So, we did it! You, me and everyone who helped me by following my efforts on the water to raise money to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia related ailments.
Today is my father’s 86th birthday and for the first time in over 18 months he spoke with me on the phone. Being Jewish but always celebrating Christmas as it was dad’s birthday; the call was a totally unexpected “gift”. As some of you might know, I wanted to travel to Florida and see him today but with the threat of COVID still lingering strong; the decision not travel was the only possible outcome so talking to him today and hearing him speak with my kids is the gift I will hold closely forever.
This fundraiser was not just about raising money for a good cause, it helped me get through a very hard time feeling like there was nothing I could do to help my father and others and at the same time the fund raiser gave me a sense of purpose while I watched my career fall apart(who cares jobs come and go but family and relationships last a lifetime). No one has had as easy time of it this year and there lies the final reason why I got off the couch and onto the water. This year philanthropic fund raising is down over 50%. Large activities like walkathons and bike tours were cancelled yet these research organization need your contribution if they are to survive.
I was about to announce my winter fund raiser but unfortunately due to COVID and restrictions related to skiing I am going to have to wait until the 21/22 season…. 100 miles of skiing at 10 different ski areas on behalf of the Michael J Fox Parkinson’s Disease research foundation- aka “Team Fox”… we’ll get back with them next winter as this spring I will be engaging in another funky paddling gig- this time to benefit Cancer Research. I have an axe to grind with Cancer- its sucks and it killed my best friend and maybe yours too. If we can cure this virus in record time that means other long standing diseases can be beat to, so be on the look out for my announcement and invitation.
Once again thank you for your support.