The Classic Fly Rod Forum will have a new owner shortly

[s. l. giuliani]

I am stepping down as the owner after 4 years. I have always had a deep respect, and love, of the varied history of the sport of fly fishing and this love, and respect, is the reason for stepping down at this time. Most of you know I have an incurable form of non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, i.e. Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Part of me ignores this and tries to live life as it has always been and part of me knows I can’t do that. In other words the disease has changed me and I am not comfortable with who this new me is.

The changes are both physical, and mental, the physical part is annoying but I do the things necessary to lessen their effects, the mental part is due to a malady referred to as Chemo Brain, i.e. the effects of Chemotherapy does things to your brain which have been difficult to say the least. The effects have been I sometimes stutter and have a difficult time finding the right words to say, in other words I struggle to communicate and it’s frustrating which then turns to anger which I can’t often control, this is tough for someone who expects civil discourse and is a practitioner of that. I find that when I cannot control those emotions I withdraw within myself and cease doing things that could put me in a position to embarrass myself which is why I have been absent of late. While this will eventually diminish and I will return to my normal self I cannot put myself, the forum or the members in jeopardy because of this so I have chosen to place the forum in new hands. I still plan to visit the various forums I visit and contribute when I can which will be comforting as I won’t be in a position of doing something foolish which I would regret. I hope everyone understands my decision and I wish the best to everyone especially the new owners, regards………

[mick mccorcle]

The Forum and your contributions are a valuable part of fly fishing.

[Bob Riggins]

I’m truly saddened to hear that Sante.

[Randy Kadish]

Sante,

So, so sorry to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are all grateful for all you have done for our sport.

Wishing you the very, very best, and looking forward to seeing your posts here and elsewhere,

Randy

[cole m.]

I am not aware of the forum, but I want to express that I hope you have a quick and full recovery and get back to doing what you loved. I wish the best for you and your family! Stay strong and always keep your head up!

Cole

[Joel Thompson]

Sante,

First off I want to say that your website that you built is the go to site for finding out about vintage rods and reels. You should be very proud!

Now I am going to tell you something from the heart. Sante do NOT let someone whether it be a doctor, a friend, or a so called “expert” give you a death sentence!! My mom supposedly ( according to the experts) had an incurable form of cancer as well. That was 6 years ago and today she is cancer free. She would not let the words of others sentence her to death. My mom has a great faith and believed strongly in the power of prayer and would pray daily for her cancer to be healed. It was and her doctors are still in disbelief.

My wife has a poster in her classroom that says “Attitude is the only true disability”. I believe this. Even if the sickness eventually wins if we remain positve we never let it get us completely.

My prayers are with you Sante and I really hope you beat this thing and come back stronger than ever!!

Joel

[Zach Matthews]

Sante –

You are not only a heck of a guy, you stepped in and maintained a board that has meant a ton to a lot of very passionate people.

[Author]

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