Sig, Thank you for calling my brother ....

[atwnsw2]

This note is addressed to all those who helped me reach Sig Hansen at the Northwestern and, most of all, to Sig himself who has inspired my brother to keep fighting his ongoing battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

To understand why I am so grateful, I need to share a little family history and the sequence of events….

My two brothers and I were born with Cystic Fibrosis which is a hereditary lung disease with an average life expectancy of mid 30’. My oldest brother passed away at the age of 36 leaving his wife and daughter behind. My middle brother, Richard, has been struggling with this disease and has been quite frankly losing the battle lately. The disease requires 2-3 hours of medical treatments daily along with dozens of pills. And that is just the maintenance for this disease and doesn’t include the additional treatments when we get sick.

So, last Monday my brother Richard had to have surgery and it didn’t quite go according to plan. So, when he woke up in the hospital he was in a very bad mood and needed something to boost his spirits so he planned his hospital meals and treatments around watching the Deadliest Catch. When 4pm rolled by and he turned on the TV to watch the show, it wasn’t on. I can’t begin to tell you depressed he was. He just wanted something to go right.

As his brother I decided to do something. The next day I got on the internet and decided to try and get Richard an autographed shirt or photo of Sig. I thought he needed a psychological boost. So, I bombarded every website with emails and phone calls including the Discovery headquarters asking for assistance.

Instead of receiving an autographed piece of merchandise, I was shocked to get a phone call from Sig himself the same night asking me about my brother. After about 10 minutes of giving Sig background information on my brother and my thanking him profusely, he spoke to my brother that night. That phone call has allowed Richard to regain his spirits and inspired Richard to keep fighting this horrible disease.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. But most of all, thanks Sig for making a difference in our lives.

Since I don’t know how I was able to reach Sig the first time (since I bombarded a number of websites) I don’t have a way to email Sig directly with this thank you note. So, I am asking you to please forward it to him if you have the ability.

Sincerely,

Anthony W

[patque]

Oh that's an amazing story and Sig's definitely an amazing individual! Time and time again we've witnessed Sig & his crew's generosity when it comes to reaching out and giving fans a bit of inspiration and honestly, I think perhaps people like you and your brother may actually serve as inspirations for them as well. I'll forward your amazing story to our webmaster as he may have had something to do with your connection! Thanks much for sharing!

[transcan]

What an incredibly thoughtful thing for Sig to have done for your brother. I'll bet that getting the phone/IT hookups took a little bit of doing, but doubt that anyone groused about having to do it afterwards. LOL Has your brother come back down off of cloud nine yet? Bet all his smiling has left him with a gorgeous set of dimmples! Lucky guy!!!

Wonder how many times people do surprises for patients and their families and how many times the recipient manages to figure it out. Sounds like Sig's Karma box is going to need an expansion of it's own pretty soon. The one he's got must be getting pretty well full!

Kathy

[boj10girl]

Wow. What a story. I had a friend who battled Cystic Fybrosis into his late thirties. What you are battling daily ... you could teach most crabbers a thing or two about strength and fortitude.

What a cool thing for Sig to do. You have my thoughts and best wishes too!

[Angel Girl]

What an amazing, kindhearted thing to do… would we expect anything less from our Captain??

Sig, you are awesome!!!

Anthony, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother.

[ErieLady]

I'm glad you found us while you were surfing...

[Crab-bait kitty]

Welcome Aboard. What a wonderful surprise for your brother. Kudos Kudos Capt. Sig!!!!

[Renae]

Ohh I feel for you!! and what a touching thing you did!! and Bless Sigs BIG Norwegien heart!! Thought and prayers are with you. Bless you and by all means WELCOME!!!!!!

[Wolverine22]

A beautiful tribute to a good man and thankful he responded and lifted your and your brother's spirits. Thank you for the story as well. My heart tears are smiling for you and what you have to bear. Thrilled you are here with us and many prayers to you and your family.

[Lunar]

Hey, hi there and welcome to the forums. Sit back and enjoy your stay. Thanks for the story.