This is a bleeding heart appeal – straight up and unashamed.
Alan Falck, a veteran of the IT industry (I seem to recall he has worked for iTouch, USKO and a whole posse of UK firms) is once more raising funds for Gerald Hopkins as a part of his Argus Cycle Tour. Last year I ponied up a few rand/km to try and buy Gerald a Lightwriter, which would make a HUGE difference to his ability to communicate – there was not enough, but the funds were well used. Imagine being an active individual, being struck with MS and now being unable to do almost anything for yourself? Some quotes from Alan Gerald’s mom.
He can no longer do anything for himself........... no speech, no eat (has food through a tube in his tummy), has a catheter in permanently. He is going to be 33 on 14 February. Gerald used to do loads of things like diving, cycling ( he took part in the Argus Cycle Tour 3 times) motorbikes, cars, in fact he was extremely active and it is now so sad to see that he cannot do anything for himself. Family and friends have deserted him because he can no longer speak but we have a way of communicating which seems to be ok at the moment but when he has a relapse it leaves him so weak that he cannot even lift his fingers to communicate.
All I’m asking is to think about joining me in giving a few bucks to Alan’s effort to make a difference to Gerald’s life. I’m in for R2/km. Imagine if we get this guy blogging? C’mon... drop Alan a mail at alanf(at)voiceamp.net!
Gerald as he is now and one of his Argus certificates.
I would like to get in touch with Gerald, as we were close friends throughout school and for a good few years afterwards. I moved to England and lost touch, but would really like to get in touch with him and make a donation towards the Lightwriter!
If you can help, please reply!
Posted by: Joanna Rayner | 03 April 2007 at 09:22 PM