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Support for Brian Youmans

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After ten years of symptoms, North Falmouth resident Brian Youmans was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2016 at the age of 39. Brian is a gifted musician, a loving son and brother and, most of all, a devoted dad to three children Elijah, 12, Madeline, 15, and Isabella, 18, who is attending Columbia University this fall.  All three are currently living on Martha's Vineyard and attended Falmouth Public Schools. 

While growing up in Athens, GA in the 1980s, Brian was influenced by the local music scene. His band Trinket, which he started at age 15, was signed to RCA Records, and their first album was produced by R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, who became a friend and mentor. The band later toured the US for a decade. Music continues to be a source of joy and inspiration for Brian , who played guitar and sang in the local band Needle Beach  in recent years at J. R. Brody's Roadside Tavern and Grumpy's Pub. Brian joined a song circle at First Congregational Church of Falmouth last year, where he met a supportive community of musicians who came together to donate funds. This fund was established by Brian's friend, Courtney Murphy, on behalf of the Thursday night Song Circle, in an effort to augment those efforts. 

Brian's condition has advanced to Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS),  a stage after relapsing remitting MS in which one's condition becomes steadily worse. Fewer people are likely to go on to SPMS, and it's harder to treat. Symptoms include: increased weakness and trouble with overall condition; stiff, tight leg muscles, bowel and bladder problems, increased difficulty dealing with fatigue, depressions and cognitive thinking. But throughout his illness he has remained positive, cheerful and exceedingly curious about everyone he meets, never losing his signature smile and raucously contagious laugh. 


 All proceeds will be donated to Brian's family to help offset the overwhelming financial and emotional burden they are facing. You can make a difference, not only by donating, but simply by sharing this link. Whether you know him or not, please help us help Brian.
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Donations 

  • Jessica Estep
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Sarah Elizabeth Murphy
Organizer
Falmouth, MA
Don Youmans
Beneficiary

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