Posted by shan41580 at dhcp024-166-122-169.neo.rr.com on October 21, 2003 at 00:55:03:
Here's another story proving yet again what an awesome caring guy Kevin is. My fiance, Derek, was diagnosed with bone cancer about 2 years ago, we had thought after 6 rounds of chemo and an extensive surgery in his knee that he was cancer free. In January of 2003, we discovered that the cancer had returned in his lungs and there was nothing left that we could do. He would have about 9 months left to live. Derek's last wish was to go to the Wizard World Convention in Chicago. So I made it my goal to do everything in my power to round up the money, transportation (we traveled from Ohio...near Cleveland, and we had to bring 20 oxygen tanks with us), invite his family and friends to come, and make his dream come true. Derek was a HUGE comic book fan and also a huge fan of Kevins. So, when I found out that Kevin would be at the convention, I joined this message board and told our story asking to get ahold of Kevin. Through the kindness of one of the members, I was able to get ahold of Kevin. Not only did Kevin send Derek a signed poster, dvd, and book, a week before the convention, he told us to meet him at the booth a few hours before his Q&A, and he would talk to us personally. This totally took us by surprise, how often is it that someone gets ahold of a big time director and he actually takes time out to say "hey, get better, I fucking love you man!"? So Derek and I along with a few friends and family members went to Chicago for our last adventure together. Unfortunately, Derek took a turn for the worse during the trip, he was able to go to the convention on Friday for a few hours, long enough to hunt down the Kingdom Come figures, and that proved to be too much for him. The unfamiliarity of the surrondings and chaotic crowds at the convention were too overwhelming. He really wanted to see Kevin, but just couldn't make it. So, I stopped by the booth on Saturday and talked with Brian, explained the situation, and he said that he would still get me in to see Kevin, so I could at least get a picture and some things signed, just in case Derek pulled out of it and got better. Finally Kevin showed up, and they ushered me and Derek's friend in, and we talked with Kevin for awhile, he signed our stuff, took a picture with me, and gave me a big hug. Told us to hang in there and send Derek his best. After that, we went home that night, and Derek's health deteriorated even further. During his last few days, he had a few "moments of clarity", and got to see the things I had bought him from the convention (I went on a shopping spree and bought him a ton of stuff that I knew he wanted) and the picture and signed things from Kevin. He jokingly said "Your stock is rising #2". So I guess I did a good job. Kevin, you really touched us and his family, and we can't begin to thank-you for bringing a smile to Derek's face. Derek passed away Aug. 13th, 2 weeks before his 30th birthday. Kevin was also kind enough to send his condolenses after I told him about Derek. Thanks again, Kevin, Ming, and Brian. You guys are great.