10,000 Posts on FChat | FerrariChat

10,000 Posts on FChat

Discussion in '348/355' started by 355dreamer, Apr 27, 2020.

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  1. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ Owner

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2006
    Messages:
    10,476
    Location:
    DC Metro
    Full Name:
    L.C.
    At the age of 26, I had begun my search for a Porsche 993. Through continued research, I was able to realize that with just a little more savings, I would be able to attempt to own my dream car, a 1995 F355 Berlinetta. Around that time about 15 years ago, I discovered FChat, and introduced myself as “355Dreamer”

    FChat helped me begin my search, and educated me on the market and pros and cons. Not much longer after I initiated my search, I flew down to Florida and bought my first 355... a 95 GTB in Rossa Barchetta. As time went on over the next 14 years, I moved from one 355 to another, ultimately owning the Barchetta car, a Rosso Barchetta GTB, a WHITE GTS (which I never ever should have sold), a black 97 GTB, and ultimately a yellow 95 GTB.

    As time progressed, I made great friends through FChat, learned a ton about many Ferrari models, became a father to two wonderful boys, developed a successful career in the Medical device industry, and had so many other amazing experiences.

    Just a month before my 39th birthday, I was diagnosed with neoplastic astrocytoma. Prior to the ultimate diagnosis, I had a significant seizure in bed, and my wife called 911. Paramedics rushed me to my local community hospital, where the neurologist on-site told my wife to take me home and “make me comfortable, there was nothing they could do...) Thankfully, she had me rushed to Johns Hopkins, where I underwent major brain surgery where they were able to eliminate about 99.5% of the disease.

    Thankfully, as it turns out, the type of brain cancer I have is incredibly slow moving. In fact, they assume that the cancer had likely been in my brain for at least 15 years without any symptoms.

    Needless to say, this changed my life on so many levels. I continue to receive MRIs every 4 months at Hopkins, and I’m happy that there hasn’t been any regrowth and, my team there tells me that they do not expect any changes for many, many years.

    Through out those 15 years, with the FChat community, have helped me develop so many friends, so much perspective, so much entertainment, education and knowledge.
    Thanks to all for keeping the community great, valuable and educational.
    Here’s to many more...
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    355dreamer, Apr 27, 2020
    #1
    anunakki, Illyria, C50 and 17 others like this.
  2. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ BANNED Rossa Subscribed

    Joined:
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    85,600
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    Texas!
    Wow! Great story.


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
     
    Texas Forever, Apr 27, 2020
    #2
    355dreamer likes this.
  3. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ Rossa Subscribed

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    Barry Wolinsky
    Truly inspirational, Luke.

    Barry
     
    308 GTB, Apr 27, 2020
    #3
    Natkingcolebasket69 and 355dreamer like this.
  4. SECRET

    SECRET Formula 3 Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
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    Maranello, Italy
    Full Name:
    Ferrari Ferrari
    Glad to have you in the community!
     
    SECRET, Apr 27, 2020
    #4
    355dreamer likes this.
  5. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ Lifetime Rossa

    Joined:
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    Dirty Harry
    Use The Forza, Luke!

    "The pheasants are beneath me." - SoCal to az
    "I have very few pet peeves in life . . . " - PeterS
    "Change is inedible" - fc2
     
    wax, Apr 27, 2020
    #5
    355dreamer likes this.
  6. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ Owner

    Joined:
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    L.C.
    Wax,
    I love you, but I have no idea what you mean.
     
    355dreamer, Apr 27, 2020
    #6
  7. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2011
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    Elliott Caras
    Great to hear that you are ok and enjoying life to the full!
     
    MAD828, Apr 27, 2020
    #7
    355dreamer likes this.
  8. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ Lifetime Rossa

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    Use The Force, Luke! = Star Wars [disclaimer: I've never seen it]

    Forza [it.] = Force [en.] aka Power, but also connotes facing down & overcoming difficulties.

    -----

    You've managed to combine all the elements to give new meaning to Forza Ferrari.


    "The pheasants are beneath me." - SoCal to az
    "I have very few pet peeves in life . . . " - PeterS
    "Change is inedible" - fc2
     
    wax, Apr 27, 2020
    #8
    355dreamer likes this.
  9. tomc

    tomc Two Time F1 World Champ

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    Tom C
    Powerful story. Prayers for your continual well being...T
     
    tomc, Apr 28, 2020
    #9
    355dreamer likes this.
  10. emac

    emac Formula Junior Silver Subscribed

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    upstate SC
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    ernest
    Uplifting, and puts life into perspective, thank you for sharing.

    You're right, you shouldn't have sold the white one.
     
    emac, Apr 28, 2020
    #10
    355dreamer likes this.
  11. jimmym

    jimmym Formula 3

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    Luke, I am sorry that you had to go through this, but am glad that you are doing well now. Here’s too many more years of family, friends, and cars.
     
    jimmym, Apr 28, 2020
    #11
    355dreamer likes this.
  12. johnk...

    johnk... F1 World Champ Owner

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    John Kreskovsky
    Good to see you posting more frequently again, Luke. Stay well. But those yellow cars. Ick! ;)
     
    johnk..., Apr 28, 2020
    #12
    355dreamer likes this.
  13. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie Silver Subscribed

    Joined:
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    Paul
    Luke, I remember you well and that Rosso Barchetta 355 was my dream spec car. It always baffled me why you kept on switching out F355's but I always appreciated your choice in specs. I am delighted to hear that your cancer has been nearly resolved and that you are healthy and still here. Thank you for being a part of the FChat community and sharing your story, I really enjoyed reading it!
     
    PaulK, Apr 28, 2020
    #13
    355dreamer likes this.
  14. Yellow Compass

    Yellow Compass F1 Veteran Sponsor

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    Yellow Compass Supercars
    God Bless you Luke, LOVE YOU BROTHER!
    only the best
    Mike
     
    Yellow Compass, Apr 28, 2020
    #14
    355dreamer likes this.
  15. Natkingcolebasket69

    Natkingcolebasket69 F1 World Champ

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    Great story! Love it!!! I hope u reach full recovery


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Natkingcolebasket69, Apr 28, 2020
    #15
    355dreamer likes this.
  16. bjwhite

    bjwhite F1 Rookie Silver Subscribed

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    Brian White
    Great 10,000th post. Glad to have you with us.
    And that white GTS. Amazing. HOW did you ever sell that one? :) And rosso barchetta, such a great color.

    Best wishes.
     
    bjwhite, Apr 28, 2020
    #16
    355dreamer likes this.
  17. gt1995

    gt1995 Formula Junior

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Rockville, MD
    Luke, you were one of the first people I communicated with when I began my Ferrari search 8-9 years ago, and you were super generous with your thoughts, even offering me a ride in your 355 GTS. I never did take you up on it, though I agree that you never should have sold it!

    Your advice gave me the confidence to purchase my 360 Spider and your camaraderie was always great at local Cars and Coffee events. Hope to see you out at one again soon!
     
    gt1995, Apr 28, 2020
    #17
    355dreamer likes this.
  18. paulchua

    paulchua Cat Herder Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Joined:
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    Paul Chua
    Congratulations! What a wonderful post!! Wishing you and your family the very best, here's to your next 10,000

    Cheers
     
    paulchua, May 1, 2020
    #18
    355dreamer likes this.
  19. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator Moderator

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    Andrew
    What a terrific and uplifting thread. :)

    Congratulations on your journey, Luke! :D

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
    NeuroBeaker, May 1, 2020
    #19
    paulchua and 355dreamer like this.
  20. DrStranglove

    DrStranglove FChat Assassin Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    DrS
    Love it!
     
    DrStranglove, May 1, 2020
    #20
    paulchua and 355dreamer like this.
  21. jumpinjohn

    jumpinjohn F1 Veteran Rossa Subscribed

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    That is awesome, Luke! Congratulations and enjoy those kids growing up!!!


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
     
    jumpinjohn, May 1, 2020
    #21
    355dreamer likes this.
  22. INTMD8

    INTMD8 F1 Veteran Owner Silver Subscribed

    Joined:
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    Lake Villa IL
    Very glad to hear Luke.

    Would like to say that, you may view your recovery and where you are today as a result of your surgeons/medical team and no doubt they had a part in it.

    I'll believe that while those decisions likely resulted in your best possible outcome, I believe the real reason you are where you are is pure determination.

    :)
     
    INTMD8, May 2, 2020
    #22
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