Sharon Sakai

stan-and-sharon-sakai-at-gala-dinner — Courtesy; Japanese American National Museum

Today Stan Sakai’s wife Sharon passed away after a long battle with cancer. What started off as a brain tumor about 10 years ago came and went and came back with a vengeance a couple years ago. Slowly, the cancer took it’s toll on Sharon and Stan’s family. Stan’s fanbase and peers within the comics industry rallied to Stan’s side to help him in this most tragic of circumstances. Let alone the emotional toll, the financial impact was also overwhelming. As if this tragic set of circumstances wasn’t enough, last year Stan’s 20-month old grandson Leo stopped breathing unexpectedly in his crib at Stan’s residence and shortly thereafter passed a way. Leo was the son of Stan’s daughter Hannah.

Words cannot describe the sadness and grief I have felt for the Nicest Guy in Comics, Stan “The Guy” Sakai, a man I have known and followed as a fan since i was 11 years old. I have worked for Stan for the past 18 years running the UsagiYojimbo.com site, the Usagi Yojimbo Dojo, dedicated to promoting the works and creations of “Sensei” Stan, and uniting his worldwide fanbase. To see an icon in the comics industry and my own personal hero go through such undeserving and tragic loss family is heart-wrenching to say the least.

Sharon will be missed greatly. She was always present with Stan at shows, signings, and various events. So, if you have been an avid follower of Stan’s work, you knew Sharon. Stan has drawn cameo appearances of her into his comics, has discussed in detail in various interviews throughout the decades about how they met, and how much she had meant to him. In the comics Stan’s editors would often refer to her in various commentary, as would Stan himself in the letter columns. Her presence was always strong throughout the course of Stan’s 30-year long Usagi endeavor and was always so meaningful.

The Dojo is today offically dedicated to the memory of Sharon Sakai.
— Todd Bustillo‎; Usagi Yojimbo Dojo

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–>> Happy new year everyone from G.G.M. – the very best to you and all your loved ones in 2014 and a blessed hope for better things in the upcoming 30th anniversary celebration of the greatest fandoms in the galaxy ; TMNT & their friends in the USAGI YOJIMBO family !!

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Catching up with Related Notes, some very important ones ::

A very sad note ::

** VIA Todd at U.Y.D. :

UY Dojo Members,

It wasn’t but a few days ago that we sent you all a message regarding Sharon Sakai and her health problems. Now tragedy has struck the Sakai family once again. Stan’s 20-month old grandson, Leo, passed away yesterday { Dec.29 2013 ~ t } afternoon after being found unconscious and not breathing. This is an unimaginable tragedy for anyone, and for people who have been so kind and giving and good as Stan and Sharon to undergo it is a harsh reminder of the random cruelty of life.

Stan’s Facebook post: “Grandson Leo was tested yesterday and it was confirmed today that he is brain dead. He is exactly 20 months old. He lived such a short life, but I’m so glad he shared it with me. It was a good day for him yesterday, and he died without pain and peacefully. Thank you, Buddy. Grandpa loves you. So much.”

As mentioned before, there was already a benefit underway to help with Sharon’s medical bills; while nothing can make things better, during times of stress, some extra cash to help with the unexpected can be of use. More details on various ways to help are here: http://garageartstudio.blogspot.com/2013/11/help-stan-sakai.html?m=1

Please keep Stan, Sharon, daughter Hannah and son Matthew in your thoughts as the Sakai’s grieve through this tremendously difficult time in their lives.

Sincerely,
**Todd Shogun.

Via April L.C. ::

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For over 16 years I have been good friends with my buddy Todd Bustillo, He also runs the “Usagi Yojimbo Dojo”.. It is with deep grievances that I share with you today that we have lost a large part of the Usagi Yojimbo & TMNT family. Stan Sakai Creator and Artist of Usagi Yojimbo has lost his grandson, “Leo” named after Leonardo from TMNT. Those close to the Sakai’s also know that he is also going thru alot with his wife having cancer. The Sakai’s have meant so much to this community and Todd and Stan have meant so much to me that i am having a Fundraiser for the Sakai Family. To raise money to help with hospital bills and any other burden that money can heal.. though the loss of a grandson is incredibly painful I am trying to do what I know best and raise a bit of money that will be sent straight to the Sakai Family. When you buy from this “Our Heart’s Desire” Party.. 30% will be donated to the Sakai’s. If the money raised is high enough I would like to donate 40% so I am reaching out to our TMNT family to ask for your support. Order a locket or bracelet for yourself and the proceeds will go to this dear friend of ours who has provided us with years and years of amazing artwork that we have learned to love.
1. To order please go to ** http://www.ourheartsdesire.com/parties/2113
2. Register as a new customer
3. Order.

30% of the proceeds will be given to Stan Sakai’s family in honor of his late grandson Leonardo.

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Posted around the web for a number of weeks now, posting it here just in case. ::

** DOWNLOAD FORM HERE **

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** Via Garage Art Studios

For nearly 30 years, Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo has set a high-water mark for creator-owned comics.
Stan’s wife, Sharon, has battled a debilitating illness for some time; after an extended hospital stay and convalescence, she is now back home, but her condition requires 24-hour care and medicines that cost more than their insurance covers.

**If you’d like to help now– You can contribute money to help Stan and Sharon here.

CAPS, the Cartoon Art Professional Society, has decided to provide whatever assistance we can, starting with an ongoing auction of original art. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Stan & Sharon to help pay their ongoing medical expenses.

Creators and publishers, We are asking for your help; please contribute original artwork to this worthy cause.
Print off this form…
and Send us your original art donation or product so that we can include it in our auction. Many, many THANKS!!

Bloggers, tumblers and tweeters, please spread the word. Feel free to re-post this wherever you think is appropriate.

*** Click here For more info on Stan Sakai.

****For more info on CAPS, click here.

From everyone at GGM nothing can be said to make any of this “OK” but the traditional can be stated :: our hearts, prayers, positive energy, condolences, and hopes for the return of good health and recovery for Ms.Sakai and Stan’s entire fold. Encouraging our readers to express the same any way you can thru’ financial support if you can, love, and action. We love you very much, Sakai Family and are thankful for all you’ve done for us and the extended TMNT / Usagi family, fandom and community. Definitely looking forward to a brighter future and things to come in 2014.

Again, have a safe and Happy New Year everyone.

~ t