Firefighter with Multiple Sclerosis

[ChiefReason]

I am calling upon my many friends here to show their support for one of my firefighters.
Matt Olson has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. With this type of MS, there are no periods of remission. It is also characterized by gradual progression. There may be periods of leveling off of disease activity and there will be good/bad days. This type also attacks the spinal cord but will migrate to the brain.
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis affects 10 to 15 percent of all MS patients.
I was chief of department when Matt got on. He came to us from another department, so I asked that chief about Matt. He told me that Matt was a real “cowboy” and to keep an eye on him.
Well, I kept an eye on Matt and what I saw was someone totally committed to our cause, someone who would hump hose, overhaul and clean up when we got back into quarters. He helped out at every fundraiser that we held. He made all of the meetings and was in the top ten for training hours every year.
We took a couple of road trips together and if you didn’t know how to take him, you might think that he was opinionated. He was one of our work horses.
That’s why it is so emotional for me to see how this disease is taking that away from him. His motor skills are rapidly disappearing. He needs to steady himself against something when he stands, his gait is very slow and stiff and it is going to worsen.
I know that it is killing him that he can’t be more active, but he is going to remain with us, because the support is what he needs.
In February, 2006, we will stage a benefit for Matt; not so much to raise money, though he will need it, but more to let him know that we love him, support him and will be with him always. He loves being a firefighter and in my mind, he always will be.
What I am asking you to do is to send me your words of encouragement and hope, so I can pass them to Matt. It would mean a lot to us.
And if you’re interested in helping in any other way, you can let me know that, too.
You can email me at rockysroom@winco.net.
Thank you.
ChiefReason aka Art Goodrich

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I smell a February road trip. I hate it when good young people are stricken in the prime of their lives. With friends like Art covering your back, maybe some good can come out of this.

[trainer]

No Mat was not a cowboy, altho in that other do nothing, save basements dept he probaly was, but a good fireman and friend. He strugled a bit with FF II but finally got it, I still remember that party. Anyways just a little more info, dinner and refreshments at a local watering hole, many prizes, big drawing for a trip to Vegas, or pro dart board, or a snow blower. There is only one very special auction item, but I'll let CR tell you about that one.

[jaybird210]

Count me in; way in.

[VCFPD3]

CR and trainer what ever you need just let me know. Tell Matt we'll keep in our thoughts and prayers.

[lilyogi]

You can count me in and I will try to bring some others with me!

[spearsm]

Not from Illinois, but I sent one anyways.

[efd824]

I am with Ty, if we can get you anything, supplies or such let us know. Make sure you get a flyer to GHAS we will be there. Matt is in our prayers....

[trainer]

CR, oh CR, you going to tell them or am I going to have to. I can think of a couple of guy's that will bid. VC get your check book out, somthing I know you always wanted. I'll just say this, "Florescent Red"

[ChiefReason]

CR, oh CR, you going to tell them or am I going to have to. I can think of a couple of guy's that will bid. VC get your check book out, somthing I know you always wanted. I'll just say this, "Florescent Red"

Larry;
You're obviously about to pee your pants, so I'll let you tell them.
I have already received a few letters and for that I am very grateful, but I'd like to see my mailbox stuffed plum full.
February isn't that far away.
CR

[Weruj1]

hmmmmmmmmmmmm if I can get to Jays, can I get to Art's ? God Bless Matt and his family.

[trainer]

CR, don't have time this morning, do you?. Headed for Fabtec world of fabercation in the windy city, maybe tommrow.

[ChiefReason]

CR, don't have time this morning, do you?. Headed for Fabtec world of fabercation in the windy city, maybe tommrow.

OK; I'll do it. Oh and while you're there, stop by the spellcheck booth!
We are going to do something special for the auction.
Imagine this:

[ChiefReason]

Imagine this:

Painted like this:

[RspctFrmCalgary]

Here's what I posted on the other thread, and will post on the crusty site too, I'm assuming there's a thread there too ...

Speaking from personal experience, I can whole-heartedly agree that receiving greetings and messages from the awesome BROTHER/SISTERHOOD on these and the IACOJ forums is a very special and moving experience.

When I was very ill for 6 months and facing gall-bladder surgery a few years ago, I was very touched when I was the receipient of many "get-well soon" and "you're in our thoughts" type messages that a forum member arranged and organized into a lovely document I'll always treasure. It meant the world to me to get messages from "strangers", who, although we had never met (YET!!) will be friends for life.

Please send your best wishes to Matt, I guarantee it will touch his heart.

Art, you can expect something from me for Matt in the next few days.

You are a good man.

[trainer]

CR, I knew it was wrong when I did it, but I was runnin late and didn't have time to spellcheck . Well we are finally getting a new truck, sort of, Eng #4. Might move this to a different thread, but you'll be able to follow it's progress here and at the AFE's web. Now you old timers should remember the early day's of the Illinois forum and one of it's must popular subjects, the color of our trucks well here's your chance to own one. Altho I doubt anyone outside our dept has a big enough check book Now I for one would love to see this in our station, but you and I know where it needs to go. CR, Mat may be the only short enough to drive it anyways We will keep you informed on all the events.

[mfdff2]

CR,
You know I will be there Let me know what ever you need.

[ChiefReason]

I am asking for department patches so I can have a quilt made for Matt.
Anyone interested in sending a patch, let me know and I will email or PM you my address.
It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
CR

[ChiefReason]

Letters of support and offers to send patches are starting to trickle in.
Thanks to those who have responded.
But, I think that the good folks of the Illinois Fire Service haven't seen this thread yet, so let them know about it.
Matt is very special.
We need your support.
CR

[ChiefReason]

Sending out my daily appeal.
CR