Allen Okawa

[Leonard Hevia]

Hi Gary--Did Allen attend the TAOM in Texas recently? I'm hoping for the best.

[erdnasephile]

Will do Gary--please keep us informed.


(PS: Leo--Yes, he was at TAOM).

[Richard Kaufman]

Yes, he was at TAOM. Unfortunately he has stomach cancer.

[Curtis Kam]

Hi all, Allen got through the surgery on Monday all right, with more of his stomach and sense of humor intact than you might think. I saw him on Tuesday, and he seemed all right, but in pain. That seems to have subsided a bit. Before going in for the operation, he sent around this email that I thought I'd reproduce here, in case his friends were inclined to email him:

Hello friends,

I'll be taking a brief hiatus starting tomorrow. Will be having a medical procedure so would you kindly "hold off" on your wonderful e-mails until my return home about the 3rd of October.

The doctor says that I'll be alright. He says that I'll live to be 66. I said, "I am 66....he said, " see...what did I tell you?"

Thanks for your attention, I'll post back any good news to follow.

[Leonard Hevia]

Thanks for the updates Master Kam. I am relieved that a legend of the old guard still with us.

[John Carney]

Curtis,
Please pass my best wishes to my wonderful friend Allen.

I'll wait till after Oct 3rd to call, as requested.

john

[Curtis Kam]

Just back from the hospital, and the news is better than I had reported. Allen will be going home this afternoon. He will be busy recovering enough to undergo a round of chemo and radiation therapy, after which he is expected to be "all better". He asked me to thank all of you for your thoughts and well wishes.

Aloha,

Curtis Kam

[Tom Dobrowolski]

Great to hear it Curtis! Please give Allen very my best wishes and tell him I look forward to seeing him again in January.

Tom

[erdnasephile]

That's great to hear--hang in there, Mr. Okawa.

[Richard Kaufman]

We're all wishing Allen the very best.

[erdnasephile]

Any word on how Mr. Okawa is doing at this time?

[Richard Kaufman]

I received an email from Allen yesterday. He's doing well and will be starting additional treatment next week. This is a good sign.

[Leonard Hevia]

I just received 4 eel skin coin purses from Allen and they are beautiful. Now my Wishing Shells, Scotch & Soda set, and my Walking Liberty flipper have a home. I don't know how long Allen will continue producing these; I'm just glad I snagged a few.

[Howard]

Dear Curtis;

Please inform Allen that my good thoughts are with him every day and that I love him very dearly.

Howard Hamburg

[Curtis Kam]

Thank you, Howard, will do.