Chuck Williams, BB1, lived a life of Passion, He lived a good life...No, he lived a great life.

After 19 months of fighting like a Champion, in the ring with Cancer, Chuck Williams, BB1, was taken down at 4:47 pm. Sunday  11-19-17.  He lived his life the way he wanted up until his last breath, doing what he loved the most. Being with his brother Jim Williams, at a Car Show.

Chuck and Penelope

Chuck started Immuno Therapy, 11 day's before his death. He had told me he was scared to try a third trial after suffering such horrific side effects from the first two. But, he said, he would never stop trying to do whatever was available to buy him more time. He said, "this trial will either extend my life or kill me. it's the title fight". We believe there's a possibility that's what brought about his untimely death. 

Chuck was dealing with tremendous pain. He was doing heavy pain meds to try and keep doing what he loved. He was waiting for his Alfa 4C Spider, to arrive from Italy, and had reservations for the Barrett Jackson Car Show in Scottsdale in January. He refused Hospice and got up everyday to do his life. He didn't live to see his beautiful red Alfa, or go to the events he had planned.

Jim and Chuck

On Friday November 16th, Jim, against his wishes, drove Chuck to Palm Springs, for an all weekend car show. They enjoyed the pre-show that day and Chuck had fun scooting around in his electric scooter, making jokes and talking to the people. He said to Jim, "did you bring your checkbook bro, you may want to buy something." That night he began to suffer shortness of breath and extreme pain. By morning he was  so bad he couldn't talk to me on the phone. They didn't go to the big Saturday car show. Saturday night, Chuck looked and sounded so bad. Chuck said, "I'm going."  Jim called 911 and Chuck was admitted to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs. The last thing he said to Jim was, "I guess this is it Bro."  Jim, grabbed his shoulders and said, "No this is not it."  Chuck was incubated and became unresponsive.  He could no longer breath on his own. He had actually drowned in his own fluid.

Chuck's girlfriend of 17 years, Penelope, called me at 9:30 am Sunday morning. She was heading to Palms Springs, from Santa Barbara.  I told her I'd leave Laguna Beach and meet her there. Jim met us and took us to ICU see Chuck. He was very yellow, but his beautiful face looked like a much younger man to me. However, his body was very swollen with fluid. His liver had failed and his lungs had filled with 30 pounds of fluid. He would never breath on his own again. 

My daughter, Georgia, called and asked to have the phone put up to his ear. She proceeded to give the most heartfelt goodbye to her uncle Chuck. So much so, we all broke down and cried. She asked if her dad, could say goodbye as well. Gene's sincerity and love for his friend of 47 years made as weep even harder. My sister Donna, sent a Beach Boy song "409" and made a little video of his life for us to share. It was thick with emotion in the room, to the point of fainting.

Jim made the call to take him off the life supports. But, my sister Billee Williams, asked us to wait until she got there to say goodbye. When she arrived, she asked us to hold hands around Chuck's bed. With all her Spirit, she prayed, lifting her beloved cousin up into the arms of Jesus. By now, we were all bonded as one loving energy around Chuck, as they removed the breathing tube. Though his heart beat was strong, the morphine slowed it down and after a half hour he let go.  He took his last breath surrounded by love.

I woke up this morning with a huge void and sense of loss. Yet, my first impulse was to call Chuck and review the incredible experience. I will miss my Superman everyday. He was like no other. He ran the race and finished a Warrior. Ancient Greeks would say after one died. "Did he live his life with Passion? Not what did he do in his life, or was he successful. If the answer was yes, they would say, "he lived a good life." 

Chuck lived a good life. a great life. He was a true Passionology Ninja, here to teach others the real meaning of life. He lived it to the fullest with a smile on his face and a spark in his eye, no matter what was happening in private. We should all live by his example and ask ourselves, "are we living with passion." If the answer is yes, then we can say we are living a good life.

Rest in Peace my Darling Cuz. You will be remembered as being THE GREATEST!!!

https://www.photosnack.com/SharrieWilliams/chuckwilliamsbb1memorial.html
Please enjoy a video Memorial of Chucks life. Click on speaker in left corner for music. Click arrow to start and if it stops click to keep pictures moving until you get to the yellow racing car on the track.

Lovely comment from Mike Love's daughter, Melinda Love

As Mike love’s daughter I have been approached countless times by people asking me to let my dad know that they are The Beach Boys’ “biggest fan”. I always smile and say thank you. But you all know as well as I do their biggest fan was Chuck. BB1. Chuck was a fixture in our little world for as long as I can remember. And he will be deeply missed. ❤️ Melinda Love

Mike Love

Page Liked · November 21 · 

 

Today, one of my best friends, Chuck Williams, lovingly known to many as BB1 (Beach Boys’ #1 fan), passed away. He was an enormous, wonderful friend and a great fan. He even had a Beach Boys shrine in his home. I will truly miss him and the indomitable, passionate spirit he brought to life.
Peace & Love,
ML

Chuck believes his Passionology and love for his fleet of cars is what's keeping his Spirit up in this battle for his life

It's been about 6 weeks since the Chuck Report.  In that time he started and quit another Cancer pill that just about destroyed him. He's been off all medication for a few weeks now. He told me that he's going in the ring one more time to fight his Liver Cancer.

"This is the Title Fight" he said. "If I can't win the Championship Belt, that's it." 

He starts Immunotherapy treatment next week. Immunotherapy uses certain parts of a person’s immune system to fight diseases such as cancer. 
 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy/what-is-immunotherapy.html

His symptoms from the last round of drugs have been devastating. He feet and legs are swollen with fluid and the water pills haven't done much. He's had nurses come in three times a week to massage the water back up to his upper extremities and has to wear full length support stockings. So far it's working. He finally fits into his driving shoes and after months being grounded, can drive his cars. Today he say's he's going to take his Cobra out for a ride around Montecito. 

Chuck is so inspired about the new treatment, using his own cells to fight the Cancer cells, that he feels there is hope. He believes his own DNA will be better than all the drugs he's been given, to kill the tumors. So, to celebrate, he plans to customize and order an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, that comes out in 2018.

He's still waiting for his Alfa Romeo, 4C Spider, to be delivered from Italy. Chuck believes his Passionology and love for his fleet of cars is what's keeping his Spirit up and giving him the Will to keep fighting the Cancer.

He's a born fighter and Cancer, you're not going to take him down. 

Chuck believes that his personal relationship with Mike Love and the Beach Boys, has been the greatest accomplishment in his life. For over 50 years he's kept them as friends. Mike Love trusts Chuck completely and considers him an official Beach Boy.

More to come, stay tuned. 

BB1 continues to take major blows in his fight with Liver Cancer, but, he keeps getting back up

Chuck has been fighting Cancer now for over 18 months.  He's had Thera Sphere Y90, a very evasive procedure that had side effects and it wound up doing nothing to stop the Cancer. He was put on a Liver Transplant list, only to be taken off because the cancer left the liver and lodged onto his rib. He proceeded to do an FDA approved drug that made him so sick and miserable he couldn't function. It cost $8,000. He quit and is fighting to get some of his money back. After all that he went without treatment or heavy drugs for a few weeks and began to feel more like himself.

The Doctor recommended he try Xeloda a drug that has worked for Breast and Lung Cancer but it has shown in clinical studies to have an effect of Cancer Tumor growth, but not necessarily for Liver Cancer. Another $8,000. But, he's a fighter and says he has to do what ever it takes. He's been on the new drug for 2 weeks. He's miserable. The side effects are as bad as the first drug. He honestly can't walk on his feet, because of the nerve pain. His lips are so dry they bleed and chunks of skin are falling off. His hands and feet have open sores and he has boils all over his body.  He's lost 7 lbs. Not good.  He sleeps in the afternoons, and his appetite isn't what it normally is. He has pain throughout his body and he cramps up so bad sometimes he can't move until it stops.  After being off for a week the Doctor will adjust the drug to see if that will lower the side effects.   Eventually Chuck hopes, they will get the drugs right so he can function.

Right now, his passion for his new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, being built in Italy right now and his new Mclaren 570S Coup, is what's keeping his Spirits up.  Hopefully the cars will arrive by his 68th Birthday, November 23rd. So, right now it's one day at a time now.

Keep sending him your love and good vibrations.

The latest update on Chuck, BB1's progress with his fight with liver Cancer.

At this point Chuck has decided to stop taking the Cancer drug. It made him deathly sick and made his life unmanageable.  He's felt a lot better going it without treatment. His last report showed that his numbers had actually improved, which is unusual. He believes it's his Superman Powers, that are fighting the Kryptonite. He also believes Passionology, is the secret to fighting his deadly opponent.

To counteract the negative effects of Cancer, he's continuing with his projects and not backing down.

Here is quote directly from Chuck.  "The 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will be my personal Exotic Supercar Track Toy. The other car is a Porsche 2017 911GT-3 Cup Car for the Track to be leased from my Company REEEEEL RACING to SPEEDVEGAS. My Company will supply Race Cars for SPEEDVEGAS every eighteen months or so. A Big 15th is coming OH YEA!   XXX/OOO  BB1." 

Besides that, he wants to recreate from scratch the original 1930s Maybelline truck just for the fun of it and cruise around with me.

These are lofty Aspirations, but, his DNA is loaded with Aspiration.  I will keep you abreast of his business plans, his health and his Passions.  

Keep the Good Vibrations coming his way.  We love you BB1.

Chuck isn't backing down to Cancer it will be a fight to the finish

"Here is my latest reaction to RACING TO THE FINISH? I plan on running several more Track Events.  

This is my only escape from reality of Liver Cancer and I will run every Race there is and I will win the Race at God's pace.

 The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2018 will be ordered this month or June. I have the right people involved for a special ordered 4C Spider at the executive level.

 Could have the car by the end of the year 2017 for a 2018 model. OH YEA!"

A born fighter, Chuck will continue to live his life the way he wants to. He is supposed to start his cancer fighting pills, but will wait until he returns home to Santa Barbara in June.

Keeping his mind off the Cancer and focused on his passion is his best defense. So far he feels pretty good and has his positive attitude that he feels is in his DNA.

Maybe he's Born with it.

Not expecting this news! The Thera Sphere never actually worked.

Chuck with his sister Nancy

Chuck found out this week that the cancer in his liver has spread and has taken hold on his ribs. He is now off the transplant list. He will start taking medication specially made up for his cancer. The prognosis is one year. Hopefully more. He leaves for Vegas tomorrow for 6 weeks of racing and he still plans to buy two new Alfa Romeos, as mentioned in my last post. He isn't giving up. This is devastating and unexpected news. We're all reeling from it. In shock denial. For someone as dynamic, charismatic and full of life at 67, it just seems impossible. There are miracles and if anyone can turn the tables, it's BB1.  More will be revealed and I'll keep you posted in a couple weeks when he goes back to UCLA.

Nancy's son, John Clark, Chuck and Jim Williams

Jim, Chuck and John

Chuck Williams, BB1, takes another jab at Cancer, slowing the tumor down to a stop

 

Chuck and Penelope headed to UCLA, December 14th, not knowing what was going to happen. A phone call the night before warned that his insurance had not authorized paying for a second Thera Sphere treatment. Which is a big deal.  One treatment is $80,000. However, that didn't stop our Champ. He told them he'd be there at 8:00 for a scheduled MRI. 

After the MRI, BB1, got word that his insurance authorized the treatment.  He met with Dr. Gnomes, his Surgeon and she was pleased with the results of the MRI.  She was finally able to get a clear picture of his first Thera Sphere treatment, almost 4 months ago. 

The first treatment blasted the liver tumor with billions of radiation balls, but the surgeon had been unable to decipher if she'd hit the mark because the picture was too foggy.

She had told Chuck to go and enjoy his trip to Zion in August, with Penelope, in his Motor Coach and give the liver time to settle down. He did, but the side effects were rough for the first 3 weeks.

Now that the liver has calmed down, she  was able to get a clear and it was good news. 

The Surgeon, had hit the tumor in the bulls eye.  She was thrilled.  The Thera Sphere had stopped it's growth and a second treatment was unnecessary at this time.  She want's to see Chuck in 3 months  for another MRI, and at that point, if there's any changes, a second Thera Sphere treatment will be discussed.

Chuck at the Lakers Game  recently with his brother Jim

Chuck is over the moon.  He feels pretty good, except for his Popeye feet and legs. The edema is still an issue and has slowed him down. Which, if you know Chuck, is out of sync with his normal "in the ring, dancing feet."

"I'm like normal people now." he said, "I'm used to being more like Superman, even at 67."

So, that's it.  Chuck can enjoy Christmas and head to Arizona for the Barrett Jackson Classic Car Show, in January and then hit Vegas for a few laps around the track.  

Merry Christmas Everyone.  Chuck thanks you all for the love, support and prayers on his behalf. He truly believes that's what is getting him through his ordeal with Cancer. 

 

The Power of Prayer, Good Vibrations and a strong support group helps Chuck Williams, BB1, go to the next round with Cancer

NEWS FLASH:

Just when Chuck, BB1, was down for the count, he got up and won the second round with Cancer.

It's been touch and go with Cancer the last three month,s since Chuck, BB1, had his first Thera Sphere treatment at UCLA. The first blow came when his MRI, was unable to give his Oncologist the information she needed to move forward, because the picture was too cloudy to read.

Following the treatment, Chuck's body filled with 18 lbs of edema and he was unable to fit in his clothes or shoes. He was concerned. But, his indomitable Spirit kept him focused on his life and he headed to Zion, with Penelope for rest and relaxation.

He didn't feel well. He couldn't sleep and was in pain. But, he never stopped believing he could win the battle.  When his blood tests came back they showed high liver numbers, he was told that if the numbers didn't go down, there would be little more they could do. His Liver would continue to fail. Chuck refused Chemo Therapy as an option, and refused to stop believing he could get those numbers down with mind over matter.  Miraculously, he seemed to will them down... except for one. 

The most important number, the bilirubin, remained at 2.1.  It had to be below 2, to continue the second Therma Sphere treatment. So he waited and he kept his Spirits up. Then, last weekend, he and his brother, Jim, drove Chuck's, Motor Coach to Palm Springs to see his old friend, Mike Love, of the Beach Boys, in concert. Mike arranged for him to park the Coach in VIP parking and he and Jim got a beautiful Jr. Suite at the Hilton Hotel. The concert was inspiring and Mike as always made Chuck feel like a Star. 

On Monday, November 21, just as he pulled into his driveway, the phone was ringing. It was the Doctor.  "Chuck," she said, "your bilirubin is under 2 and we can proceed".

Today, he got a call scheduling his next MRI, on December 14. and the second Thera Sphere treatment will follow at UCLA. The Miracle continues. Chuck can only have three treatments three months apart. If all goes well he will have number three 90 day's later.  And, if this happens, there is a 75 to 90% chance the treatments will work and the 2 tumors will back off. extending his life.

Chuck asked me to thank everyone who has sent prayers, comments on his Facebook group page and just wished him luck and good vibrations. He said, he believes, that all of you are part of the miracle that has given him this green light. He sincerely appreciates your love and support. He also believes that none of this would have been possible with out so many people wishing him well.

Keep the well wishes coming and with God's Will, Chuck will come through his second Thera Sphere treatment, with flying colors and he will win yet another round in the ring with Cancer.

Stay tuned for more good news next month.    

Cancer takes a few more Jabs, but, BB1, Chuck Williams continues to get up and fight

Chuck has been taking a lot of jabs from his opponent in the ring lately. After his last bout with the Cancer treatment TheraSphere August 17th, the Doctor wasn't happy with his liver numbers and suggested the liver needed to calm down for a month. With that Chuck and Penelope headed to Zion in his Mercedes Motor Coach and set up housekeeping for a week. They had a restful and relaxing time together and came home feeling great. The main side effect of the TheraSphere has been pain 24/7, which medication has kept in check and edema. Chuck gained 18 pounds of fluid weight and his normally lose jeans are too tight to wear. He now wears sweats. Yesterday the Doctor ordered water pills and hopefully the water and his liver numbers will come down, so he can have a second TheraSphere treatment on September 30th.  Chuck's still dealing with fatigue, but he's finally sleeping a little better. His old Chuck sense of humor is in tact and so is his appetite. So, he's still strong enough to go another round with Cancer in the ring.  

More will be revealed after September 30th.  Pray for a full recovery and a miracle.

Chuck Williams, BB1, hasn't given up hope beating his liver cancer and either should we

Here is the latest update on BB1, Chuck Williams in the ring with Cancer:

Jim and Chuck Williams,

He returned to UCLA on Wednesday, the 31 of August, for tests and scans to view the tumor and the effects of his TheraSphere treatment done a month ago. The Doctor was concerned because his liver numbers were higher than she hoped. She told Chuck to go on his road trip to Utah and enjoy being in Zion Park.  She wants the liver to calm down and believes that in the next 6 weeks, perhaps his numbers will begin to drop. However, she also discovered another tumor next to a blood supply vein, that will need to be zapped with TheraSphere radiation bubbles as well. The last zap sent over 90 million radiation bubbles into the original tumor. He can only have three zaps of TheraSphere, so let's hope the next one produces the effects Chuck needs to see.

Chuck isn't sleeping well. He's in pain, both in the area of his liver and in his shoulder and back. He's been asked to give up protein and concentrate on Carbs, because they're easier for the liver to break down. He's fine with eating that way.  He's still up and at em everyday.  He's happy to be packing up his Mercedes Motor Coach, and heading to God's Country, with his girlfriend, Penelope for some rest and relaxation. It takes a lot to take Superman down.  

We will know more in a month to six weeks, so stay tuned for further updates. When you think of BB1, imagine him racing at Speed Vegas. He will be stopping off there to do a couple laps, before heading to Zion. May the force be with him.

BB1's Cancer is not curable at this point. There is a 50/50 chance that it will shrink and prolong his life

 

The Alfa and the Cobra

 written by Chuck's girlfriend Penelope

Finally we have action! They freaked him out by calling him the night before (Tuesday) & said that he was not eligible for the medical appointment. They called too late for him to respond (closed), so we went down anyway (I got up at 4:30). Went there and waited 40 minutes while they cleared him (he did have coverage) for his appointment and finally met with Dr Gomes (elegant fingers and thankfully a cut & dried, extremely intelligent woman surgeon) after a half hour consultation with the aide. The aide had him sign the waiver (in case they punctured a vein and/ or killed him during the “test drive” and/ or actual procedure, whereby on the first, they determine by a needle threading up the groin vein into his liver veins with a tiny cord, remove the needle & thread after directing a tube is inserted to the sites (different veins leading to stomach and lungs from the liver) to determine if there are stints (weakness, etc) with a tiny camera.

Apparently, the procedure includes closing off those stints with some glue. That is the “dry run”. The actual procedure (lengthy name) requires some sedation and takes 6-8 hours (outpatient also, like the “dry run”). They then direct tiny glass beads into the tumor that are radiated and hope that it shrinks the tumor.

It is a 50/50 chance that it will shrink.  A month after the procedure, he goes back again to have another ultrasound to determine if it works. She says that it is 50/ 50 on his chances and that the cancer is treated as a disease and not curable at this point. The objective is to stabilize/ shrink the tumor. It appears that due to his cirrhosis, he is not a viable candidate for liver transplant, although they keep trying to squeeze more money from him, by setting up other appointments with heart doctors, etc.

So we do not know when the first appointment (dry run) is occurring, hopefully within 10 days. The actual procedure is dependent upon appointment availability and if any cancellations occur.

BB1 races to the finish line with an amazing attitude, though no liver transplant is approved at this junction, but, he's not looking back

Chuck, Anne, Sharrie and Baby Georgia in the Snugly

Latest update from BB1. After demanding an answer from the powers that be, he finally got his voice heard. "Why should I wait for two months for answers?" he said, "I could croak before they schedule the surgery."  With that one word, "croak," he got their attention. 

Chuck has always been persistent and in this case it has served him well. The surgery is scheduled for July 17th. That's the good news. The not so good news is, there will be no liver transplant at this point, but it's not out of the question. It may be possible in a year and a half. But, shrinking the tumor is priority right now . The diagnosis he first received from his Santa Barbara Doctor was wrong. The Doctor told him the tumor was 3 centimeters, it's actually 7 centimeters and they can't remove it if it's over 5.  They also said his liver numbers were good, they're now downgraded to fair.

So, the plan of action is... They will go up his groin up into his liver and with a instrument that will melt the tumor and keep it from spreading. He will be in the hospital for three days and may have to do it again if necessary.  If he does nothing he has two years to live, with this plan of action they will manage the tumor and hopefully Chuck will live a long time. 

The Hep C and cirrhosis can't be stopped, but the tumor can be halted so that's what he's facing now.  In the mean time he's heading back to Vegas and will enjoy his Motor Coach and his racing at Speed Vegas until he has to come back to Santa Barbara. 

With all the stress BB1, is facing right now, his love and passion for the Beach Boys is still in full swing.  Look at the PR he pulled off for the Speed Vegas Grand Opening. He got Mike Love to the track and in the car to take this great picture.  He also, while racing, asked Mike's permission to promote Speed Vegas. Here's the results.  Not bad Cuz.  You're still the GREATEST!!!

CELEBRITY SIGHTING

THE BEACH BOYS' MIKE LOVE GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL
AT SPEEDVEGAS 

WHO:

Mike Love, co-founder and member, The Beach Boys

WHAT:

Love drove the track in a brand new Corvette Z06 at SPEEDVEGAS. Love experienced the most thrilling driving experience that Las Vegas has to offer driving multiple laps around the brand new Formula One-inspired track.

PHOTO LINK:

Click here to download photos.

PHOTO CREDIT:

SPEEDVEGAS

ABOUT SPEEDVEGAS:

SPEEDVEGAS is the new, award-winning 100-acre motorsports complex. Guests at SPEEDVEGAS experience the world’s most sought-after muscle cars and exotic supercars from Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Corvette and more. The $30 million SPEEDVEGAS experience features an impressive 1.5 mile (2.4 km) Formula One-inspired racetrack comparable to top circuits in the world and includes 12 sweeping turns, 20-degree banked turns, 60 feet of total elevation change and a half-mile straightaway. In addition, the 20,000-square-foot, 2-story welcome center features indoor and outdoor observation decks, food and beverage selections at a well-appointed café, meetings and event space and much more. SPEEDVEGAS is located at 14200 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89054, just minutes south of the world-famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign (Exit 25 on Interstate 15).

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Marina Nicola/Erika Pope

Vox Solid Communications

mnicola@wearevoxsolid.com, epope@wearevoxsolid.com

(702) 586-2137, (702) 249-2977

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