazzophone]

you're in my prayers -- hang in there!! we're rooting for you.

jazz-o'phone

[Lowell]

We have never met or talked but your thoughtful counsel on these pages and informative website make you seem like an old friend. My prayers are with you and your family.

[sopsax]

Jon: We corresponded last year -- you answered my query about a Meyer mouthpiece. I regret not having had the chance to experience your work firsthand. I've enjoyed reading your website. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Your name has come up time and again on the SOTW forum -- always in terms of the highest praise and respect. A "JVW reface" is a benchmark of quality, transforming ugly-duckling mouthpieces into beautiful players.

Few of us get to change history. Maybe it's sufficient to set a high standard of craft and integrity. You will be remembered, Jon.

Strength and peace to you and your family in the months ahead.

[MPL]

Last spring, I was thinking about trying out yet more mouthpieces to replace the Meyer 5 I had been using, and many on this forum had recommended Jon's work as an alternative to a new piece. I checked out his website and sent an Email asking about what he might do for my mouthpiece.

Jon replied within a day and was very specific about what he could and could not do. He Emailed again just to let me know when he received the piece, and even replied to my thank-you after I got it back (BTW...it's spectacular). Jon is an absolute, true professional in every sense of the word, and in his writing you can sense the passion with which he pursues his art, even in this troubling time for him and his family.

Good luck and godspeed, Jon. As someone may already have said: "Fight the good fight!"

Matso Limtiaco
Everett WA

[Jody Espina]

Dear Jon,
You've created absolute joy for so many saxophonists. I know so many people who have your work and love it. This thing absolutely sucks, but if anyone has credit in heaven I would say that you do.
All of my best to you and your family.

[srcsax]

Jon, miricles happen everyday. And, everyday is a miricle. You and yours are in my prayers. If you need anything or just want to vent call me.
Steve Carmichael

[Paul S]

Dear Jon

This is terrible news! I sit here humbled by your tremendous courage and embarrased by the petty problems i dwell on in my own life.

The collective prayers of sax players around the globe go out to you.... Miracles can happen Jon - don't give up - no matter what!

Although we have never met, I admire the passion, dedication and spirit which as you can see from all the posts, has rubbed off on all of us - even those that don't know you. That's a wonderful gift - to touch the lives of people who share your passion.

At the risk of being callous - I hope you are well cared for with respect to medical insurance and encourage you to try every possible treatment with any remote chance of success. If there's anything the good people of SOTW can do to help, please don't be too proud to ask..... I for one would be delighted to help in any small way i can.

warmest regards
Paul Salvage

[Joe Jazz]

Jon,

I believe the measure of a man(or woman) is in the lives they touch and hopefully make a little better in some way. It seems obvious from the postings here that you are a heck of a guy......probably why God may be giving you a "get into Heaven early pass". It will surely be our loss and his gain. Thanks for making the sax world a better place. You may want to try juicing. :USA:

[Claus]

Jon,

I have just read this thread and - like all the others - it made me very, very sad to learn that you are so ill.

My father died of cancer when he was 49. He had a brain tumor and after a successful operation it was later discovered that the cancer had spread from the lungs initially. The doctors gave him three or four more months. In the end it was one year from the diagnosis to the day of his death.

He had always been very positive about his illnes and his chances of recovery and actually he probably helped us (the family) more to cope with the situation than vice versa. We had always had very close connections within the family, but this year thightened the bonds even further.

I am not telling you this story to discourage you - on the contrary: BELIEVE that everything is possible! It is! During that year and since then I have met more than one cancer patient who has defied all predictions about an imminent death. We all know that these cases are not the rule, but you must never, never lose hope!

I will pray for you and your wife.

Claus

[Ivy]

Dear Jon,

I'm another person who you have touched and helped with your skills(great playing Meyer 5m, refaced). I will say prayers for your recovery.

Ivy Lopez

[kevvieg]

I only found out about your condition yesterday and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Aside from your great work, you have always been kind and generous with your advice to saxophonists. The greatest accident I ever experienced was buying a mouthpiece from one of my students that had been refaced by you. EVERY time I pick up my tenor I say "Thank God for Jon Van Wie". I have never played a mouthpiece that was more perfect for my needs. I have tried other examples of your work and they have all been just as spectacular.

As a child, I was diagnosed with what was, at the time, a terminal illness. I was a guinae pig and faced my mortality far sooner than anyone should. Thanks to a terrific neurosurgeon and a family that wouldn't give up, I am here today to enjoy life. Had it not been for music, I would have become lonely and isolated. Instead, I have a multitude of non-monetary riches. I suppose I was to young and naive to consider giving up, but I encourage you to pursue all options. Regardless of your path, I want you to know that I think of your talent every time I play. Your work has allowed me to outwardly express the voice that was in my head for so long.

Thanks, Jon

[Audrey]

Dear Jon,
It is hard to know what to say in a situation like this, becuase nothing with soothe the pain or bring peace to your soul. We all will pray for you and your family in this time of need. Thank you so much for being there with advice for us all. When my uncle was told he had cancer, he did two things; gather his family and friends near, and play the lotto. Well, he never won the lottery, but he said how glad he was that he was able to be near his loved ones at the end. I wish you all of the joy and peace that this world has to offer.
Sincerely,
Audrey Comstock

[1ngram]

This will sound trite. In fact anything anyone says in this situation is bound to sound trite, but here goes anyway. I'm 55 and for the past decade I've seen a veritable procession of friends, loved ones and close relatives sticken with terminal conditions. Some went gracefully to their deaths but some simply refused to accept. I'm not saying all the latter are still alive but, from experience, I would say that attitude is 90% of the battle. Those who accepted what was just seemed to lose the will to fight on and survive while those who just wouldnt give up the ghost fought it out, lived on the whole a helluva lot longer and seemed to live a whole lot richer lives while they were fighting. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is unbeatable. One friend told me that every day she got up and told herself that this just wasn't going to be the last day of her life! And for a lot longer than she'd been told it wasn't. So hang on in there! We are all rooting for you!

[Pete]

See http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=12477

[Dr G]

Yes, that's it. Gone. ... <whew>

I'm just glad that Jon's last year seemed to be a happy one. And I take heart that his daughter has a loving mother.

Besides laying his gifted hands to many mouthpieces, Jon also had a wealth of info and insight in his website. Might someone be able to preserve/archive that somehow?

[SelmerSaksMan]

I know this may be late, but I just signed up a few days ago. I have only ever emailed Jon twice, I was toying with the idea of having him do my meyer rather than getting a limited edition. I wish I had been more serious - see, I had a chance to play one of his works of art once and will never forget it. The first night that I heard the tragic news, I could not sleep, knowing that just 2 months before I had written to him, knowing that I missed out on the work of a mouthpiece god, knowing that the best had passed. After reading all of these posts today, searching the archives I again was unable to sleep so I came to post this. I never knew him, but a part of every sax player passed on with him. Let us hope he skipped through purgatory and went straight to heaven in paradise, where he may bless the sax players of the past with his deeds up there. He faced death so bravely, I once had a friend, last year he was diagnosed with leukemia, he was my best bud, he was like Jon, I begged him to undergo chemo so that he may live. that he had so much more to live for when he told me that he would not, that life isn't worth living in bed, I wept for him right there in the middle of the cafeteria, he tried to calm me down by joking, "I have already gotten laid, what else could there be to live for?" People like jon and mike are the kind that make us better, the kind that effect us all. The next time you play, dedicate a song to those who leave us too soon.

[DD]

JVW - one year has passed from his leaving our midst. Stop, raise a glass in remembrance of an artist, and consider the tempo with which time passes for us all.

[RS]

I've been thinking about Jon too. I wish he was still with us.

[dolphyo]

AMEN

[Paul Coats]

Yes, it is hard to believe a year has passed. Jon has been missed.

[Mango Birkie]

I feel very lucky to have an example of Jon's work. It's one mouthpiece I'll never part with.