Last roll of the dice.

[Outrider]

Guys, sorry I haven't updated for a while, I've been very ill the past six weeks but things have moved along quickly over the last few days. Tests have finally identified the problem and I'm booked for emergency surgery a.s.a.p. (probably tomorrow). Without the surgery I only have two weeks to live. There is no guarantee that the surgery will succeed, and even if it does it will only fix the immediate pain problem, not the cancer itself. Even with a successful outcome tomorrow I only have a limited time left at best because the cancer is beyond chemo or radiation therapy now, it's just too aggressive. Hopefully Deanne will be able to update on my behalf after the surgery.
To all the friends I've made here over the years, thanks for being such good guys.
See ya. :)

[Sonneilon]

Oh FRAK me!

Thanks for coming back HERE and updating us. I know you haven't posted pics or even spoke much in the forums, but THIS means a lot, Craig. I hope like mad things work out for the best and you can remain strong thru it all!

[Beast from the east]

OMG Craig
I hope you pull through and be strong.

WE ARE PULLING FOR YOU.

You are in our prayers.

[ender098]

I don't care how bad they tell you it is, craig. Don't give up! As Gunny Highway says in Heartbreak Ridge "Don't give the prick the satisfaction"

[Da Talent]

I'm praying for ya Craig. I don't know what else to say.

[ThinkTank]

You are and will remain an inspiration to all of us. And I'm not talking gi Joe pictures either. I and the mrs. will be thinking positively for you and yours.

[sithviper]

[QUOTE=ThinkTank]You are and will remain an inspiration to all of us. And I'm not talking gi Joe pictures either.[/QUOTE]

I second that
I'm pulling for ya dude

[Scarrviper]

We're all here for you Craig, you can get through this.

[General Scarlett]

Craig, you and I have privately discussed our faith........know that its that same faith that will get you and your family through what's to come.


I will ask my church to pray for you this week and I'll offer up these prayers durning the Easter vigil mass.


THANK YOU for being such a gentleman-you are an honor to your legacy. :cool:

[Rambo]

Blessings are in the way to you. One more round Craig, only one more.

[Otto the Otter]

I'm pulling for you, friend.

[Cobra Freak]

Good luck man. I hope for all the best towards you.

Best regards,
Andrew

[cyko]

Much love and light for you, my friend.

[yorktownjoe]

We are praying for you in Green Bay. May God's peace be with you and Deanne.

Joe

[Death_at_Midnight]

Still praying for you too. I'm still optimistic you can pull through no matter what doctors say. It's medical science, yes, but every body is different/reacts different and doctors have been known to be wrong.

[troopsofdoom]

I hope the doctors can get you some more time.

I propose that the Joe Dios Awards be re-named to:
[SIZE=6]The Outrider Awards[/SIZE]

[vader9900]

Keep strong my friend. I think I speak for all here, you have a special place in all our hearts!!

[Flatline]

[QUOTE=vader9900]Keep strong my friend. I think I speak for all here, you have a special place in all our hearts!![/QUOTE]
PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHT S AND PRAYERS!!!!!

[EasySimpleStuff]

[QUOTE=Flatline]PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHT S AND PRAYERS!!!!![/QUOTE]

...

[giTom]

Thoughts and prayers with you.

[neapolitan joe]

We support You! G.I.JOE Italian forum is with You!

[LordRaven]

Craig, all my hopes and prayers are with you. Your photos have been the standard of excellence here as long as I can remember, and your guidance and friendship have been wonderful.

[silentdusty]

Our prayers continue for you Craig, I wish you the best, and hopefully God willing you will pull through. You are an inspiration to all of us.

[dancontrino]

[QUOTE=Death_at_Midnight]Still praying for you too. I'm still optimistic you can pull through no matter what doctors say. It's medical science, yes, but every body is different/reacts different and doctors have been known to be wrong.[/QUOTE]

Exactly! With that thought, there's hope. You're a big part of this community, Craig and subsequently a part of many people's lives here and on Flickr. Just your lack of posts has become an absence of positivity and creativity that we do not want to lose. A lot of people are thinking about you and I hope that somehow that can help you. :)

[rds13601]

Probably no one has shown more toughness and courage than you Craig. I want you to know we are all pulling for you here and are hearts and prayers are with you. Not a day passes that i don't think of you. Just know you are loved by your fellow joe dioers. You will be in my prayers always!! Your friend, Russ Spencer rds13601

[GoCards]

Best of luck. You've always been a great supporter to all of us here. Your pics and comments will continue to be an inspiration to us all.
-Scott

[tycondrius23]

Craig I hope you all the best in the world and hope those docs can pull off some miracle work. Will be keeping you in my prayers .good Luck .

[seamusharper]

Im truly sorry I did not have a chance to get to know you better. If the love and affection being given is any indication, you must be a great man. Any man who can get this much honor and respect out of people all over the world, is definatly worth having as a friend. I wish you the best, and hope we have a chance to become friends in the future.

[Lava Boss]

Ourider, you set the bar pretty high for Joedios pictures, but were always gracious in commenting on other people's efforts. A positive comment from you meant I was doing something right. :)

I hope for the best for you.

[Nekoman]

Outrider, I always look forward to your photos and comments, and I dearly hope you'll be able to pull through. I, like others have prayed for you, and have faith you can make it.

[Outrider]

Hi everyone, Deanne here – Craig underwent surgery last night, he came through ok but the outcome is not what was hoped for. Both the Surgeon and the Oncologist have said that there is nothing more that can be done. At the moment we are working on going home and making whatever time we have as comfortable as possible. Deanne, on behalf of Craig.

[Cobra Freak]

:( I hope Craig isn't in any pain. I won't give up on you guys! All I can do is wish for the best.

Andrew

[General Scarlett]

God Bless you Deanne......and your family as well......Craig will always be with you....no matter what.

[sithviper]

Damn, Sorry to hear all didn't go as hoped :( God bless you both, Craig will be with us all, always. :(

Take care
Mike

[Prince Adam]

Craig, I think I can say the lot of us here all love and respect you as not only a friend but as both a mentor and an inspiration as well. You’ve never been one to think yourself better than any one here, your modesty speaks volumes, and your words of wisdom helped myself and I’m sure others through some very dark times. Our world wouldn’t shine as bright without you in it. No matter what happens in the next few days please know that we are mentally and spiritually by your side. And a “thank you” to your wife, Deannae, for keeping us updated in your absence. You are the King, Craig, and I'm proud to call you friend.

-Alexander

[Sonneilon]

Deanne, thank you for the update.

I'm sorry, but I'm a realist which means I'm rather negative. I can only hope that your times together have been the best and that you will be able to reflect. And I hope that you know that Craig has pals that love him all over the world. We support you. We believe in you. We feel for you.

I always hope for the best and I know this is hard for you. Be strong. Help Craig be strong.

We are ALL there for him AND YOU. We always will be.

[GoCards]

I really don't know what more can be said. You're The Man Outrider!
-Scott

[tycondrius23]

I'm so sorry to hear that . as one of the others said I hope he's as comfortable as you can make him and doesn't feel any of the pain. just wish there was more any of us can do . thanks for the update .well always be thinking of him.

[icebird]

I've been sitting on the sidelines of Joedios since first discovering this site in´05. I've never posted a pic and only posted a reply once or twice. But I've been here daily to enjoy all the great pictures and stories. And it has really changed me.

To Outrider:

Looking at your pictures inspired me to always do things the best I could and to explore all angles and never settle for the first good available one. This holds true not only for taking pictures but also in taking decisions in life.

Reading your posts to other peoples pictures, your constant generous honest advice and constantly giving respect where it was due.
While being the best you never were shy about helping others achieve your status.
It is a way of looking at things that I strive to achieve myself.

And your battle against this foe. Your attitude towards it. It has really inspired me when my small insignificant troubles weigh me down.

You've really inspired me with your work, your words and your character.

Me, my family and friends will keep you in our prayers.

Thank you,
Arni Eggert

[rds13601]

I am sorry things did not go well Deanna. Craig is an inspiration to us all for his bravery, tenacity and strong will. He is loved and appreciated by everyone on this site. I hope he is comfortable and can now rest. I will keep you both in my prayers and thoughts. May God bless the both of you Russ Spencer rds13601

[Flint]

Craig, I'm so Sorry to hear this, My Thoughts & Prayers go out to you & Your Family.

[ToneGunsRevisited]

Deanne,

I'm happy that he made out of the surgery and I'm sure he'll have time for you and us here, a lot of it. It doesn't mean how much worst things are they after a storm there is always a sunny day coming. This will not be different.

We all know how much you are bonded to him and he has all his friends praying for him and suporting. After all I've to go to Australia someday to visit us. You know sooner or later I'll be on the doorstep.

Get better fast Craig "Outrider" Anderson!!!

[silentdusty]

Deanne,

I am very sad to hear things didn't go as planned, I hope that he will be comfortable, and hope that your time spent together will be very special for you both.

Craig,
you have been such an inspiration to me, and I know many others on this site, to the point we should almost call this place Outriderdios.com, it's hard to put into words the respect I have for you as an artist and a person. You are a outstanding human being, and it has been a great honor to know you via this site, and a common interest in old toys. God bless you both.

Dustin 'Silentdusty' Colwell

[Tracker]

i hoping things get better. I'm praying for y'all

[emike]

May your faith sustain you and your family. I didn't know you well, but your character and decency really came through your posts. I am not exaggerating when I say that I looked forward to seeing your photos on a daily basis. You have become an inspiration to so many on this board and beyond. Godspeed . . .

[4-Cobra]

I just want to let you know that you & your Family are in my Prayers,and I'm hoping with everything I got that things turn for the better.You are the One person that inspired me to try my hand at taking Pic's of my Joe's,and just about all of the little Custom touches to my Figures have been taken straight from looking at what you did to your's.I'm So glad that I got to know you,and can call you My Friend.And as all the others have said,"you Are and will continue to be an Inspiration to all of us Joe Fans Worldwide for MANY MANY Years to come!And your Fantastic Pic's will be the Standard by which all Joe Pic's will be Judged for Many Years to come also,and theres no doubt you & your Pic's will go down in Joe History.You are the MAN Craig,and I'll be Praying for you to get Well Soon!!!! :) All my Love & Prayers,your Friend from West Virginia,Larry... :)

[Soundwave]

I hate hearing stuff like this Happen :( I hope for a Miracle man , there have been times when Doctors can be wrong, and I hope that the diagnosis for the time you have left is totally wrong and that you last "A Lot Longer" then what they have predicted .

[erectusbee]

wishing for the best sir,

[The Black Major]

[QUOTE=erickBUENO!]wishing for the best sir,[/QUOTE]

My Thoughts & Prayers go out to you & Your Family !

[Mobius_1]

i'm sorry i haven't been posting like i used too, but hearing this brings sadness to my heart. in all my years of forum and internet posting, none have been more welcoming than you guys here on this site. through out my days of taking photos, watching people like outrider was my main source of inspiration.if things go to the worst, i'll live happily that i knew Mr. Craig. live life to it's fullest, day by day. don't live in hate, anger, or sadness, because life is too short. may God be with you, and thanks for all the great times my friend.

[Nekoman]

I will hold out hope, Craig is a fighter, and I think he can still pull through. He is an inspiring, and kind man.

[neapolitan joe]

Dear Outrider, take care!
We are thinking of You, You're the best here!
Your Joes' pictures are a kind of art: the best images of Hasbro G.I.JOE We all have ever seen, thank You!
I want to support You as Your amazing and unique pics support me in my bad days.

[guiltridden]

Craig,
If not for your pictures I'm sure I never would have joined this site. After all Dana and I went through last year with Gianna, there were several doctors who told us she might not make it. I can only offer you my prayers and thanks for the prayers that you sent my way.
Your friend always
Dustin Regec

[macca glenlivet]

Though I do not personally know you Craig , I have been motivated and inspired by the spectacular work you have produce on this site , I am truly saddened to learn of this turn of events ----my thoughts , prayers and well wishes are with you and your family


Brian

[JediKnutt]

Best of luck to you. My Grandmother is currently in the hospital after a major cancer surgery. I can definitely say modern medicine can work miracles. I don't know you, but from all I've read I really hope this works out.

[Death_at_Midnight]

I do not accept what the doctors have said. God bless you, Craig/Outrider. Do not give up. Push, fight, defy!

[Marty]

My prayers are with you and your wife. You are an inspiration.
Much love and respect form fellow Melburnian Marty

[ender098]

Craig, never give in, never give up! You and your family are in my prayers. Know that you have inspired me and have been a great role model. You are the one I tried to emulate when I joined JoeDios, and you were the first to give my crappy first attempts kind words and give me good advice to encourage me. Keep on truckin brother. Fight the good fight!

[bravo]

hey Craig
stay strong my friend. your a trooper . you'll pull through this.
I'll post some pic's for you. ass soon as i can.

[Archie]

“I had to fight all my life to survive. They were all against me... but I beat the b@stards and left them in the ditch.”
-Ty Cobb

Your fight should never be over until the enemy quits, Outrider. We've seen you beat sickness before and we are fully expecting you to do it again,you have a lot of people to come back to!

[Wausauviper]

Craig,
I have been thinking of what to say, since it seems that it has all been said before. But I guess I will just say that I have always looked at you as one of the founding fathers of Joe Dios. You have always been here, and I have always enjoyed and looked forward to your next piece of work and feedback. You have made a lot of us strive to be better at what we do with this hobby, and as such, have helped form this group into the top notch group that it is. I look at all of the members as brothers because of what you have established as the standard, and no matter what the outcome, all of us will never forget you. My respect and prayers are with you and your family. And thank you for everything you have done, and will continue to do.

[Sonneilon]

Craig, you've made it this far. I bet you can pull it out in the end! :D

[Mobius_1]

as strange as it may seem, this forum is like a second family. throughout me being here, it's always felt like you guys were the awesome uncles (and aunt, can't forget you Gen. Scarlett ;) )that i read about in books and movies. this site has pulled me through hard times, as it has for many others. we're all family here, and we're all rootin for YOU Outrider!

[holesnipe]

Craig,
I was going to shoot you a private email, but I thought I'd join the group, in my thoughts for ya. I've known you for years and used to get picture advice from you, you've always find the neatest places for pics, especially at your work.
Looking forward to you kicking this thing, keep up the fight.

[Goldbug]

[QUOTE=Mobius_1] we're all family here, and we're all rootin for YOU Outrider![/QUOTE]
I couldn't have said it any better.
Cancer is a sore subject for me. I have had a few relatives go because of it including both grandfathers. :(
So I would really like you stay around longer Outrider.

[Flatline]

Since the news of your turn for the worst I have had no desire to shoot buy or even look at toys. Things just aren't the same without you here or on Flickr.. :( I hold out out hope and all my deepest warmest thoughts and prayers for and Deanna to charish your time together. You are a true mentor and master at your craft. You have inspired me and i'm sure plenty of others who's only wish is to be as good as OUTRIDER. Your kind words and helpful tips are what will always remain no matter what the outcome BE STRONG MY FRIEND!!

[snakeeyes]

[QUOTE=Flatline] You have inspired me and i'm sure plenty of others who's only wish is to be as good as OUTRIDER.[/QUOTE]


Totally agree!!! Be strong mate!!!

[UKGIJOE]

Be strong, Craig. Like everyone else has said, you are in all our prayers and we hope you can pull through this - never give up.
Keep faith and be strong. Everyone is wishing you the best.

Andrew

[Scuba Steve]

I have been away for a while and I just checked in today and read the news. I hope i'm not to late to say how sorry I am to see it come to this. You are and always will be the biggest inspiration this little hobbie of ours ever had! I swear to you and all here that I will do my best to get back to shooting as soon as I can. I will never give it up because you are such an inspiration! I salute you sir, and one day we shall meet face to face in a better place and talk about greater things. Best Wishes my friend, you will be missed but never forgotten!

Thanks for sharing your talent and passion with us.
Your friend always
Patrick McDonnell (Scuba Steve)

[miragearmor]

Hey Craig,

You're "Livin' on a Prayer" right now. So, here's something for you.























It's called "the Serenity Prayer"





"Grant me the Serenity for the things I cannot change.











Grant me the Courage to change the things that I can.













And Grant me the Wisdom to know the difference."

















No matter what your decision you make, I wish you well.

Take great care, man.

:)

[Black Knight]

I haven't been around much lately and I've been popping in here and there.

I'm sorry to hear things went this way and I wish you all the best. I lost my best-friend earlier this year to Colon Cancer, so I understand the hardship... be strong and be brave. You have all of us praying for you.

[jedsoon]

God bless you Craig. You and your family are in my prayers!

[rnrhero]

I have been rather quite on the board about this because it brings up a lot of emotions with me. I have always loved all of your pictures and advice you have posted here and Flickr. Craig, your pictures are some of the few that I can look at and know the person that took them without looking at the tag. I pray for you and your family.

[frk525]

Craig,

I never got the opportunity to know you as well as some of the others here, but I have always respected you as an artist. From the love that everyone here has for you, I know that you were a very special man to have known. I will be praying for you, sir, and I hope the best for you and your family. If this is your time, and we all pray that it is not, may the Lord welcome you into his kingdom and help your loved ones through this time. Stay strong.

[Agent Viper]

Well you have been a major inspiration to us all Outrider....

God bless

[SIC DETH]

I would like to wish you and your family the best. You give me so much inspiration. When ever I find it difficult to explain my hobby, I just show them your work, nuff said.

[bartus]

Craig:

You´ve always been my greatest inspiration here @ Joedios, and I´ve admired the way you always acted like the gentleman you are, no matter what situation happened.

If there´s a word that could best describe you, is "hero", a person who, in the face of danger and adversity, display courage.

And during this process, you can bet that you have given us an amazing lesson of courage and how to face adversity.

I salute you! G.I. Outrider, A Real Australian Hero!!

[UKGIJOE]

Thanks for the update. So sorry it didnt go as planned.
God bless.

[large64]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these trying times. Good luck and God bless!