The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition is having a fundraiser to benefit the MSA Research Fund. I am participating as one of the fundraising volunteers in memory of my Dad.
In 2003, my Dad’s battle with MSA ended and it’s sometimes hard to believe that over 12 years have passed. There wasn’t yet a diagnosis when his symptoms were first noticed in 1989—the same year that my first child was born. That would take a couple years. In those early years, getting information about “Shy‑Drager Syndrome” (as Dad’s disease was then known) wasn’t easy. The world has changed a lot since then and this fundraising campaign is one of those things that is possible now.
I am grateful that all three of my children were able to know my Dad (their “Papa”) even though my youngest was only 8 when he passed and never knew the energetic man that I loved. He was always working on things and there have been so many times when my wife has asked "How do you know how to do that?" to which my answer has been "My Dad showed me." Dad and my brother did most of the work on the cabin, but I helped a bit and by the time the ceiling was going in, Dad could no longer balance on a ladder. He could still stain the boards, but it was up to Mike and I and a few friends to climb the ladders and scaffolds to nail the boards to the rafters. The gradual loss of his ability to be active was hard to take, but he was always there to talk to even when talking became one of the things that he lost.
As we enter the final few weeks of the year and many families come together to celebrate and remember joyous times, I’d hope that you consider making a small donation toward the MSA Research Fund.
There are two foundations which have pledged to match donations to the MSA Coalition up to $150,000 so your donation will go twice as far. Crowdrise has some bonus challenges throughout the campaign which ends on January 7, 2016 that might make your donation grow! (Currently, donations of $25 or more buy virtual raffle tickets for an extra $10,000 to our cause.)
Thanks for taking the time to give: http://bit.ly/MSAgive
You can also visit the fundraiser directly at https://www.crowdrise.com/MultipleSystemAtrophyCoalition/fundraiser/robbiedenharn where you can also get information about the GivingTower app that lets you see a graphical representation of all the donations that Crowdrise has received on behalf of all charities.