Thank you all for the wonderful messages, cards and arrows that have been pouring in. Your prayers and well wishes have meant so much to Steve and Dianne! Steve had drawn hope and courage from each and every one.

After many months of battling cancer, Steve Gibbs passed away this morning just before 9:00 am at home in Holton, Indiana. He was surrounded by love and slipped away peacefully. Both Dianne and his daughter Stephanie were there to guide his soul into God's hands now.

Here is the first of the arrow arrangements. There are still hundreds of arrows at the florist being arranged into wreaths. What an astounding testimonial to the way that Steve has touched the lives of so many, from so far!

click on image to enlarge

Steve has been resting peacefully the last few days. He still hears us speaking with him but no longer has the energy to respond. His legendary competitive nature holds on to this world, allowing us to read him all your kind words.

Dianne has also been reading him the names and messages that you have scribed unto the arrows you sent to Steve. He did have a chance to see the first of the beautiful arrangements made with some of your arrows. We'll post a photo here tomorrow. What a wonderful tribute. Thank you so much!

Steve's condition is declining daily now. His breathing is ever so laboured. He's now mostly asleep and only awakes occasionally to connect with his family. In his dreams he speaks of his truck, dances to favorite tunes, builds his sights and runs his machines...and, as he's actually done so many times over the years, he holds lengthy phone conversations with his friends. He will be dearly missed! We pray for grace.

Last week Steve did have his planned chemotherapy. He continues the battle against the cancer, but every day his systems are weakening a bit more. Dianne is continually by his side and greatly appreciates all the help from friends far and near.

All the calls and visitors have been wonderful. To show the amazing support for Steve, we're now in the process of creating some silk flower arrangements with shooters' arrows. To contribute, please jot your name, city/state and message on one of your arrows and send it ASAP to:

SURE-LOC
ATTN: STEVE GIBBS
100 W. QUALITY LANE
VERSAILLES, IN 47042

Blessings to all our family, friends and fans of archery!

It's been wonderful for Steve, in the last few days, to hear from and see so many friends. Our living room has seen a steady flow of family and other caring people, and the kitchen overflows with gifts of food.

After meeting with his oncologist, Steve wants to continue the fight and should be starting chemo again on Tuesday--administered at home. Of course, then we'll have to start limiting some of the traffic, because his immune system will be taxed.

Please keep the good wishes coming and thank you for all your kindnesses!

Dear Friends, the tests from last Friday brought us bad news: Despite the surgery, the chemo, the positive thoughts and the many many prayers, it appears that cancer has now spread to other organs and glands of Steve's body.

We spent a few days more in the hospital getting antibiotics just right to battle a fever. Now we've been home since Monday afternoon. Steve is comfortably settled in his family room, under his treasured trophies. Between rests, his face lights up and his spirits soar every time a fellow hunter, an archer, a friend, a loved-one comes to visit or calls.

Family and friends have pitched in with taking all your wonderful phone calls and greeting visitors. And they're trying to always keep a caring eye on Steve, so Dianne can rest a bit, too. She has been very busy with taking care of his needs and medications. Your best wishes and pitch-in-help are keeping her going in this very difficult time.

Of course, we can't thank our trusted employees enough for keeping SURE-LOC running so smoothly and continuing product research and development so that Steve's legacy for high-quality archery products will continue to awe the market.

We thank all of you countless kindhearted friends and hope you join us in prayers for strength and grace!

We're back at King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison--same room we started in back in March! Steve had some trouble with breathing on Wednesday and the doctor wanted him admitted for antibiotics and to start running those tests. So, it's time again to get poked and prodded. Another CAT scan is planned for tomorrow morning to determine the status of digestive flow.

All this has delayed the planned chemo but we ought to know on Friday when that will pick-up again.

We should be able to go home again sometime on Saturday. In mean time, Steve's joking with his brother Ray and rehashing hunting stories with visiting friend Steve Vittetow.

We'll keep you updated on further developments. As always, thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Steve's done fine with chemotherapy. Should have another dose middle of this week to attack the remaining cancer cells that surgery couldn't remove. We'll also be heading to Madison for some diagnostic testing. Hopefully that will determine how best to proceed with the rehab of Steve's digestive system.

Emma, our trusted black lab, has become so protective of Steve, that the physical therapist has had to involve her in exercises as well to keep her busy! She'll be going to the petsitter for a while to give her a break from all that work!!

Well, after a couple months of recuperating from surgery and trying to reach the necessary target weight, Steve's finally been able to have the next dose of chemotherapy. He's also still trying to manage the nutritional challenges that were created when the operation remodeled his abdomen. Most of the necessary nutrients are still coming via TPN because the stomach just doesn't want to cooperate yet.

To battle cabin fever, he really enjoys talking with all his visitors: family, friends from the area and afar, and all the archers and hunters that have dropped by with tall tales.

And, thanks to some angels with toolbelts, our back Florida Room is coming together. Both Steve and Dianne are going to love sitting in that sunny room! Thank you guys!

It's unbelievable that another 2 weeks have just flown by. With regular physical therapy sessions, exercise regimens, various doctor appointments, and then add to that just regular day-to-day business, we've been very busy. Steve's stamina is improving a bit each day. The TPN treatments continue, but he's eating some meals, too.

Of course, there's so much to do: around the house and in getting ready for SURE-LOC 2008. This certainly keeps Steve occupied and positive.

And, of course, a strong portion of motivation comes from all of you! Thanks!!!

The appointments went very well this week. Each doctor (the surgeon, the internist, the oncologist) was enthusiastic about Steve's status and such positive comments definitely help him with his energy level. And he sure needs these boosts, because the physical therapist certainly puts him through some rigorous moves!

Eating is still not what it used to be....will simply take time. But with today's advances in nutritional supplementation, Steve's probably getting better nourishment than the rest of us. And, thanks to a recent time-release injection, the trips to the bathroom have been reduced drastically.

We appreciate all your well-wishes and think of all of you quite often. The sheer volume of kind gestures still amazes us. It is nice to know that the archery world is such a tight-knit caring community. And our circle of friends is growing daily!

Enjoy the summer sunshine....and don't forget to schedule those colonoscopies!

After a full week at home we've settled into a nice, steady routine. Steve's in strength-gaining mode with physical therapy sessions. It's a blessing that we have a covered front porch, because the weather here has been exceptionally hot and dry this summer and the swing is getting well used!

Dianne's found a new challenge in preparing meals that adhere to specific guidelines regarding caloric and nutritional intake for a cancer patient. Steve's still receiving supplemental nutrition via IV. He's also likely to get some TPN treatments this coming week to aid in the recovery process. This is all a bit of a hassle, but necessary until Steve's small intestine takes over more of the duties performed by the colon.

The steady stream of visitors is keeping everyone's spirits up. Though that'll come to a temporary halt as we have another round of doctor appointments coming up Monday through Wednesday next week. Thank you all and have a great weekend!

Did you know that abdominal surgery really messes with your taste-buds? Well, apparently it is so. Steve's having a bit of trouble eating enough food, because nothing tastes good. To prevent him from dehydrating, the doctor admitted him to Norton Hospital in Louisville for a few days of IV nutrition to keep his electrolytes up. Once we're home again by week's end, he'll probably get some nutritional boosts overnight via IV.

Otherwise, recuperation seems to be moving along well. We're getting very familiar with the downtown Louisville area...Driving in the city is so much easier once you know all the streets and their one-way directions!

Steve was released from the hospital last Monday. He is still rather weak, but gaining strength as the days go by. Dianne is conscientiously tending to his ritualistic diet so that his digestive system can heal and return to normal.

Spirits are high and with the help from those working with us medically and spiritually, the road to a speedy recovery will be a short one. Thank you all!!

Steve is up and walking the halls! The doctors are amazed how fast he's recovering -- digestive track is well on the mend.

We're hoping for his release from the hospital this coming Monday.

We'll keep you posted and, again, thank you so much for your prayerful support -- it's working!!

Steve was up sitting in his room's chair for 45 minutes yesterday. He's still stuck with tubes, but spirits are soaring. Recovery is on track...Dianne's finally gotten a full night's sleep in a real bed.

We'll be in hospital for a while yet. The new challenge is to get Steve's digestive system used to food again at some point. But, overall, all is great!

The surgeon just came out and said the operation went well and Steve's doing good! He's now in recovery just waiting for all the organs to take up their jobs again. The surgeon removed most of Steve's colon and a lesser portion of his small intestine. No colostomy needed! The chemo treatment directed at surrounding areas also went as planned.

Once the rest of his body has positively checked back in and staid consistent through the night, Steve should be gradually gaining awareness (and abdominal discomfort). Though he will be a bit loopy, the doctors are not keeping him heavily sedated and expect him to get up on his feet soon, hopefully by Saturday afternoon. You should've heard the cheering in the University of Louisville Hospital waiting room!

Thank God! And thank all of you for keeping the prayer circle going!

Tuesday's planned surgery was postponed until today. Steve went into the operating room early this morning. Procedure will last most of the day.

Please join us in prayer today and keep the good aura going!

Well, the best laid plans sometimes go awry... We managed to be at home for a couple days, when Steve's temperature started going whacky. Since we don't want to risk any infection or complications this close to surgery, the doctor wanted Steve back under hospital supervision. So off we trekked to King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison. So far, surgery is still planned for early Tuesday morning at University of Louisville Hospital. At some point between now and then, we'll have to head down there.

In mean time, Steve's holding audience in a private room that's big enough for a roll-away bed for Dianne, too. He's trying to catch some naps in between being poked and prodded by nurses at all hours. And he's working on getting his body and mind prepared for the assault next week.

Understandably, Steve's apprehensive about the surgery, but the doctors feel that the removal of the cancer and some intensive hot chemo therapy applied directly at the effected area during the operation, is the best course of action at this time. The recovery time could take as long as 3 weeks, so Hospital Camp Gibbs will be back in session.

We'll let you know when we're on the move. Thanks for all your support and prayers!

Steve's doing better today and it sounds like we'll be heading home again on Sunday, if all goes well during the next 2 days. Surgery is now tentatively scheduled for early July, so we'd rather wait at home. That'll give Steve a couple weeks to build up his strength even more, in preparation for boosting healing. And Emma's looking forward to their walks!

The last few weeks have been very busy: Nutritional seminars, exercise regiments, doctor's visits and, of course, business calls!....

Steve also had a couple trips to the Madison hospital to deal with a blood clot and then abdominal swelling. And, on a great note, we've met with a surgeon specializing in colon cancer. Chemo was temporarily suspended in favor of prep for surgery. Will pick-up again soon, though.

As of yesterday, Steve's in the University of Louisville Hospital, awaiting surgery. To keep fit, he's walking around the nurses' station and up and down the hall. Security is a bit tighter at this hospital and they don't allow live plants in the rooms. We're in a double-occupancy room and Dianne's making sure Steve behaves!

With no current chemo treatments, Steve's again experiencing fluid build-up and hence is quite uncomfortable. Hopefully we'll know more by Friday as to surgery scheduling. Will post info here.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and kind words!

With 4 chemo sessions under his belt, and the 5th one coming up next week, Steve's counter-attack is on track. He's tolerating treatments well and is much stronger now than he was at Redding. Faith, positive attitude, exercise and good eating habits are helping him bounce back quickly from the chemo and build up his strength to fight the cancer.

He wants all of you to know that the outpouring of affection, concern and good wishes he's received via emails, calls and prayers are quite humbling. Thank you so much for all your support! You lift our spirits and bring joy and comfort during this battle.

The last 2 weeks have been so much better. Now that the drugs have worn off, attending to business has given Steve renewed strength. And having all the comforts of home, doesn't hurt one bit!

Steve's had his second chemo session this week on Monday/Tuesday...and this time sober, without the influence of hospital doping. So he was a bit anxious going in to it, but with uplifted attitude! Had to spend a few hours at the Madison Chemo Center, then schlepped everything back to the house. All went great at home, the only big challenge was to keep the IV lines away from the cats!

The bounce is back in Steve's gait and plans are already underway for Redding. The tickets are booked and he can't wait to see y'all and enjoy some of the (hopefully not-rainy) California air. He's practicing his wave, because the doctor ordered a strict "no hand-shaking rule" for guarding his immunity levels.

See you there!

We're going home! There's going to be some happy cats and dog anxiously awaiting our arrival...not to mention all our friends and family!

Steve's nausea has subsided, he's become more steady on his feet and the doctors have cleared him to head south to Versailles. The local physician is now taking back over until the next round of chemo.

Happy Easter!

After this first chemo treatment and dealing with the immediate side-effects, Steve's feeling better. The pressure on his abdomen has decreased and mobility is returning. Though the trips to the hospital's cafeteria are yet exhausting, it's nice to be on the move. Somehow soup and yoghurt aren't the same as a big steak...but way better than his fare the last 2 weeks!

Steve and Dianne had a chance to sit outside a while today and enjoy some of the Indiana sunshine before April storms appear. Still aiming to be home for Easter!

Unless there are significant improvements, our trip home this weekend doesn't look likely. Steve's been very nauseous, not so much from the chemo, but from continued pressure in abdomen. He's been sleeping a lot; but when he's awake, he can't stand sitting in bed any longer! From nature a person always on the go, the inactivity and pressure from his extended stomach is driving Steve crazy.

Also, the thought of missing his first Indoor National (held in Louisville KY this weekend) in over 20 years, has him very saddened. He'd much rather be down there checking up on the guys in the trailer or meeting with dealers at the Pape's show!

Steve started first chemotherapy session late last night. It's a 24 hour regimen and hopefully the side-effects (nausea, loss of appetite, etc.) will remain not serious. Now the battle really begins--We're hoping this will aggressively attack the cancer! The preliminary plan is now to wait 2-3 weeks for next treatment. And hopefully a trip home for this weekend.

Steve's much better today and anxious to start the next battle! Logistics are resolved and Steve and Dianne are heading up to Indianapolis Methodist Hospital Cancer Center via ambulance. For hospital info go to www.clarian.org.

All week there's been a steady stream of family and friends visiting Steve. Dianne's been staying at the hospital all days and most nights.

As time went on, Steve became more and more uncomfortable again. He hasn't been eating much. The continued fluid build-up makes laying in bed agony, while loss of energy makes walking through the halls exhausting.

Doctor's trying to speed things up for Steve's trip to Indianapolis, for beginning chemo. Today was very rough. His arm's swollen from IV problems and it's hard for him to keep any food down. But Steve's fighting!

Steve went into surgery at 1 o'clock today. They removed about 3 liters of fluid from his abdomen, bringing with it some relief from that pressure build-up that he's been experiencing. The tumor turns out to be inoperable at this time....Next step is chemo. Steve's got to get his energy up some and his stitches must heal somewhat before chemotherapy session, hopefully next Wednesday. Oxygen therapy begins.

For weeks now Steve's been complaining about discomfort in his abdomen, loss of appetite and pain in his side. Fluid's been building up in his lower abdomen, making movement uncomfortable and painful.

On Wednesday Steve got the news that the growth on his colon was cancer. Surgery to be expected early next week. Just after today's check-up in Madison, the hospital -- Kings Daughters' Hospital-- called him back and admitted him for Surgery Consult.