[ulterior epicure]

[Moderator's Note: Earlier today, chefg, Chef Grant Achatz, wrote the post below in the Alinea topic (click here for that post). We've created this topic in member news to enable our members to share their wishes for a strong and speedy recovery. -- CA]

chefg, on Jul 23 2007, 12:13 PM, said:

I wanted to personally report that I have been very recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the mouth.  I have consulted several prominent physicians and will likely begin aggressive treatment within the next few weeks.  I remain, and will remain, actively and optimistically engaged in operations at Alinea to the largest extent possible.  Alinea will continue to perform at the level people have come to expect from us -- I insist on that.  I have received amazing support from friends, family, and everyone who has thus far been told of the disease, and I look forward to a full, cancer-free, recovery.

ChefG,

I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but am happy to hear that you remain positive and upbeat. Thank you very much for sharing this bit of personal news with the boards. I wish you the best in your treatment.

u.e.

This post has been edited by chrisamirault: 23 July 2007 - 05:13 PM

[Simon_S]

chefg, on Jul 23 2007, 06:13 PM, said:

I wanted to personally report that I have been very recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the mouth.  I have consulted several prominent physicians and will likely begin aggressive treatment within the next few weeks.  I remain, and will remain, actively and optimistically engaged in operations at Alinea to the largest extent possible.  Alinea will continue to perform at the level people have come to expect from us -- I insist on that.  I have received amazing support from friends, family, and everyone who has thus far been told of the disease, and I look forward to a full, cancer-free, recovery.

Chefg, although our meeting in your kitchen was fleeting to say the least, rest assured that you will be in our thoughts. Myself and Hazel wish you all the best for a full and speedy recovery.

Simon

[docsconz]

chefg, on Jul 23 2007, 01:13 PM, said:

I wanted to personally report that I have been very recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the mouth.  I have consulted several prominent physicians and will likely begin aggressive treatment within the next few weeks.  I remain, and will remain, actively and optimistically engaged in operations at Alinea to the largest extent possible.  Alinea will continue to perform at the level people have come to expect from us -- I insist on that.  I have received amazing support from friends, family, and everyone who has thus far been told of the disease, and I look forward to a full, cancer-free, recovery.

This is certainly a shock, but I have no doubt that you will do just fine and beat the problem and I have no doubt that the restaurant will continue to function as it always has when you need to be absent. My heart and thoughts are with you.

This post has been edited by docsconz: 23 July 2007 - 08:06 PM

[Swicks]

chefg, on Jul 23 2007, 09:13 AM, said:

I wanted to personally report that I have been very recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the mouth.  I have consulted several prominent physicians and will likely begin aggressive treatment within the next few weeks.  I remain, and will remain, actively and optimistically engaged in operations at Alinea to the largest extent possible.  Alinea will continue to perform at the level people have come to expect from us -- I insist on that.  I have received amazing support from friends, family, and everyone who has thus far been told of the disease, and I look forward to a full, cancer-free, recovery.

While we have never met nor have I had the pleasure of eating in your restaurant I have been delighted and facinated by your creations that have been detailed on this site. I just wanted to wish you my best and for a speedy recovery.

I have recently just recovered from an operation to remove some Squamous Cell Carcinoma (in March) and am very familiar with the procedures, etc. If you have any questions or would like to discuss my experience with the operation I had, recovery, etc. please don't hesitate to PM me. I would also be glad to provide you with my email address for direct communication as well.

Best,

-Scott

[cpl55]

ChefG -

I am very sorry to hear the news.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and wish you all the best for a fast recovery!

Christina

[jesteinf]

Chef,

Best wishes on a full and speedy recovery. Beat this thing down!

All the best,
Josh

[logicalmind]

chefg, on Jul 23 2007, 11:13 AM, said:

I wanted to personally report that I have been very recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the mouth.  I have consulted several prominent physicians and will likely begin aggressive treatment within the next few weeks.  I remain, and will remain, actively and optimistically engaged in operations at Alinea to the largest extent possible.  Alinea will continue to perform at the level people have come to expect from us -- I insist on that.  I have received amazing support from friends, family, and everyone who has thus far been told of the disease, and I look forward to a full, cancer-free, recovery.

I am very sorry to hear this. I wish you the best in your recovery.

[Lady T]

My very kindest thoughts are with you and yours, ChefG. As opportunity allows, please keep in touch with us all and let us know if, and how, we can help.

[hapacooking]

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Best wishes for a fast and full recovery.

[RyuShihan]

Good luck and I hope you the best. I will put you in our prayers at night.

[chicagowench]

All good thoughts and wishes for a fast and full recovery, ChefG. If you should need it, I can help with information on cancer patient resources in Chicago, as well as medline research.

Best to you and yours.

[chefAZ]

I will be praying for your recovery, I know you will beat this thing.

[oneidaone]

Aloha chefG: I'll remember you in my prayers and am sure that you are surrounded by friends and family who will give you the strength and support you need at this time.
Keep positive and stay strong. Mekealoha Pumehana and God bless you.

[Qwerty]

Best wishes on a speedy recovery, Chef.

[ASM NY]

Chef, get better soon!

[Bueno]

Thoughts and prayers, Chef. Best wishes on a successful and swift recovery. I look forward to seeing you back on top immediately.

[Jon Dubrick]

Grant,

Although we have met in passing and at your restaurant, I wanted to express my support. Things will work out. I have one of your externs on my staff and I hope to one day gain the respect he has for you. If you ever need any coverage at your restaurant in a hurry myself and your extern James Fuchs would be there.

Keep your head up.

Jon Dubrick

[prashant]

I wish you a speedy and safe recovery, chefg.

[Pilar]

chefg,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you a full and speedy recovery.

[KatieLoeb]

Chef - my very best wishes to you and yours. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You are a man of great talent and perseverance. I have no doubt you will beat this with your usual aplomb. You are surrounded not only by family and friends that are near, but by many of us from afar that wish you a speedy recovery.

[KateinChicago]

You have our very best wishes and hopes. I heard the awful news tonight on the television.

Kate

[chefseanbrock]

chef g,

you are in our hearts and prayers, best wishes on a full recovery...

McCrady's restaurant

[The Little Blue House]

Our thoughts are with you and your family.


-Emily

[GordonCooks]

Best Wishes!

[madziast]

Best wishes for a fast and full recovery. and thank you for the extraordinary Alinea experience.

[abola]

Grant,

Wishing you a speedy recovery. You have enormous passion, energy, and drive and will overcome this. We will see you in New York in September........

George.

[adey73]

I've just read that Grant Achatz has been diagnosed with cancer. www.seriouseats.com/required_eating/2007/07/alineas-grant-achatz-has-cance.html


I've never been to Alinea, let alone the US, but it deeply saddens me as I was only listening to his NPR appearance yesterday. All your experiences have made the restaurant very real to me.

I hope this maestro makes a full recovery quickly.


Adey

[Lateralus]

Chefg

you are in my thoughts and prayers as well! I was shocked to hear first the diagnosis and then stage 4....wow!

God Bless You!

[moosnsqrl]

You've always kicked a$$ - no reason to think you won't do it again!

Best,

Judy

[jgm]

chefg,
May your physicians be as talented as you are.

Jenny