My Fellow Chip Collectors:

As many of you know, since February 2011, my overall health has taken a beating and so much so that I wasn't able to attend my first convention (as well, as my first trip to Vegas).

It has been a very challenging time for myself and my family. But with prayers and continued faith in our medical experts, in the last four days I finally feel better (not perfect, yet much better).

Over these months, I have tried to continue my participation in this hobby, with contests, trades, purchases, and my series on the 'board “Chipper History”. But, one of the challenges of this ailment is that the simple use of a computer can make the pain I feel worse etc …. so, even with all my hopes to be on the 'board on a regular basis, it isn't always possible.

My ailment still hasn't been defined by the medical experts but resides in the bone behind my right ear and the saliva glands around my jaw. There was (and still is a concern of cancer) but for the time-being this has not been found to be. This has caused vertigo-like symptoms and as you can imagine has made many normal things I used to take for granted very hard to complete.

I want you to all know that I have appreciated your friendship(s) in this great hobby and my series Chipper History and many other projects will return at a pace that my body will allow.

Wishing you and yours all the very best,
Your chipper friend,
Derek Bistricky R-8169