Robert J. Donovan Fund - STRIKING OUT ALS

It was 22 months ago in October of 2012 that I flew into Boston Logan Airport from South Korea, where I had been living the past 6 years, to take care of my dad. It was only a week or so when my father called me urgently asking me to come home because he needed help. I left my work and the life I knew for the last 6 years because this was the first time my father had ever asked for help. He lost his wife, my mother, in 2010 and his health had been declining quickly soon after.

When I first arrived, I had no concept of what I would be facing or what my father had been dealing with. My father, Robert J. Donovan, was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2013, but not before dealing with multiple diagnoses, changing of hospitals, doctors, and countless fights with the insurance company that ultimately delayed the proper diagnosis for over a year. When we did finally find out he had ALS, he had already lost complete use of his legs and almost his whole body.

In the past 2 years, as his primary careprovider, I've seen and been through the worst of taking care of a physically helpless person full-time. However, I've also seen and been through some incredible things. One of them has been having the opportunity to witness my dad's indomitable spirit, shining brightly and spreading his warmth and positive energy to those he meets. Even though he knows that ALS is a terminal disease and can no longer control 90% of his body, he somehow finds the joy and the humor to share his silly jokes to make others smile. Everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him has always commented on his incredible, positive outlook on life and how impressed and inspired they are of him.

One of the greatest memories I've been able to share with my dad was watching the incredible journey of the 2013 Red Sox team. It was a magical season for the team, the city of Boston, and even the entire Red Sox Nation, where everyone gathered together in unity after the horrific Boston Marathon bombing. It was one of the saddest and hardest times since 9-11, and 'Boston Strong', the Red Sox mantra, unified the city and surrounding cities and communities. And to see the Boston Red Sox rise to win the 2013 World Series with my dad was simply amazing and a memory I will treasure always.

This year, I got to share another special experience with my dad and the Red Sox. Through the help of the ALS Association and Sol Amor Hospice Team, my father was granted a "wish" to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park.  As an artist, one of the types of work I do is customized illustrations of baseball players on hats. I had created a "'Big Papi' #WalkOffCity"  hat last year that I wore and a "'Koji' #Hi-FiveCity" hat I had made for my dad this year for Father's Day. We both sported our Sox hats at the game and had a memorable Fenway experience together.

As a challenge I extend to you, the first 3 people donating $500 or more to the ALSA on behalf of my father, I will custom create a hat with the Red Sox player of your choice. Let's Strike Out ALS Together!

We need to let people with ALS know they are not alone.  ALS affects more than nerve cells and muscles, it affects families, friends, co-workers, and communities. 

With no known cause or cure, ALS challenges the human spirit and tests the courage of everyone touched by this devastating disease.

However, we can work together to create a Community of Hope that restores dreams and builds courage.  Our community gives strength and hope to our loved ones, neighbors, and friends facing the fear and uncertainty of ALS.

Your gifts will make this possible.  Please click the donation button to the right and give generously.

Thank you for helping us build a Community of Hope!

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