Bill Hedin...
 

I know Bill has a lot of friends on this board, and if you don't already know, Bill is in a bad way. He has been battling cancer for a long time and this past weekend was extremely bad for him. He may be very near the end. I was hoping that this could be a thread to serve two purposes. First, to get the word out to pray for Bill and his family. Secondly, if you know Bill, please respond with a nice thought or a few words to lift him up in case he can get back on line soon to read the thread.

If you don't know Bill, he has been a maverick in the hobby. In his day he ran over 10,000 card shows from 1977 to 2008 when he got sick. He is an amazing man and a better person you will not find!

Thanks in advance for any prayers offered.

Cancer has touched many people close to me, and I know the hard times Bill must be going through.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and his family in these hard times.

Bill is truly one of the good guys, I am glad I got to know him a little bit through Net54.

My prayers and best wishes go out to him and his family.

My blessings go out to Bill. We never met in person but I consider him a friend. Keep fighting!

Bill--our prayers and thoughts are with you.

I got to know Bill a bit through his card shows in the Boston area, and was happy to reconnect on here. Bill is a great guy and I will keep him in my prayers.

Scott

Bill I am sending many positive thoughts and prayers your way.

prayers and best wishes
 

My prayers and best wishes go out to Bill. May you have many, many more years and cards shows to attend. take care......

Cancer is unfair. Seems to attack all the kind ones I've known.

Bill, You're always positive. I hope the Hedin family can stay strong.

My best,
Steve Falletti

prayers
 

Bill once told me that when you get to Heaven, everyone will own a T206 Honus Wagner.

Bill, not sure about that..lol, but praying God gives you the grace you will need when it's time to go home.

Good luck, Bill, and stay strong. Looking forward to continue to see your posts on cards you've picked up. Take care.

I never met Bill, but he and I exchanged a few PMs and cards back and forth several times. I always found him to be a wonderful person. I knew he was sick, but he never actually mentioned what his illness was. However, he once told me that cards were his therapy. Bill, my prayers go out to you and your family.

Very sad to hear this, I have never met Bill but can tell he is definately one of the good guys in the hobby, God bless you and your family.

In my prayers
 

Met Bill at many of his Boston area shows in the early 80's. He is a class act. Myself and my family send our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hang in there Bill our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim

I have never spoke to Bill but always enjoyed reading his positive posts & could tell he loves this hobby, and I hope and pray you can beat this beast Bill,,,,thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Hang in there and stay strong-

Sincerely, Clayton

Bill- we're all in your corner. Keep fighting.

Best wishes Bill. Fight on.

Bill Hang in there!
There are over 12 million cancer survivors incl myself, c'mon join the club!

Thoughts...
 

I haven't had the chance to meet Bill, but my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family! Hang in there!!!

Travis

i don't know Bill personally, but he obviously sounds like a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you Bill.

My thoughts & prayers are going out to Bill & his family--keep up the good fight!

Keep standing up to cancer!
 

We're here and we support you!!!

Though I do not know him personally, Bill's posts are always those of a gentleman. Good thoughts, wishes and fervent prayers go his way. Best to you, Bill.

Bill is one of the nicest guys I've met on Net54. He is supposed to come through my town this summer and we were going to meet up and grab a bite. I sure hope he's able to.

Thoughts & prayers your way, buddy.

Bill Hedin
 

My thoughts and prayers are with you Bill

Jimmy

Bill, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We've never met but I have enjoyed the few messages we have exchanged discussing your grandchildren and at the time my upcoming first grandchild.
Just so you know, we now have a beautiful granddaughter.
Hang in there,
RC

Bill, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I love his style on the board. This stinks hearing this. If anyone can pull through, I believe and hope Bill can.

Well what can I say. Bill and I go back when his folks and him were running the best card shows back in the 80s. Bill and I have recently reached out to one another these past several months thanks to this n54 forum. Bill was there for me when my dad was dying on cancer last year. he supported me and we even cried together talking about our wonderful dads. I love Bill like my own brother and I pray for him and his family each and every day. I know he has had a very tough battle and he is a trooper all the way! He truly has a wonderful family that love him very much. Bill if you can hear me, I am here for you now and always my friend!! Your buddy Neal :-) God Bless and Keep fighting!!! Don't ever give up!!!

The best
 

Bill,

I wish you the best in your continued battle with this disease. My thoughts will be with you.

Bill
 

Thoughts and prayers with you and your family Bill.

I don't know Bill but share the feelings of the Net 54 community.

Mark

I've never had the pleasure of meeting Bill in person but he's been a big supporter of Sports Collectors Daily and a good friend on Facebook, always enthusiastic and passionate about collecting. So much so I had no idea he was in this battle. All the best to you and your family, Bill. It looks like you have a lot of friends across the country!

May God bless you and your family, Bill. You've made quite an impact on this world.

Rick Payne

Bill is a GREAT trader
 

which shows what type of person he is.

We've been trading cards for the past few months -- and he always shipped first despite my insistence of the other way.

Considering everything, and we know what he's been going through --- he's just amazing and I hope and pray to have many more trades with him -0--

I've got a ton of Red Sox, Marlins and Pirates ready for you big guy!

Rich

PS We trade modern cards --- but it would be more fun if we had gone back 30 years and traded the old stuff too :)

Fight the good fight, Bill. Hope you're making good progress on your project with your grandchildren.

Bill
 

May GOD BLESS YOU BILL!!

I have only read your posts and haven't had the pleasure of meeting you, but know you are in my prayers for a speedy healing.....strength for healing for you and your family....we need your kindness and knowledge back, SO GET WELL;) WE MISS YOU BILL>>.

Peace

Johnny

Be well
 

I have only gotten to know Bill through this board. He is always there with a kind word and seems like an impossibly good person. This hobby could use as many more of those as we can get. We can't afford to lose one like Bill. Please take care.

Tom C

Just heard from Bill a little while ago and is home now resting. Fighting a very bad infection and hoping meds will kick in and work. Praying for ya Bud! :-)

My thoughts and well wishes to Bill and his family
 

I never have met Bill, but by just reading the kind and impressive things about him through the board over the years, he definately is one of those people that you wish you could be friends with and get to know better in the hobby and in your life. My thoughts and prayers wish him and his family the best during these troubled times. Keep up the fight Bill, like Jimmy V said, "Don't Give Up. Don't EVER Give Up"

Bill, I wish you the best. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bill,
To echo the sentiments expressed above. We are all pulling for you. Thoughts and prayers your way from us.

Jeff

bill h
 

the finest person i have known in aeons.
a dear friend and truly loving gentleman whom i admire deeply and sincerely.
i do pray for you, bill, daily.

much love and respect,

barry

I have always enjoyed Bill's post and the passion and love he displays towards collecting. Good luck!

Hang in there Bill

My thoughts and prayers are with you


Jantz

You are a good friend to so many of us, Bill, and you have enriched us all with your passion for baseball and cards (and the Red Sox). Our great wish is that you be restored to good health. May God's blessings be upon you and your family.

http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...soxCollage.jpg

I don’t know Bill personally but he has always been a poster who really shows a passion for the hobby.

After reading a bit about his past above and running 10,000+ shows over an impressive span I have no doubts Bill will tame this challenge in true super hero style.

A little Photoshop love for ya Bill hope it brings a smile to your face.

http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn...man%20copy.jpg

What was it Jim Croce said you just don't tug on Bill's cape or something like that.

Cheers,

John

Having lived in the town next to Bill, i frequented his shows in the 80's but never actually met him. He is very passionate about baseball and our hobby and my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.

Keep thinking this piece of scripture Bill: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

God bless!

Stay Strong
 

The brotherhood of baseball cards demands unwavering support for a member in distress. HANG IN THERE, BROTHER!

Bill

We go back to the early 1980's at the Willow Grove Show....with our ole Maine buddy, Skowhegan Bob Thing.
Bill, reflect back on all the wonderful experiences we had back then; and, your positive thoughts will increase
your endorphin levels. Resulting in reinforcing your immune system.

GOD BLESS you and your family. We pray for you every day.


TED Z

Thanks for all the replies for Bill guys! This is what Net 54 is all about. A brotherhood of like minded collector's who support each other.

Get Well Soon
 

I have only spoken to Bill on the phone, but he is a great guy and I wish him the best for a speedy recovery!

Jeff

Hang in there Bill!! My thoughts are with you.

I was actually emailing Bill when he told me he had to go that he was having major pain on Friday. It didn't sound good then. I don't know Bill but from all I've heard about him he's a stand up guy. I know he posts tons of family photos on Facebook so I know that's important to him. Sounds like he has great support through this trying ordeal.

I had the pleasure of recently trading him some 67s, and he was very gracious and friendly via email. Best wishes Bill, I will send out some prayers for you, and I am glad I was able to contribute to your collection.

An Irish Blessing...
 

Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.

I have never met Bill but we have exchanged PMs a few times and have done a few trades. He has always been very friendly and I hope that he pulls through this setback. Keep up the fight buddy!

I have had several run ins with cancer and it is just a terrible thing.

All I can say is Bill keep up the good fight and know that this community is thinking of you.

All the best to a speedy recover.

James G

I don't you Bill, but you have my sincere best thoughts.

David

Sending Prayers and good karma always for Bill....

Bill Hedin
 

Bill and I have exchanged email but never met - even though we are generally from the same neck of the woods: he in Mass., I originally from Maine. Now, some 3000 miles separate us but we are of like mind on things temporal and eternal. You are in my prayers and will remain so. Steve

Any updates?
 

Has anyone heard from Bill since last week, or have any updates on his health?

I don't know him, but from all of the previous posts, he sounds like a great guy.

He and his family will be in my prayers.

Tony

3am Friday and i'm back home!
 

I want to thank all my friends here for the kind words and well wishes. Your prayers worked, as I'm home recovering. It's about 3am on Friday, and I am so happy to be just about 'out of the woods' from the infection!
We had a terrible series of tornadoes touch down near us on Thursday. When it was over and the stormy sky turned blue, there was a wonderful rainbow. It made me watch the Wizard of Oz!
Now, I need to stay ahead of any infections and rest. Each one takes a piece of me with it, so it's a good thing I'm a big guy with lots of pieces to spare!
I want to thank all my dear friends here on net54 for your caring, kindness and please remember I love each and every one of you. You are the salt of the Earth..... the greatest group of friends anyone could ask for, and I'm proud to be a member of this fabulous group.
I'll be taking it easy at home and have plans of the entire family visiting this weekend. I miss my grand children and can't wait till they visit!
Thanks again and all my love to each of you and your families.
Bill, Neal, Jimmie Vintage, Jeff, and all of you have a wonderful weekend!
Your Friend,
Bill Hedin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG2ke...eature=related

Bill- it's so great to see you on the board! Keep up the good work!

As you can see from Bill's recent post, he is back and doing better. But please keep Bill in your prayers daily. He won this battle but is still waging the war. At least he is back home with his family where he belongs, and he can continue to attack the completion of his 1968 Topps Football set. Love ya Bill!!! Keep fighting!!!!

Hope you get better
 

I am glad you made it home and I hope you feel better soon.

Tony Turner

Very cool...hang in there Bill...

Prayers go out to Bill and his family. I have never met Mr Hedin, but a person can tell a lot about him by reading this thread. :)

Bill, I may have attended one or two of your shows and never met you, but man, there is a creedo I like to use a lot. What makes a person a success and a winner? Its not the amount of money, not the houses/cars, not being a celebrity, etc. When people TRULY CARE , you are the TRUE WINNER.

Now, keep fighting Bill and w God's help, BEAT the Devil inside of you for all your family and friends !!!

Great to hear you are at the house Bill. Like my old man says "we can only wish for the best of luck, and keep the chin up".

I love the Wizard of Oz!

Best wishes,
Bob

Bill,
Great news to start the weekend off. Good Luck and best wishes.

Bill, Good to see your post and know that you are home. Now hug those grandkids a little extra, they may squeal a bit but it's worth it.
RC

The hobby (and the world) need more people like Bill.

Thoughts & prayers going out, Bill, for you and your family.

Thank you, Chuck, et al.......
 

Thank you, Chuck, and all of you, for the kind words. You are all near and dear to my heart. I love you all and I consider you ALL my big extended family.
I'm truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends.
My oldest grand-child is almost 3, and she was listening to my wife and our daughters talking about my wonderful friends here on net 54. Little Avery said to me, 'Papa, all your friends love you and Ave-Ree loves you too", and she gave me a big hug.
This was a great weekend, and to quote you in this thread, 'now that we got the great news on Bill, lets continue to have a great week', well, I am very happy to say that it looks to be a great week started already!
Your Friend,
Bill Hedin