MONDAY - December 31, 2007

Bill "Gumby" Donovan

Dear Fellow Chiliheads,
First of all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of the cards, calls and emails that are filled with love, prayers and support for Bill and me. It has been truly overwhelming and much appreciated.
Our nightmare began on December 13th when I took Bill to the ER. He had been batteling severe flu like symtoms for over a month and was misdiagnosed by our family doctor twice in that month.One blood test and one hour later he was diagnosed with AML. Acute Myloid Leukemia and immediately admitted to the hosptial for at least a 30 day initial treatment for this agressive bone marrow cancer.Bill bravely endoured 15 chemo treatments in 6 days. He was barely able to speak. Too many other treatments and tests to mention them all but you can never imagine usless you or your loved one has experienced it. It is now day 19 of his treatment and a second bone biopsy has come back "clean". The road ahead is going to be long but at least we have some hope that we have a road to travel on.
He will be having more intense chemo over the next 4-6 months so please do not stop the prayers and cards. We dearly love our chili family and we hope to see you on the chili trail soon.
Take Care and don't forget to "Get The Party Started" for us!
Gail & Bill "Gumby"

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

We would like to wish all of the chili cooks good luck cooking chili in 2008. May you have good weather and lots of fun. And to all who volunteer and judge may you have an endless supply of ROLAIDS.

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Capt. Jim & Willma Maehl

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Winterfreeze Chili Cookoff

To all the chiliheads out there looking for something to do on January 20th.

The annual Winterfreeze Chili Cookoff and Salsa contest is scheduled for Sunday January 20th in Springfield Illinois. This cookoff is back to back with the Great Forsyth Cookoff that is to be held on Jan. 19th. We feature Red, Verde, and Salsa contests with up to $2,000 in cash and trophies. Tables and chairs are provided. This cookoff is held in the beautiful K of C banquet hall and this year we will have the band "Still Kickin". Casey's Sports bar is part of the facility and will have the NFL conference championship games on. We expect huge crowds all day. There is an admission fee for the public and all proceeds go to St. Judes Children's hospital. Space is limited and I just wanted to remind everyone to register before we fill up. Don't be shutout.

Several hotels are nearby.Feel free to contact me for more information.

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Chilliexperience@insightbb.com

Larry Eastep
3920 Surry Place
Springfield IL 62711

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