The Annual George Dillman Fundraiser

The seasons seem to move quicker these days. Maybe it has to do with welcoming my son, Henry, into this world. With gratitude for the many gifts that I have received, this time of year also brings to me a renewed commitment to extend generosity to others in memory of George.

As most of you know, I was engaged to an amazing man who tragically passed away in an accident on October 9th, 2008. George was the type of guy who would give the shirt off his back to help another person. He was the kindest, funniest, and most wonderful man I ever met. He was a volunteer firefighter, paramedic and an all-around superhero. To honor him and his legacy of taking the time to tend to the needs of his community and its members, and, of having a most generous and altruistic nature, I raise money each October for someone in need of a helping hand. This year I am very proud to be raising money in memory of Bob Strehl and in support of his family that mourns his loss.

Please permit me to provide some background information. I met Kaity, his sister, while on my fertility journey. In short, Kaity earned my abiding gratitude and admiration because she was and continues to be a source of strength and support to many people going through fertility treatments. Like George, Kaity gives to others without hesitation or reservation, so when I learned that her family was in need of assistance, I felt that it was a call to action that I could not ignore.

The while Kaity was pregnant, her brother became seriously ill. Kaity and family members were devastated by her brother's diagnosis and then by his untimely passing. It's natural but also unrealistic for us to take for granted that our lives will continue along a highway of peace and tranquility, somehow avoiding the byways of trials and tribulations. Without forewarning we can find ourselves in a situation that results in a deep sense of loss and injury that perhaps can never be fully replaced or repaired. Like many of you, I know the pain of a tragic loss and I believe that George's deep sense of empathy is why he was so driven to volunteer his time and to devote his resources to support others in their time of need.

I usually write about the person for whom I am fundraising. However, his sister Kaity shared with me her tender and loving thoughts about her brother and his immediate family, and in turn, I feel compelled to share her comments with you:

“My brother, Bob, truly was larger than life. He fit more into his short life than many are able to in their entire lifetime. He was incredibly intelligent, earning his CPA and working as an auditor for the Department of Defense and later for the US Treasury. But more than anything else, he was a family man. Bob met the love of his life, Laura, the while they were undergrads at Western Michigan University. They were soulmates; to know them was to love them, and to spend time with them most often resulted in lifelong memories and the best of stories that were fondly told and retold to family and friends.

Life took a sudden turn when Laura's mother succumbed to cancer in early 2019, just weeks after they welcomed their first child. They went on to have another beautiful daughter in early 2021. A few months later, in April 2021, Bob was diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer. His prognosis dealt a devastating blow to Bob and his family. Still, Bob fought so incredibly hard, and Laura was with him every step of the way. They pursued every lead, tried multiple treatments and medications and traveled all over the country meeting with doctors; just trying to fight for a few more years together. All the while, Bob continued to show up for colleagues, friends and family, and, perhaps most important to him, he continued to be a loving husband and the best dad he could be to his beautiful daughters. Regretfully, Bob passed away in February 2023. He was surrounded by family, with his soulmate, Laura, at his side.

Laura has shown incredible strength every step of the way. She was Bob's rock up until the end. She continues to show incredible grace and strength as she leads the girls into the next chapter of their lives, slowly turning the pages of a deep sense of loss and despair to pages of an even deeper sense of appreciation and remembrance for having had the best and loving father".

This year, I ask you to join me in supporting a family whose members are mourning a great loss. And yet, owing to Bob’s strength of character and spirit, they are also proud, resourceful and resilient. Your prayers and support would go a long way in showing them that they are not alone in honoring the memory of a devoted husband, father, son and brother. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

With much appreciation,

Alyssa