We met on a Sierra Club hike in the Columbia Gorge in May, 1984. He was cute and funny, and he loved hiking. He would have hiked every day if he could have.
His love of the outdoors grew through Boy Scouts, but he also learned the Scout Law, and took it to heart: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Steve was all of these (well, okay--maybe not so thrifty.)
As many of you know, when my mother was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 1985, we learned that the disease was familial, knowing that my grandfather died from it in 1956. A year later my aunt was also diagnosed with ALS. In order to deal with my frustration at the lack of progress in finding a cure, I became involved with the NY Chapter of The ALS Association. My hope was that I would be privy to advances in the field of research and help spread the word about the importance of raising funds to support that research. I eventually became a National Trustee of The ALS Association and continue to be one today.
My mom, Nina Moatz, was one of the most joyous people I have ever known. She had a beautiful smile, a wonderfully positive attitude, and a fantastically infectious laugh, with her hands clapped together, head thrown back, and a twinkle in her eye. It's my favorite memory of her.
Our Dad, Bill Hopkins, was diagnosed with ALS on November 22, 2011. His symptoms began only a few months prior when we noticed his voice sounded slurred at the end of the day. He was tested for a multitude of diseases and conditions, from a brain tumor to stroke and everything in between.
Tony Gegor was diagnosed with ALS in April of 2008. He quickly realized individuals afflicted with ALS are forced to make major changes to their daily lives. ALS patients quickly lose the ability to walk, drive, feed themselves, brush their teeth and do things everyone takes for granted each day.
My mother, Sandra Gaffney, was not your typical person with ALS; living for over 30 years with the disease and remaining furiously independent until the day she died. She really taught me about living life to the fullest and how to cope with challenges.
Virginia Casey was born on October 25, 1921. Her parents, Steven and Nellie Casey and their son, Frank, were pleased to welcome a healthy, chubby, smiling girl.
During Ginnie’s lifetime she was always a happy, cheerful and understanding person. Not only with her family, but also with many friends.
Through the love of my family and friends, like you, I have raised nearly $60,000 to help individuals, like me, who battle this ridiculous disease. YOU have become part of a community that together has provided a lifeline of support to others with ALS--so that they can live!
Sue and I were married for quite a long time - just over 40 years. We had the best marriage and friendship that any couple could ever imagine. We met on a blind date in January, 1963.