Michelle Russo
In honor of Jennifer Russo- Washuta. 12.24.70 - 8.21.18. Make awareness your goal!
Event: | Orlando Walk |
Date: | Saturday, March 16, 2024 |
Team: | Team Gerger |
December 24, 1970 – My mom had twins, only 4 days earlier she knew she was having twins. Jill Marie and Jennifer Marie were born. Unfortunately, Jill didn’t make it, but Jennifer, now a preemie baby, fought and won. A few years later my mom had a boy, my brother Daryl, than a few years after that, my other brother, Eric. So when my mom got pregnant a few years after that, I was told how she wished and prayed for a sister. On May 17, 1977 her prayers were answered and she got the wonderful news that she got a little sister – me! Even though we are 7 years apart (she would say 6 years!!) we were the best of friends. Even when she was a teenager and didn’t act like it, she loved me being her best friend. I wanted to be like her, dress like her and go every where she went. As we grew older we drew closer together. We always said I took the place of Jill, 6 ½ year difference but still twins at heart. We thought alike all the time. I would call her, or vice versa, and she would pick up and say “ I was just picking up the phone to call you!” and we were usually calling about the same thing. We would finish each other sentences, know what each other were thinking and didn’t even have to say a word to each other, we just knew. Of course we had our differences but we always would work it out, forgive and forget about it. That’s just what sisters and family does.
Now I am going to read her poem that wrote just 6 months after her diagnosis:
HOPE
I can’t walk or sit up without help
ALS did this to me!
I can’t speak clearly, write , type or play on my computer
ALS did this to me!
I can’t sleep on a regular bed
ALS did this to me!
I need help taking a shower, doing my hair and makeup, or even going to the restroom
ALS did this to me!
I can’t do physical activities with my kids or friends
ALS did this to me!
But I now have a closer relationship with my kids and family
ALS gave this to me!
I learned what is truly important in life
ALS gave this to me!
I now have a closer relationship with my mom and I am lucky to have her
ALS gave this to me!
I realize how much love people show when it really is needed
ALS gave this to me!
The support I receive makes me feel so incredibly loved
ALS gave this to me!
Even though I am dealing with a very difficult situation, I don’t doubt that any friends, family and even strangers will come to my side, because they already have.
ALS gave this to me!
My sister wrote this 6 months after she was diagnosed with ALS. She had no idea how much more it would take from her for the following 3 years. What it would take away from her family and friends. ALS is one of the worst diseases out there. Let me add to my sisters poem.
It took my ability to feed myself, then it took away solid foods, then even soft foods. It gave me a feeding tube at the early age of 45. It took my ability to move at all, yet still could feel every painful movement, touch or prick. It gave me horrible bed sores. It took away my dignity. It took away me being able to watch my children grow up and have families of their own. ALS took away so much until I just couldn’t fight anymore and then it took my life.
What did ALS take away from me? Her sister? It took away so many more good times we could have had together. It took away our laughter, our silliness with each other, jokes that only her and I would get, understand and laugh at. Took away the one person that no matter what would be the to listen to me, understand me, tell me the honest truth (even if it hurt me) and give me the advice only a sister could.
What ALS has given me
I got a closer relationship with my mom and family. I don’t take little things for granted. When my kids leave and they give me a kiss, hug, tell me they love me, I cherish it, as you never know if it will be the last time. I tell the people I love that I love them more often. I don’t take for granted for what I have in my life. I appreciate every day that I have with my family, including my extended family. I am so grateful to have such an amazing amount of support from my family, friends, friends of friends, friends of Jenn’s, co-workers, co-workers that are friends and even people I have never even met! Or haven’t even met Jenn or I!
There is so much love in this world but we see and hear and dwell so much on the horrible things that we forget about all the good.
Jenn was the most loving, sweetest beautiful person, inside and out. She really would do anything for you. She was a good person who had a great heart. She was a wonderful daughter, mother, aunt, niece and most amazing sister ever!
I hate that she had to go through so much pain and agony her last few years of her life. I hate that we won’t grow old together, sitting on a beach, sipping mimosas and reminiscing about the good ole days and all the crazy stupid fun things that we did together.
I guess I got her for the last 41 years and now its Jill’s turn to know what its like to have such an amazing sister. Maybe one day all 3 of us will be together and we can be like triplets! 😊
I love you Jenn and will miss you so much. I am glad that you are not in pain any more and are at peace now. Now its my turn to feel the pain as my heart aches so much right now. I love you and will miss you so so so so much.
Love Shell Bell
Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS® fundraising goal! This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.
Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. I encourage you get your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers involved!
Why We Need Your Help
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the mean time it costs an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.
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David Russo
Graceann Wiley
Michelle Russo
$25.00
Mitzie Miller
Ms. Graceann A. Wiley
$20.00
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