Nancy (my wife) lost her battle with MS on Easter Monday 2024... this year I am fundraising and Walking in Memory of her :'( and that 28 year fight.
Our Team is participating on Sunday 4/21/24 at Washington Lake Park here in South NJ (3 weeks after the Funeral)
As many of you know, Nancy was hit hard by Multiple Sclerosis... diagnosed back in the mid-90s while still in her 30's, and now it has claimed her life.
For anyone that isn't familiar, this is a nasty disease that that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system - and is mainly found in women ages about 25 to 50. There is no current prevention or cure.
For our family, 2023 was tough, and 2024 is brutal - highlighting how MS is not only an awful disease, but also makes recovery from other issues very difficult. I hope that funds raised will help fund research that finds a cure.
If you are interested in further details, you can visit the National MS website.
Thus my annual fundraising via Walk MS - I'm hoping that we can "knock it out of the park" this year in Nancy's Memory.
To make a donation - Simply click on the link - or contact me.
https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=393788
(Hopefully nothing here is out of line)
Thanks, Mark
(adding some pix this year showing some of our 44-year love affair)
(https://i.imgur.com/PuncdyRt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ubysvIst.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rAbJnD5t.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AEzydGht.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dtqaBejt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Vj7pQykt.jpg)
Mark, Very sorry for your loss. Count me in again.
I am sorry for your loss. :(
Thanks guys.
I am very sorry for your loss. She was a very pretty lady.
Mark
So sorry for your loss. Keep the good fight strong.
Mark,
It is heartbreaking to hear this news. My wife is also beset with chronic disease and it is tough to watch her struggle. Please celebrate Nancy's life and remember the good times as I sure that she would want you to do. As they say, "may her memory be a blessing".
Have you thought of holding a car show event in her memory with the proceeds going to MS research? That might be a way to generate some funds in addition to the walk. Pretty sure a lot of Shelby guys would show up. I know I would.
Thank you all.
I've been doing the Walk since 2008 (iirc), and now our younger daughter is heading up a Bike MS team, this will be their 4th year.
Between my work, car clubs, family, and other friends - my efforts have resulted in significant $$ raised.
Right now I'm just focused on trying to get thru one phase at a time... once we're finished with the Funeral/Burial part, then I'll have to move to the legal/financial/administrative stuff. Then figure out how to "live" without my Life partner.
Mark,
I am so very sorry to hear of your family's tragic loss of your wife. I know first-hand how a serious medical diagnosis can turn your life upside down. Hang in there and know that you have a lot of buddies here on the site, even though we've never met.
All my best,
Van
One last update before the Walk on Sunday. As you might be able imagine, just about everything feels "off" for me at this point :'(
Weather looks like it will be good, cool and partly sunny.
Fundraising is going well... we've got some SAAC-er's in, and a couple (the woman was literally life-long friends with Nancy) really hit $$ it.
... but there is always room for more, every little bit helps.
(I see that this has fallen off the first page ::) )
Thanks, Mark
Donated to the walk last week Mark. Haven't you done this for a few years. My sister-in-law with MS finally made it into a permanent care facility 8 months ago after we took care of her for 14.5 years.
Roy
Thanks Roy.
Your story with your sister-in-law sounds like it's been rough... I hope that at least now everyone's quality of life can improve(?)
I have been doing the Walks since 2008 (but did somehow miss 1 year early on)... am on my 3rd team.
Our supporters are kicking it hard this year - and that does feel at least a little bit good - but more can't hurt.
Here's our Team last year. On the list of "odd coincidences"... Captain Mark (center with bandana) has a wife named Nancy :o
(https://i.imgur.com/Ju3S8Sb.jpg)
"After Action Report"
Sunday started as a chilly morning with a gorgeous sunrise...but the sun disappeared behind the clouds for the rest of the morning. We layered up and soldiered on... being a little cold sure beats getting soaked.
Sandra (our younger daughter) and Dave (her husband) joined the Team for this year, it was great to have them by my side for the Event.
Our Team insists on walking the full "3-mile" distance, but at a VERY brisk pace. "Captain Mark" (he's the one with M.S.) apparently has an activity "timer" and we have to finish before his energy wanes.
A HUGE Thank You!! to all supporters. To-date Donations in Nancy's Memory have been great, keeping me [and our team] at the top of the Fundraising Charts. We appreciate the help.
(https://i.imgur.com/HvoNqyH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AWf1xuO.jpg)
Captain Mark with me
(https://i.imgur.com/IqFXiOG.jpg)
2024 Team Photo
(https://i.imgur.com/p5Y59Pj.jpg)
Me and Sandra at the finish line