Timothy Brown Celebration of Life & Family Support

On Friday, April 24th, 2020, the world lost an incredibly unique, special, and loving person. Most knew him simply as Tim, but Timothy Brown was also a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Thousands more knew him as coach, cousin, mentor, elder, teacher, confidant, competitor, and best friend.

Tim was one of the oldest living people in the world with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that claims most who have it before they reach 25. But in true Tim fashion, he defied all odds and not only beat Duchenne's for 47.5 years, but thrived. Tim curated the world around him and never let disease define him.

What Tim lacked in genetic code to build and control muscle tissue, he made up for by developing a true superpower, human connection. When you talked to Tim, you were the most important thing in the world and he always knew exactly what to say. He always knew when to tell the perfect joke, when to dish out love, and when to apply tough love. In this way, Tim helped hundreds, if not thousands of people throughout his lifetime and never asked for a thing in return. 

For 30 years, the love of Tim's life, Denise Vallieu Brown, served as his girlfriend, wife, lover, best friend, chauffeur, caretaker, and nurse. She and Tim had such a unique bond that they didn't even need words to communicate. She became Tim's hands when he lost the ability to use them. Over the years as Duchenne wore down Tim's health her role evolved into his nurse, on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Taking care of Tim was a labor of love for Denise, but it was also her job, and the only one she has had since 1995 when she gave birth to their first child.

Although she would never describe it as such, Denise made many sacrifices to ensure that Tim's health and happiness always came first, including her own health. Denise is a huge reason why Tim was available to touch so many of your lives in his special way, and this fundraiser is to support her through this difficult transition from the only life she has ever known.

All funds raised through this fundraiser will be made available directly to Denise and will be used for the following:

1) Celebration of Life Event ( date TBD when COVID-19 issues permit gatherings)

2) Basic income for Denise who lost her job when Tim passed away

3) Home improvement projects (Tim's heavy electric wheelchair caused significant damage to their home)

Tim and Denise are two of the most selfless people any of us have ever known. Unable to participate in the workforce since the mid-90's, they depended on disability and social support to live a modest lifestyle in an expensive place but they never hesitated to offer a meal or a gift to brighten someone's day.

We're incredibly grateful of any support you're able to offer Denise and their family and can't wait to be with you one day to celebrate his incredible life.