HectorSF

[Emily_MHManager]

Hi everyone -

Blondie717 has asked me to post and let everyone know some very sad news. I'm very sorry to say that HectorSF passed away yesterday.

As many of you know, Hector fought long and hard, and he helped so many people, here and in doing advocacy work and leading support groups. He was a member of this site since 2008, and was a community leader in Cirrhosis. My words can't describe all he did for others while fighting his own health issues, but you can read some of his history on his profile - http://www.medhelp.org/personal_pages/user/446474

He was an amazing man. I know, and everyone at MedHelp knows, that this is a big loss for all of you. We offer our sincerest condolences.

Emily

[fretboard]

This is so terribly sad!!  Hector who was so good to everyone on this forum even though he was dealing with so much pain and grief, himself.  Terrible!  RIP my brother, RIP!!  You will be missed by many.

[rexx73]

OMG,Please not Howie

Cant desribe how shocked iam to hear this.
He always helped me and others with his enormous knownledge about Liver Desease.

Rest in Peace Hector :-(

[hepc4Sandi]

Wow, such sad news. He was such a giving person to everyone on this site, he will really be missed. A blessing really that his passing was peaceful it sounds like. That you Emily for letting us know.

[hepcandme]

I just spoke with one of our friends who co-managed the liver transplant support group in San Francisco. Howie fell and hit his head. He was taken to UCSF where he had spent so much time in the last few years - not only as a comfort and inspiration to those afflicted with liver disease but as a patient himself. Howie survived the surgery but died shortly after. He was unconscious after arriving at the ER so hoping his transition was painless and peaceful. Howie instilled in us that fortitude to think positively and always be willing to try new treatments, to hang on and there was no one who lived his life more empathetically.
A memorial is planned in August
You will always be an important part of my life Howie.
Rest in Peace
~ Linda

[blondie717]

Real close, he was sent to CPMC THOUGH.

[hepcandme]

thanks for that clarification

[jules2551]

Finally you can rest in peace Howie after all you have been through.  You will not be forgotten

[pooh55811]

You helped so many very sick people, Howie, even when you were very sick yourself. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Howie. We will never forget you.

[GP7852]

So sad to hear this.When I needed a question answered I always went to Hector.He knew more than My doctor.He will be missed.RIP Hector

[can-do-man]

RIP HectorSF (Howie). You went through so much but was always here for all of us... We all thought the worst was behind you. A lot of us will never forget you.

Peace.

[hepcandme]

OMG, I just left him a message! I am just reeling - he made it through the worst of treatments and liver cancer and a transplant. And he was always there for us. Can anyone share how this happened?

[MH Community Mgr]

CL HectorSF was a true surviver, who was always there helping others He will be dearly missed by our members and MedHelp Team

With our condolences,

Your friends at MedHelp

[virt111]

Devastating news. He was an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed.

RIP...

[Rbeth]

Oh, this is so very sad.... What a wonderful man and friend :'

Rest in peace dear brother

[Dee1956]

Dear Emily, thank you so much for letting us know.  We will all miss him. I'm in shock! So sad...

[crossroadsec]

We're a sad little family today. It was so shocking to hear this last week. I hadn't spoken to Howie in about 7 months. We all have personal connections and stories of how he touched our lives. No matter who needed help, he did the research. No matter how sick they were, he offered hope. If he thought you were doing something that could hinder your healing, he called you out. He was always honest and up front.

When I was going through treatment in 2011, he gave me so much encouragement. I learned a lot from him and he always gave me good advice when I started my website. We chatted on the phone when I drove to Oklahoma City for Dr. appointments.

When my platelets were really low and i had a massive bleed, Howie and I talked about our faith. Then when he got the cancer, we talked about it a lot. We laughed and cried together when I got cancer.

I ended almost every phone call with, "I love you and I'm praying for you."
He always laughed and said, "Okay. I need it."

I just thought he would always make it.

Grieving with you. I love you all,
Karen

[dontworry_behappy1]

I will never forget this exceptional man.  He will be in my thoughts forever.   So gifted and so giving.

[Dee1956]

I keep thinking about Howie and how much he helped all of here, no matter what he was going through, even flat on his back in bed, he would still answer our questions, calm our fears or even bluntly tell us when our info was wrong.  He is my hero, always. I will never forget him

[flyinlynn]

I know what you mean Dee I think of him often. On another forum I am in, a member thanked me for all my help.  I said I am just paying it forward for all the help I received in the past from those that came before. I was thinking of Hector and added I know what I know because I am standing on the shoulders of a giant.

[Dee1956]

It has been almost 2 years since we lost Howie, Hector. We all loved him so much! He was our hero, our guiding light. He is missed so much, words can't convey the pain.

[printze]

I am so sad to hear this news , I have not been on for a long time . He was such a caring man who helped us all through our journey,I am lost for words and very sad to . He was and will always be my hero.

[hepcandme]

If you'd like to send a card to me, I will see that it is hand delivered to Howie's family. PM for my address

Howie's kindness was worldwide so challenging for people to come to SF on the 24th for his memorial

Warmly,

~ Linda

[ceanothus]

I've not been on the site for long time and just heard this devastating news. What a huge loss for all of us, and for a great many people who will never have the opportunity to connect with our dear Howie. He was an angel to many, and a brilliant angel too. RIP Howie. You will always be beloved and remembered.

[Carlhcv]

Very sorry to hear this. Hector helped so many people on this forum and others after his liver transplant. He will be in my thoughts.

[Dee1956]

I am bumping up so others may see

[susan400]

That is so sad. I haven't been on here in a LONG time, so I'm just hearing this news now.  He was such a great wealth of knowledge, an encourager and a real inspiration. He will be missed.

[sue4hula]

So sad to hear this.  I know he helped me with my fear, questions with straight up honesty, hope and kindness.  Rest in peace.  

[mzkity]

I'm so shocked by this. I, like sameone  else said, thought the worst was behind him.
Your contribution to this planet was unmeasurable. May you rest in peace Howie.

[Livelife777]

We all loved you Howie.
You were our hero.
So very sad.  
......Kim