Personal news

[hansz]

Today, on facebook, I made the following entry in the Zeiss Historical Society pages:

It is time to inform. 2 months ago I got the devastating news that I had developed a cancer of the pancreas with secondary cancers in my lungs. No operation possible. Average life expectancy 6 months. Period. One month ago the Folfirinox chemo treatment started, giving a - again statiscally - extra life expectancy of 5 to 6 months. But to a cost... My Zeiss gear will be inherited to my son, who is a far better photographer than I am, see haalbeeld.nl and www.ernstdegroot.nl. Anyway, the content of the current DB at www.holoceen.nl is: 2239 bodies with BN, 2514 camera with BN, 5250 lenses with BN, 5291 lenses BRD origin, and 12985 lenses from Jena. The only hope I've got is that in life you have lies, big lies, and statistics:-)

The future of www.holoceen.nl is hereby very uncertain. My son, as said, is far more a photographer, Im more a collector type interested in the history of the German optical and camera industry, especially the Zeiss companies.

There is tomorrow, but I reckon there is no day after tomorrow.

Hans de Groot

[SidW]

Thank you Hansz for being so bravely frank. You're not the first to bring such sad news to this forum and life is such there'll be others in the future. That doesn't make it any easier. Is there some Zeiss society or similar who could absorb your database? We'll all be holding your hand in our minds.

[olddocfox]

Dear Hans,

I'm very sorry to hear your terrible news. While we have never met, I feel you are a friend. Your informative and gracious posts have been a valuable and appreciated part of this forum. I'm certain every member wishes you the best as you face this storm.

With best personal regards,

George Fox Lang

[julio1fer]

Dear Hans, I have enjoyed very much your posts and your knowledge. I am devastated by these terrible news. We wish you best luck in the coming battle.

[belgiumreporter]

Dear Hans, words fall short when you get such a verdict. I hope you'll find the strenght to live your live to the max in the time you're given. It is of confort to know your son will carry on your life's work.
My thoughts are with you every time i'm on the camera collector forum, wich is every day. I wish you and your loved ones all the courage and the strenght to cope with this situation.
Warm greetings,
François Van Ouytsel
Belgium Reporter

[paulhofseth]

Perhaps not much comfort for you and yours right now, but your thorough documentation efforts do form part of the foundations for a fledgling science of the history of technology. Keep your courage up.

p.

[camfiend]

I'm sorry to hear such bad news.. there's nothing I can say or do to make things better for you but I do so hope for a miracle, I received similar news almost 12 months ago and should not be here now... I feel better then I have for some time.
Miracles do happen... or at least for your and my sake I hope they do

Bob

[Rachel]

I'm so sorry to hear your sad news Hans. My thoughts are with you.

[hansz]

Thanks all, for your kind words, and with Bob, I sincerely hope that miracles still work in this world...
Hans

[alanes]

Hans

I am very new to the forum but have already enjoyed your posts. I'm very sorry to read your news. I also have cancer and I know what an emotional blow it is to be diagnosed. Good luck to you and to your family.

Alan