Don Barnowski, Howell, Michigan

Michigan Chapter

Maggie Barnowski refers to ALS as “a collateral damage disease.” The neurodegenerative disease, with which her spouse Don Barnowski was diagnosed in July 2010, has not only impacted the couple but also their children, friends and colleagues.  Although Don Barnowski now uses a power wheelchair, breathing assist machine and lift device, he and his wife maintain busy lives and work closely with The ALS Association Michigan Chapter to educate others about the disease.

Don and Maggie Barnowski

During May, the chapter is honoring Barnowski and Maggie, a homemaker who also serves as her husband’s caregiver, for ALS Awareness Month for the annual “ALS Across America” campaign. 

“Both Don and Maggie are very upbeat people, and their positive outlook about living the best life possible with ALS inspires not only our chapter but also the Barnowskis’ family, friends and community,” said chapter Executive Director Susan Woolner. 

Woolner cites Maggie Barnowski’s affinity with individuals fighting the disease.  “Maggie’s care and concern for all those affected by ALS makes her such a powerful voice in reaching out to other families living with ALS,” Woolner said.  Maggie currently attends the chapter’s monthly caregiver support group in Fenton, and she and her spouse will serve as volunteer chair people for the Walk to Defeat ALS® event in Howell on May 6.  The Walk raises funds for local patient care programs and research to find causes and treatments for Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Both Barnowskis are also ardent supporters of Howell High School boys’ tennis team’s “Play for the Cure” tennis tournament.  Like the Walk, the event, now in its fourth year, raises funds for research and spreads ALS awareness to their community. Don Barnowski and Mark Oglesby, the team’s tennis coach, share a strong appreciation for how this event involves student athletes who proactively demonstrate how to be better citizens. This year’s tournament takes place in September 2012.

Aside from supporting these awareness activities, Barnowski, 53, former Chief Information Officer at United Way for Southeastern Michigan, also helps others with the disease by participating in research and clinical trials at the University of Michigan, Henry Ford Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic.

Maggie and the couple’s children, Nicholas, 18, and Emily, 16, will accompany Woolner and chapter volunteers to the nation’s capital to meet with national legislators at this year’s National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference.