Care Notes : Koval, Charles F.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Chuck's life. I met him at our annual MM seminar in Milwaukee. He was a sounding board for me when I had my doubts about treatment, answering my e-mails and giving me continued hope. As a 13 year MM survivor I try to help others in my support group. His legacy lives on so many people. God bless you for sharing him with so many of us, Pat.
- S. Roberta Klesener
Friend - Submitted Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

Hi Pat, I celebrate Chuck's life with you. I actually was viewing this website to find out about someone else, and this caught me by surprise. What an incredible man. Even though my mother and he never met on earth, I prayed that they could connect in heaven. The both had the same type of myeloma. Who knows, hopefully they have no memory of cancer in heaven. It's been since Nov. 2007 for my mother and it still seems like yesterday. I guess that's when you know what a deep impact people have on your life. Chuck made a deep impact on so many people. My condolences to you and your family. I know you have many wonderful memories to continue the celebration of his life. Tammy Grace from the support group
- TAmmy
friend - Submitted Sunday, August 9th, 2009

Dear Pat and Koval Family, I am saddened by the loss of Chuck, we had met him (and Pat) once at a Madison myeloma gathering (at Jane's and Roger's house) . He had never seen us before that, but greeted us at the sidewalk as we were getting out of our vehicle, as if old friends. He was an online "sounding board" in our newness to myeloma as my husband was diagnosed in 2000. He had offered to help us start a support group in Wausau, WI, but I felt I was not ready to take on another thing, with working and all. I continue in my reading and research of myeloma and "cancer", for that I think he would approve. We have broken from the protocols and that he was aware. I offer a hug to the Koval family. In as much as there now will be a void in your lives, may you find peace and strength from God knowing that Chuck is no longer struggling with MM.
- Karen Whereatt
wife of an MMer - Submitted Saturday, August 8th, 2009

I am a IMF Support Leader from Vermont, I met Chuck at the 2007 Retreat and I enjoyed listening to him speak very much. His wit and wisdom was a great asset to everyone at the Retreat. He will be sorely missed by all of the IMF Community and his Support Group is going to be lost without him. My sincere sympathy to his family, you are all in my prayers and thoughts.
- Kay Cromie
Support Group Leader - Submitted Thursday, August 6th, 2009

To Chuck's family: We at the IMF were so very sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I was lucky enough to get to know Chuck and Pat over the past 7 years and enjoyed every minute we spent together. Chuck was smart, funny, kind, and a real gentleman. I know you will all miss him. Seventy one years was not enough time, but he certainly managed to pack a lot of accomplishment in that time...his work, his family and the countless number of myeloma patients he helped throughout the years. He was a wonderful help to our organization as well. My condolences on your loss. Nancy Baxter
- Nancy Baxter
friend - Submitted Thursday, August 6th, 2009

Dear Pat, You and Chuck were my hands-down favorites at the support group leaders' retreat each year--two great individuals who, together, were a dynamic duo. I loved your relationship with each other--which seemed to me a model for all couples--based on honesty, humor, tolerance, and mutual devotion. We will all miss Chuck terribly. He was an extraordinary man, and I will never forget him and his courage. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers, Love, Debbie
- Debbie Birns
friend - Submitted Thursday, August 6th, 2009

Chuck, our friend. Together with your beloved Pat, you have stengthened hope for so many over the years. With astounding generousity of spirit, you have been there for each of us despite your own challenges. With such wisdom, you gleaned our needs and recognized the enormous power of the human connection, from sharing silent grief at a patient bedside to parlaying research dollars from legislators. Bless you, thank you. Sandy Lardinois (LLS)
- Sandy Lardinois
friend/LLS - Submitted Thursday, August 6th, 2009