My brother has had a long and courageous battle with terminal cancer, given no chance to live six months, twelve years ago. Sunday, October 14 he finally succumbed after a brave fight, but in the meantime, he changed the world. We are overwhelmed with the love and support of his Delaware native lifelong friends and all the friends he made throughout the world. Please leave any well wishes here. Please forward this link to all who knew Trip. Thank you for your love and support.
Chris Casscells, MD.
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I have had a very brief association with Dr. Casscells – but my engagements with him, though brief have been intense and full of energy. Have admired his capacity for unbridled enthusiasm and persistence against all odds. I shared with him the passion and enthusiasm for semantic technologies and its transformational potential.
It was a pleasure knowing you Dr. Casscells – hope I can take forward your vision and passion for semantic technologies.
Hi,
I have a quick question about your blog, would you mind emailing me when you get a chance?
Thanks,
Cameron
All- the above user was attempting to hack my email account. Do not respond to this person or email address (listed as cameronvsj@gmail.com)
Just got the same message on my blog and was doing my due(Google)-diligence before I responded. Thank you for noting this! Will not be replying.
Me, too – got the same message, googled the email address and found your post. Thanks for the heads up!
And me… I too looked up the e-mail addy and ws grateful for the warning, even though I would never have mailed them on my regular account!
Thank you! He/She has responded on my blog http://www.uterinecancerawareness.org several times so I decided to Google the email address I appreciate the warning!
I did not know Trip, or do I know you Chris. But, your father, Dr. Ward Casscells saved my left leg when I was 9 nine years old. I was hit by a car & fractured my femur along w/a “compound” fracture of my tib/fib. He put me back together & I was running around like always (and still do 50 years later) that spring. He did scare my mother though, the first time he removed part of my cast in his office. He fired up that noisy cast saw & went at it. She screamed until he told her it wouldn’t cut my leg off! If your brother was even part of a “chip off the old block”, he must have been an amazing person. Sorry for your loss. Kathy Dietz Fogelgren
I will always remember the day that Trip Casscells came to talk to the UT School of Nursing PARTNERS organization at St. Martin’s in Houston, Tx. I am a nurse and was interested in hearing Dr. Casscells speak. What I learned that day was invaluable, he spoke candidly and openly about being diagnosed with cancer, how even a strong Dr. who is well informed needs to bring an advocate, suddenly life is so precious and fragile and the “Deer in a Headlight look” can overtake anyone in an instant. He also said that he encouraged his patients to bring a tape recorder with them to office visits as the information one thinks they hear may not be quite what is spoken. I am a patient advocate at my church and in my community and Trip Casscells advice resonates and helps me as I hold hands of loved ones and friends as we go to Dr. visits and thru diagnosis, treatment plans and painful procedures Trip Casscells had the blessing and gift of being that “Voice in the Wilderness”, he made a difference in this world!!! He cared for and about others!!!
There is a bright, new shining star in the Heavens.
May your family be blessed with strength as they go on the walk thru grief.
Warmest Regards……………………………..Carolyn Moody Drake BSNRN
First you should know that Trippy was the first baby I ever met. Born the same day, in the same hospital, within hours of each other, both with red hair, blue eyes and freckles. Now, that’s a bond!
This is from my book SAYING GOOD-BYE TO YOUR PROSTATE – about my surgery last year. Of course, Trip was there, responding to every email within minutes, it seemed. No surprise. Encouraging me every step of the way. Just as it was about to go to press, I added this postscript, which begins to scratch the surface of my feelings for him. Love and Peace to his family, all the friends I do know, and strangers I do not know who are touched by him – Jamie
JAMIEMACK@COMCAST.NET
_____________________________
POSTSCRIPT
Days before this book went to print, my ‘twin’, Dr. S. Ward ‘Trip’ Casscells III, born on the same day, in the same hospital as I was, lost his twelve-year war with prostate cancer.
He was an extraordinary person, led an extraordinary life, and touched an extraordinary number of people. Search his name online and you will readily see what a humble giant he was.
I knew him simply as Trippy and recall, early on, being somewhat confused as to why we lived in separate houses, since we looked so similar and celebrated our birthdays together every year.
A friend emailed a picture of him, recently, taken at the summer camp in Maine we went to along with others from our home town of Greenville, Delaware. In the photograph there are three rows of us – black and white figures in shorts and T-shirts – staring at the camera, trying to look real cool (at age 12), me hoping the camera wouldn’t notice my thick eyeglasses. Everyone looked at the lens, but Trippy. His gaze was somewhere else, not just at something that distracted him close by, but far away to a distant subject – something that puzzled and concerned him, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. Although he had a wonderful smile, the Trip I remember best was this Trip; always intently fixed on solving a problem, or helping somebody – relentlessly giving himself to exploration, seeking answers and knowledge. Many called us old souls, compared to our contemporaries, which I think is true – especially being Pisces. But Trip was light years older than I, or anyone else I have ever known. This extreme, dual-edged gift gave him tremendous empathy for others. This sensitivity must also have caused him deep sorrow at times for all those he saw needing help. This made him a superb doctor and humanist.
When he was diagnosed with prostate disease, he threw himself into teamsmanship with the best minds available, and through five remissions gave of himself repeatedly, enthusiastically trying out conventional and unconventional therapies so that countless others, after him, might gain new knowledge and hope.
So, if he were typing this himself, I know he would write…START PSA TESTING AT 35 !
We are so proud and blessed to have known your brother Trip. We are the Texas branch of Roxanne’s family and enjoyed our time in Houston and at “the river” in the Hillcountry with the Casscells clan. Always lively conversation in front of the fireplace at night. Trip was sending advice regarding my parents (his Bell in-laws) health until just weeks ago and expressed his sorrow at not being able to continue. Trip’s service and dedication to the welfare of others will always be an inspiration to us. We send our love and great sympathy to your family.
Suzie and Doug
Trip was a hell of a doctor and a great man. He always had a kind word, and usually had a very helpful thought-provoking idea too. I am so grateful for the times I was able to spend with him thinking about cardiovascular disease and humanity. All my respects to his family.
We join the chorus of those that mourn the loss but celebrate the purposeful and fun-loving life of our dear friend Trip. May your grieving ultimately give rise to enduring and inspirational happy memories of Trip. Sincerely, Michael & Elizabeth Galvin
Blythe and I will never forget Trip’s kind, thoughtful attentiveness to Blythe’s second bout with cancer. While grappling with his own illness, he took the time to check in on her often and even prepared a suggested dietary regime for her. We are heartsick that this giant of a man has succumbed after his brave battle. Much will be written about his brilliance and his numerous accomplishments in life, but he was also a warm, human, decent man with a puckish sense of humor and a wry detachment from the constant striving he observed in official Washington. We will miss him.
From: “Bruce Merrifield”
Date: October 4, 2012
To: Chris Casscells
Subject: Deep Regrets, Best Wishes for Trip
Hi Chris,
I don’t know if you remember me, I was in my 7th and last season at FL (and a counselor in sailing) during your first season. But, Trip and I had a few years of overlap, and he (and Sam Broaddus) where two outstanding guys in their cohort which was two years behind me. Trip was smart, mature, kind and a good sailor. I always had the highest regard for him. I’ve been working with Julien Williams on the FL reunion. He copied me on your note of regret to the FL reunion and that Trip is in hospice!? I knew from the Tower Hill ’70 grapevine (David Laird, Jamie DuPont, Dola Davis) that he had a tough case of cancer, but had no idea it was headed to this state. Several things: please tell Trip that I always was a fan and am very sad about this news; my best wellness vibrations are being sent his way. Then, is Trip still in the Washington, DC area? If so, does he have any energy for a visit and then for how long might you estimate. My folks are frail, but fine and living in Chevy Chase (they lived in the district for 30 years). I get down from Boston to see them as often as I can. I will be there for sure at Thanksgiving which may be too far out. Any time sooner would be fine with me. At the very least, would he be up for some fan email? If so, what might be the best email address to reach him? Thanks for any advice on how I might provide a bit of cheer and comfort to a fantastic guy who has made a great life contribution.
Bruce
D. Bruce Merrifield, Jr.
From: Chris Casscells
Date: October 4, 2012
To: Bruce Merrifield
Subject: Deep Regrets, Best Wishes for Trip
Great to hear from you Bruce.
Trip is fading fast, maybe ten days if we are lucky. I have forwarded your kind words, but they may be read from a different reading room.
Best to you, and thank you for your support.
Chris
Sent from my iPad
From: “Bruce Merrifield”
Date: October 4, 2012
To: Chris Casscells
Subject: Deep Regrets, Best Wishes for Trip
Chris,
Let Trip know that –at least with me and I suspect many- his spirit and ripple effects will move on and grow. I’m so impressed with and proud of his long-enduring, graceful, beautiful and humanely useful exit. We had traded emails about a year ago when he was thinking of a trip to Boston for some event. But, now very sadly, it did not work. My sincere condolences to you and the whole tribe including, of course, his wife and three kids.
Peace,
Bruce
Oct 4, 2012
Anne and Chris,
If I only had the same command of the English language as Wendy. I was also in your brother’s/ husband’s class (albeit for a lot longer), and have thought of him often as news of his health has been passed on to me. I would wish to write as well as Wendy, but alas my poor attempt will have to do. I keep each of you in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward into whatever your future holds. Please keep in your thoughts that many unknown to you, care for you and Trip.
Peace to you all, Debbie (Gibson) Kiernan
Oct 4, 2012
Anne & Chris,
I am so surprised to hear about Trip and my heart goes out to each of you. I attended Tower Hill from 5th – 8th grades and my maiden name is Wendy Collison. If he is able to hear it, I welcome your transmitting my heart, my wishes and my fondest memories to him. I remember his smile and hair and gentle ways and his being an integral and valuable part of every class. Please tell him that I will plan on seeing him in the next phase of all that is to come. We’re all energy – and energy has to go somewhere I am thinking of you all – Jamie let me know – Chris, I remember you so well, too. My blessings and love to your families and to each of you……and especially, to Trip.
XO,
Wendy
Oct 5
to Chris and Anne,
Probably have read this already but always good to hear again…
A great soul serves everyone all the time.
A great soul never dies.
It brings us back together again and again.
Love to you all – J
Oct 5
Hi Chris,
I am very sad to hear about Trippy’s illness. I often hoped I would see him again. I have very fond memories of him. He was always so kind with a smile so beautiful. I have thought about him many times over the years.
My thoughts and prayers are for Trippy, yourself, and your family.
Warmest regards,
Genelle
We are sad to know of Trip’s passing. He fought long and hard and saved lives–including David’s–along the way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. And may the peace of the Lord be with you and it is with Trip.
With tight hugs,
Dorcas
My prayers are with the family as you mourn the loss of an american hero, and no doubt a man of personal integrity.
I got an email from Jamie McKensie
( duPont). Trip was a class or two older than me but Cheis was in my class. I am very sorry for everyone’s loss. Stay strong.
Natalie duPont Lyon
I will never forget the heroic battle Trip fought. Years back we thought we were summoned to a reception at the Metropolitan Club that might have been his last. He went on to show up back in our lives and in DC in uniform and ready to serve. That was a brave and powerful decision but it just says what kind of person Trip was and how important he deems service and giving back. I saw him seldom but felt embraced by his warmth when lucky enough to be in his presence. Under that warmth, a fire was always burning.
With great sympathy, I send love to the family that will miss him most.
Missy
My love and sympathy to each of you. Trip has been such a positive and forceful influence in my life and in the lives of so many others. Please let me be of assistance with transportation or any service necessities. Love, Rob Witsil 302 542 4794
I am overwhelmed by the confirmation by all of you, of what I have known all my life. The sheer beauty of Trip’s life. We have set this site to share the love and prayers. http://tripcasscells.wordpress.com/
Thank you for your love and support.