Author Archives: johannahkath

No, this isn’t a blog post about the things that go bump in the night.   Every home has its unique sounds.  The sound of ice dropping into the bin in the freezer.  The click of the dishwasher as it switches modes after we’ve settled in the for the night.  The slight creak of the looseContinue reading “Thump. Thump. Thump”

Hope is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all – – Emily DickinsonRecently, we redid our website and as part of our fundraising page, we were asked to supply a statement on “why we walk.”  I took some time to thinkContinue reading “Progression is Real”

I’ve decided to highlight each of our team members this year in a separate blog post to help everyone who cares about Gary get to know the Gang…and hopefully to inspire you to help them fundraise.  These are friends and family members who supported us in so many different ways throughout the years and have helpedContinue reading “When the Smiths wanted to be “Really Important People””

In our adult life, Gary and I have definitely seen our friendships ebb and flow with the goings on of life. Who has kids and who doesn’t? Who works hard and who plays hard? Who lives in the city versus the burbs? Normal. Adult Life. Things.  And I started to write this blog about how Gary’sContinue reading “Friends are the family you choose.”

Hey gang,This past June marked 10 years since Gary’s diagnosis of MS.  As Gary and I reflected on this, we were met with mixed emotions…when Gary got his diagnosis, the doc told him there’d be a cure in 10 years.  It’s been a bitter feeling in the pit of our stomachs as we’ve watched Gary’sContinue reading “Big moves at Gary’s Gang!!!”

Hello all! It’s been over 6 months since I said I would start doing this more frequently. I read the last post about our visit to Wolf Trap and to be honest, that whole day had escaped my mind. I’m writing today because a lot has changed and I made a commitment to keep peopleContinue reading “MSDiagnosed….9 years later”

It was his 36th birthday. It was 2 weeks ago. Almost 6 months after he discontinued medication due to a physician/authorization issue. 4 weeks after he had started physical therapy. 9 years, TO THE DAY, after his diagnosis (yes, he was diagnosed on his bday but that’s another blog post). We went to see RodrigoContinue reading “Gary’s first ride in a Cadillac”

Here’s a little exercise for our readers. Stand in front of your mirror and pretend that you’re talking to your best bud who you haven’t seen in five years. Out loud and while watching yourself, ask that friend how they are. Do it now. Now…pretend that the person you’re talking to was recently diagnosed withContinue reading “So…how are you doing?”

Caregiver. You read the word and think of someone who might take care of an elderly parent. Or someone who you pay to come in to the home and care for someone. Or a parent who’s looking after their child.  But we’re all caregivers. A simple call, a note to say hello, showing up somewhereContinue reading “Caregiver. Giving Care.”

It has been 138 days since our last post. Did you miss us? Wonder if we’d up and moved away from all things electronic? Wonder what’s going on in our lives?  There is MUCH going on in our lives.  Gary graduated (yay Gary!) and is on the job hunt. Sadie got a promotion at workContinue reading “138 Days Later”