An Off-Topic Post - But for a Charitable Cause

[Newmismatist]

I have thought about this for several days. I posted this on the Toned Coin Collectors Society (TCC) boards and I wasn't flamed (like here - we have no flames over there). THe response was very positive. As i have several friends on these boards who I don't think go over to the TCCS Boards, I hope it's ok to post this here also. (If not I'm sure someone will ask me to take it down).

 

This is an off-topic post and I ask your patience and understanding. As you read on you’ll understand why. A year ago my 27 year old son, David was admitted to the hospital with pain and numbness in his leg and chest. He was diagnosed the next day with Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a disease that attacks and destroys the lining of the nerves. It ultimately leaves its victim debilitated with loss of motor function. At this time there is no cure for this disease. This has caused my wife and I great anguish and distress, perhaps even more than it has my son. At this past ANA show in Kansas City, I discussed this with a good friend of mine, Rick Kay, who has Parkinson’s disease - a similar affliction. Rick was very gracious in helping me deal with this situation, and I thank him.

 

I have spent my entire professional career helping others and solving problems. This past year has been difficult as there is nothing that I can do to "solve" this problem. I’ve dealt with it the only way I know how - I’ve immersed myself in my work and because you can only work so many hours a day, I’ve devoted the rest of my waking time to creating the TCCS. By so doing I’ve been able to avoid thinking about this as much as humanly possible and perhaps TCCS is in some way the beneficiary of my obsession of avoiding something that for me has no solution. Avoidance is a good defense mechanism and I’ve filled my waking hours with as many things as possible, and setting up TCCS has helped me keep my sanity.

 

However, my son has now requested my help, and I’m going to do something I’ve never done before: I’m going to ask your help - not for me, as those of you that know me are very cognizant that I’m one of those people that is truly "beyond help" - but for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - an organization that may be able to do what I cannot: Find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

 

What follows is my son’s email to me asking my help. I in turn am asking your help. I consider many of you that I know as my "Family", and those that I only know through this Forum, I consider you as my Friends. Thank you all for reading this very off-topic post. I hope you will help in any way that you are able. For those of you who are able to help - please let David know how you heard about "Team Dave".

 

 

Dear Family, Friends, Colleagues, and Acquaintances:

 

This year I've committed myself to help raise funds to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by participating in the 2005 MS Walk. This April 16, 2005, put your best foot forward by supporting me on Team Dave as we take a leisurely stroll on the bucolic paths of Piedmont Park here in lovely Atlanta, GA.

 

The Overview: The ultimate goal is to raise money & have fun doing it. I’ve created a team called "Team Dave" to help collect donations. Then on April 16th we show up at Piedmont Park and walk through the park and enjoy ourselves while doing it.

 

The Goal: I believe in really committing to anything I champion, including this cause. I've set a personal goal of raising $5,000.

 

Why this charity?: You can help not only the 8500+ Georgians and their families in the Georgia Chapter who are affected by multiple sclerosis, but also help researchers find a cure for the number one disabling disease of young adults. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to advancing the cure, prevention, and treatment of MS, and to improving the lives of those affected by the disease.

The Nitty Gritty Details: You can do as much as you like for this cause. You can:

 

1. Find an MS Walk in your area (http://www.nmss.org), sign up to walk, and begin to fundraise on your own.

 

2. Contribute to my team and send an e-mail to your friends and family asking them to do the same.

 

3. Simply contribute to my team.

 

Your tax-deductible pledge will help me meet (and exceed) my goal.

 

If you don't want to walk, but still want to help, here is a link where you can donate: http://outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/4mgtx Simply fill in my name: "David Sirna" and my team name "Team Dave" and make a donation. Or if you are a luddite and prefer snail mail, please make a check payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and mail it to me at: 843 Monroe Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.

 

Whether you are moved to walk, or if you just want to donate, this cause is worth it.

 

To learn more about MS, here is a helpful link: http://www.nmss.org/

 

Once again, thank you for helping this great cause!

 

David Sirna

[cpm9ball]

NEWMISMATIST, I have two suggestions that may help David's cause. Both of them may seem to be a stretch of the imagination, but I have always believed in the philosophy, "It doesn't hurt to ask!"

 

1) If you are familiar with the TV show "West Wing" (NBC & BRAVO), Martin Sheen's character, President Jeb Bartlet contracted MS prior to running for the Presidency. The President's battle with MS has been a major plot of several episodes. Perhaps Martin Sheen, Stockard Channing (Bartlet's doctor/wife on the series) NBC and BRAVO would be interested in helping the cause, if the request came from the "right" person. In this case, I think David would be a good candidate.

 

2) Former President Carter is actively involved in many causes, the most notable being Habitat for Humanity. I've often seen him running/walking/jogging for various fundraising efforts. Being a native Georgian, perhaps David could ask him to participate/support/endorse the endeavor.

 

It's one thing to ask for help from friends and acquaintances, and there is nothing at all wrong with that. But, if you want to have a really big impact for a cause, you need REALLY BIG NAMES to support you.

 

Wishing and hoping the best for your family,

 

Chris Machuga

[Newmismatist]

1) If you are familiar with the TV show "West Wing" (NBC & BRAVO), Martin Sheen's character, President Jeb Bartlet contracted MS prior to running for the Presidency. The President's battle with MS has been a major plot of several episodes. Perhaps Martin Sheen, Stockard Channing (Bartlet's doctor/wife on the series) NBC and BRAVO would be interested in helping the cause, if the request came from the "right" person. In this case, I think David would be a good candidate.

 

I did not know that - I mostly watch the History channel - that is when my wife let's me change to that channel from the cooking channel But that is certaiinly worth looking into.

 

2) Former President Carter is actively involved in many causes, the most notable being Habitat for Humanity. I've often seen him running/walking/jogging for various fundraising efforts. Being a native Georgian, perhaps David could ask him to participate/support/endorse the endeavor.

 

Chris - thanks for the very good ideas - my guess with Jimmy Carter is that because he has some genetic disease that is in his family (don't remember what it is) and with that and his efforts for Habitat for Humanity and world peace - his plate is probably full - but - as you say - it never hurts to ask - thanks for your good ideas and kind words.

 

I've been thinking of maybe doing toned coin auctions as an offshoot of the TCCS website - who knows - maybe we could raise some "real" money selling toned coins and have that donated to help find a cure for MS.