Thursday, December 12, 2024

The Update I've Avoided

I have been putting this off for a bit, but I've reached a point where I have to start talking about this. I went into the hospital at the beginning of November for what I thought was a gall bladder attack, but unfortunately it has turned out to be a recurrence of cancer that has metasticized to my skeletal system. Unfortunately, this is the worst kind of cancer to get in the worst place I could get it, so my doctors have told me my prognosis is 'grim' and to 'get my affairs in order', which are never good things to hear from your doctor.

I post this not because I want more sympathy (I'm getting more of that than I can manage, to be honest), and not because I want to make any excuses. I have every intention of finishing my Kickstarter - in fact, finishing the Kickstarter is very important for me in terms of having a measurable goal to work towards. I just am not working at the pace I'd like, and I've had trouble the last few weeks being able to focus on it with everything else going on. I've got a lot of clarity now on what the next while looks like, and I'm looking forward to getting through some of the final steps here. 

I'm trying to figure out how to have the game live on well beyond me. It's going to be my final creative statement, so I want to finish strong. 

Also, my good friend Mike asked if he could create a GoFundMe, which was kind of him to do. I don't expect anyone to contribute - if you backed my KS, you've already made a significant financial contribution to me. However, I'm putting it here just in case you wanted to share it or you wanted to contribute. I have so many people asking me what they can do, and helping to make sure my wife and daughter have as much financial security as I can possibly provide them is about the best thing anyone could do for me right now.

Here's the link:

Thanks, and I'll be back to posting game stuff soon.
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3 comments:

  1. Jonathan LinnemanDecember 13, 2024 at 2:43 PM

    Apologies if it seems like poor form to post here rather than with something more direct and personal, but I wanted to mention that this post hit hard (exactly as it should), and there's as much positivity as I can gather heading toward you and your family from where I am in New Jersey. I'm hoping for the best and am floored by what it all must mean for what Stalwart '85 means to you, and as a result, to us. Take care, and love from NJ.

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    Replies
    1. Dr. Mike DesingDecember 13, 2024 at 3:39 PM

      Jonathan,
      I understand. It feels inappropriate on some level to even bring it up on my gaming blog, but community is community. I truly appreciate the kind words and thoughts.

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  2. CayusequinDecember 13, 2024 at 3:57 PM

    I still remember coming across your original Army Ants RPG (Teddy Bear Press 1996) at my local comic/game store in 1997. Which lead to reading/collecting the AA comics and I've been along for the ride ever since.

    As Jonathan noted, this kind of news hits hard. I'm reminded yet again that I tend to take for granted the people that add value/fun to my life will always be around to do that.

    Mike, I hope you have time to complete things to the degree you would prefer; actually I hope you find a way to beat all the odds, but I understand needing to proceed like the clock is ticking.

    I'll just end this with a heartfelt, "Thank You" for your creative efforts and for sharing them with the world.

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