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Hello all!
My name is Dan Cottrell, and I wish I was introducing myself for a happier reason. We all are bound together because we know a very special person. Michael Jerryson. Our brother, mentor, teacher, colleuge, co-conspirator, and friend. Michael was recently diagnosed with a genetic version of ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS is a disease in which you begin to lose control of the muscles in your body. Eventually, you are unable to swallow water - and breathe for yourself. In addition to this physical problem, 20-30% of the victims suffer from forms of dementia. Since Michael has the C9orf72 genetic form of ALS, he has an over 70% chance of developing cognitive impairments. The rate of physical decline will be aggressive. Time frames range from 20+ years to less than a year; it is hard to chart.
While Michael does have health insurance, he and his family have accrued significant medical expenses since his diagnosis. There have been tests too numerous to mention, and lots of hospital visits. Prescription medications, missed work for both Michael and Fawn, and endless trips to the Cleveland clinic. Michael’s future holds more of the same, and as we all know, there are co-pays, deductibles, services, and endless other fees that slip through the loose net of health insurance. While Michael is still working, and Youngstown State is supporting him incredibly well, it is likely that expenses will continue to mount.
I met Michael (he was Mike back then), way back in 1989, when we shared a Sophomore English class in high school. I knew even then that Mike was an exceptional (and unique) person. Like all of you I’m guessing, I’m inspired regularly by Michael’s loyalty, intelligence, humor, and idealism, not to mention the infectious laugh and smile. For nearly three decades Michael has driven me to be a better person and given me so much as a friend and brother. I can only hope to give Michael a fraction of that back in love, time and support for him and his family during this incredibly challenging time.
I am hoping we can raise $20,000 through this campaign to assist Michael and his family. However, I am hoping we can all make an additional donation, perhaps a more valuable one then money. Time. Michael has expressed that one of his most cherished possessions is time spent with the people he loves and cares for. Drop him a note or a text, or even better an old school phone call. Talk to him about the things you share and are passionate about. Laugh about something! Let’s all raise some money, but let’s also raise Michael’s spirits and remind him why we each love and cherish him as much as I know we all do!
Love and thanks.
Dan
My name is Dan Cottrell, and I wish I was introducing myself for a happier reason. We all are bound together because we know a very special person. Michael Jerryson. Our brother, mentor, teacher, colleuge, co-conspirator, and friend. Michael was recently diagnosed with a genetic version of ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS is a disease in which you begin to lose control of the muscles in your body. Eventually, you are unable to swallow water - and breathe for yourself. In addition to this physical problem, 20-30% of the victims suffer from forms of dementia. Since Michael has the C9orf72 genetic form of ALS, he has an over 70% chance of developing cognitive impairments. The rate of physical decline will be aggressive. Time frames range from 20+ years to less than a year; it is hard to chart.
While Michael does have health insurance, he and his family have accrued significant medical expenses since his diagnosis. There have been tests too numerous to mention, and lots of hospital visits. Prescription medications, missed work for both Michael and Fawn, and endless trips to the Cleveland clinic. Michael’s future holds more of the same, and as we all know, there are co-pays, deductibles, services, and endless other fees that slip through the loose net of health insurance. While Michael is still working, and Youngstown State is supporting him incredibly well, it is likely that expenses will continue to mount.
I met Michael (he was Mike back then), way back in 1989, when we shared a Sophomore English class in high school. I knew even then that Mike was an exceptional (and unique) person. Like all of you I’m guessing, I’m inspired regularly by Michael’s loyalty, intelligence, humor, and idealism, not to mention the infectious laugh and smile. For nearly three decades Michael has driven me to be a better person and given me so much as a friend and brother. I can only hope to give Michael a fraction of that back in love, time and support for him and his family during this incredibly challenging time.
I am hoping we can raise $20,000 through this campaign to assist Michael and his family. However, I am hoping we can all make an additional donation, perhaps a more valuable one then money. Time. Michael has expressed that one of his most cherished possessions is time spent with the people he loves and cares for. Drop him a note or a text, or even better an old school phone call. Talk to him about the things you share and are passionate about. Laugh about something! Let’s all raise some money, but let’s also raise Michael’s spirits and remind him why we each love and cherish him as much as I know we all do!
Love and thanks.
Dan
Organizer and beneficiary
Michael Jerryson
Beneficiary