Christmas 2007

Christmas 2007

Instead of Christmas cards I thought this was the best way to let you know how I am, what’s been happening, my health situation, and a message from me to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends as you never know when your life can dramatically change.
First of all I need to give special thanks to a few people. First of course is my wife, Melanie. I’m the luckiest man in the world to have her for the past 25+ years. I’ve always called her Mother Theresa and for those that really know her, know that this is a true statement. This “change in our lives” has been truly an unbelievable burden on her and she has come through like the most caring, understanding, and compassionate person I have ever met. We both know that things are only going to get worse yet she never complains and in fact thinks of ways that we can be “proactive” in things we need to prepare for.

Next I’d like to thank my wonderful sister and brother in-law; Shawn and Alex. My grass roots campaign for raising funds for ALS research could never have happened without Alex who spent an unbelievable amount of hours putting together my website to be able to get my message across and be able to give people information on this horrible, under funded, incurable disease and give people the easiest way possible to be able to contribute whatever they can to help the scientists, researchers and doctors the badly need grants to be able to work on finding a cure for this incurable disease.

I have some friends that without their support I could not keep my upbeat attitude and driven dedication to raise the badly needed research funds this disease needs. I truly treasure their friendship. They are: Robin and Peter Juhren, friends from Salem have gone absolutely overboard in their help in so many ways. My close friends Chris Burskey from Phoenix, Rich Mesnick from Las Vegas, Steve Viale (my golf tournament partner) and Robert Kraft , our remodeler, have been there everyday to talk to when I was feeling a little blue or just needed somebody to talk to. Their are so many other people, excuse me for not mentioning you all, but you’ve all been special, inspirational, uplifting and making this ordeal a lot easier to take.
As you know, or maybe you don’t – if not that’s why you need to look at my website which is updated regularly – www.jimculveyhouse.com. After diagnosis the average life span of a diagnosed person is 2 to 5 years. I was diagnosed in February of 2007 and the doctors think I had it for at least a year before that. But as those who know me, I’m a fighter, and I’m going to do everything possible to extend my life a lot further than that and to keep up my fundraising efforts so we can find a cure for this horrible, incurable, dehabiliting, under funded disease that not only affects the patient but also family and friends associated with the person diagnosed. I’ve always thought of myself as a giver, now I’m asking people to help me in my efforts to help get rid of this disease through contributions of whatever people can give. No amount is too small as every bit helps. We even have it set up so people can give $1! If you don’t have access to the website, call Gavin Johnson at the MDA-ALS division office at 971-244-1290 and he’ll be able to take your donation by phone or send you a contribution envelope.

Health wise, I’m about the same as Thanksgiving, a little weaker, I get tired more quickly and I have more trouble getting around as well having a problem doing the simple things in life as well. But that’s the way it is. All I ask this Christmas is that you look at the website regularly www.jimculveyhouse.com and pass it on to all your contact lists to spread the word.

Have the happiest of holidays, spend quality time with your family and friends and God bless you all!

Click here to give to ALS research.