Our MSA Angels

Barbara Sledge Jamison

Barbara Sledge Jamison, my mother – was loving, patient, and caring. She was full of faith and love for everyone she encounters. In her youth she was active in the yard and garden. She enjoyed bowling, fishing, and taking trip to Laughlin for a little gambling. She enjoyed racing greyhounds and found strong bonds with all her dogs.

She started to notice her body changing. She had believed she had suffered some small stokes. She began to lose her ability to steady herself and talk loud and clear. She was misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s at first, as so many have been in the past. She was finally diagnosed and was suffering with MSA a terminal disease. She was in ICU for over a month, and in a rehab facility on and off in her final two years. She had a trach put in and spent the final months of her life confined to a hospital bed with no ability to move. She continued to fight day in and day out with such an amazing smile most days. The Lord called her home in Jan 2014. She was an amazing women- I’m proud of my mother and love her so much. I was not able to cure her and was horrible to watch this disease take her more and more. My way of remembering my mother and helping keep her spirit going is to share her story so others may understand and help raise awareness.

This terrible disease needs our help in spreading awareness and building research funds.

~ Hannah Carriger Franklin

Eduardo Andrade Quiroz

My father Eduardo was a loving, funny, gentle husband, father and grandfather. He knew how to light up a room. There has not been a life in which he hasn’t made a difference in, if he had ever met them. He was misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in December 2012. My dad was in and out of the hospital numerous times due to pneumonia which he was able to fight off the first time, after weeks of being intubated and doctors telling our family he wasn’t going to make it. At his request, we declined a tracheotomy and GI tube. God allowed him to breath on his own. God heard our prayers and let us have more time to enjoy his presence here on earth.

Through these tough times, my dad set the standard for facing death with grace and courage. He insisted on living a meaningful life even when he could no longer walk, or talk. He never stopped loving and caring for those who were so close to him and was admired, loved and respected by those who knew him. Even though he had been sick for years, he kept a positive attitude and never complained. He maintained his faith in God and he left his life in our loving Father’s hands.

In May 2015, my dad was hospitalized due to aspiration pneumonia. Again, the doctors didn’t give us much hope even if we agreed on getting a tracheotomy, due to his very weakened state. Due to respiratory failure and other MSA complications, my dad was called to be with the Lord on May 24, 2015, at the young age of 62. His death came very sudden but we now know that he is in a better place where his soul is resting in Paradise. He left behind my mother, his wife of 38 years, Raquel, my two brothers George and Fidel, and his two grandchildren who adored him, Romel and Madeleine. Our family will never be the same without my dad here, but we are at peace knowing that he is no longer fighting and living with MSA. And now, we have a guardian angel with us everywhere we go!

Jeffrey Alan Kirsch

Jeffrey and I met online in a Grief Support Chat that he co-hosted in May 1998. He was the most kind, gentle man I ever met. Looking back he already had symptoms of MSA when we met. But, he just ignored them and took care of others. We met face to face the first time Thanksgiving weekend 1998. He did not want me alone for the holiday. He traveled between his Long Island home and my Florida home eleven times in the next few months. We talked every day online and by phone while co-hosting support chats together. For Christmas 1998 he proposed and I accepted the most beautiful engagement ring ever. We married March 11, 1999. That was the best day of my life.

Jeffrey was born in Nassau, New York. Raised by Robert and Alice Kirsch with Debbie Kirsch (Albany, NY) and Linda Kirsch in Oceanside NY. He began work for Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) of Nassau County after graduating high school and remained there for 20 years. He left BOCES after we married and worked for Walmart until December 2003 when the MSA made it difficult for him to stand. Throughout his battle with MSA Jeffrey always supported and encouraged me. He was my prince and I was his princess. In September 2001 we adopted our beautiful Mary. Jeff was so proud and happy to be a daddy. We have since adopted Zina and Juli, her beautiful younger twin sisters. We took in several homeless people because of his kind spirit. Jeffrey never stopped wanting to help others. He was taken home to heaven only after eight years of intense battles with MSA. Debbie, Mary, Zina, Juli and I will miss you forever. You have the most awesome grandkids who love talking to me about you. Ashleigh, Luna, Selena, Rubin, Maylea, Jordan, Bianca, Maddie. Enzo, Hannah and Victoria love their grandpa in heaven.

~ Ruth Kirsch

My Dad was diagnosed with MSA and fought for 8 years. He was a fighter and my hero. I will never forget his smile and when he called me is little one. He never stopped fighting he was, is and always will be my hero.

~ Mary Kirsch

Jose Jorge deLira

My father was diagnosed with MSA in 2000. This was very hard on him due to the fact that he was a very independent man that loved life and doing for his family. He was a husband, father and grandfather and for this he lived and fought to stay alive for 13 years. He far surpassed the 9 year mark. On the day he passed, he was surround by his family and went in peace knowing he raised his kids well and knew his family was in good hands with his wife. He is missed every day and not a day goes by where he is not in my thoughts. *Te amo dad*

~ Gina Kelly

Racine Burton-Phillips

Racine took her flight from labor to rest on November 11, 2010. She was born April 5, 1944 in New York City, New York to Robert and Bernice Katen. While living in NYC, she graduated high school and attended Cosmetology School. Racine met and married Charles W. Burton. They later moved to Rochester, NY where she worked at Keelox and also spent more than 20 years working for Eastman Kodak Company. Aside from her very busy work life, Racine also worked as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of Batavia. Racine joined the Aenon Missionary Baptist Church family in 1988. Aenon became a huge part of her life and she so loved her church family. While at Aenon, Racine was a member of the Mass Choir, the Hospitality Committee and also the Usher Board. She stayed active in all these groups until her health began to deteriorate. She is cherished in memory by her second husband, Matthew Phillips, her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchild Ke’Mya Crosby.

Although our heart aches for the loss of our dear mother, we all know that she is no longer suffering and that she is now walking though Heaven as the eloquent woman that she always was. She is forever in our hearts!

~ Alicia

Randall Sudduth

Randall was always the most patient, caring, and selfless person I knew.  He was so brave; fighting MSA with never any complaints. No matter how difficult the situation was, or how bad he felt, you would never hear him complain. Randall went home to be with our Father in Heaven on Valentine’s day, February 14, 2015. Randall was so loving and his family (children & grandchildren) were everything to him. During his last vacation with our 2 children and their spouses, he told his brother-in-law that his favorite part of the trip was sharing the experience with his family.

Randall had just turned 57, two weeks before he passed away. Randall and I were married 31 years, and we have LIVED. We were fortunate to be able to enjoy life and traveled as much as possible before he became ill.  I miss Randall so much, but I am thankful he has no more pain.  I love you Randall.  

~ Debbie

Rick Stephens

In memory of my brother, Rick Stephens!

Diagnosed with MSA in 2010 and he passed away on November 17, 2012 at the age of 60. I miss him every day and hate how he suffered with this cruel disease that took such a beautiful life.

~ Suzanne Stephens Hyatt

Dennis Ray Jakeway

My son was very active. He traveled in a band and had his own flooring business. He loved life and brought laughter to everyone he was around. He will and is missed and loved by all his friends and family. Dennis and his step-dad were very close. Dennis lived with us the last 5yrs of his life and when he passed, my husband said he lost his best buddy. Dennis is survived by his brother Rick, three sisters, Tina, Tammy and Melissa, daughters Amber and Katie and five grandchildren, Austin, Katelynn, Kristina, Karri and Luke.    

Forever in Our Hearts With Love.

~ Mom & Jim

Jim Martindale

James Otto Martindale, 65 of Chickasaw, AL, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on October 16, 2014 from complications of respiratory failure and Multiple System Atrophy.

James was born on October 17, 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended grade school at Windsor Heights and one year at Roosevelt School in Des Moines, Iowa. James graduated from Des Moines Technical School in 1964 as an Appliance Repairman and worked at this vocation until 2000. James then was an over-the-road truck driver until 2009 when he was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy.

James enjoyed going to antique shows and doing some buying and selling antiques. James enjoyed NASCAR races and College football.

James was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Janiece of Chickasaw, Alabama, three children, James Martindale II (Coleen) of Parkersburg, Iowa, two daughters, June Martindale of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Jennifer Martindale of Applington, Iowa. Three grandchildren James Martindale III, Joseph Martindale , and Julieann Martindale all of Parkersburg, Iowa. 3 Sisters (Sharin Lind) Louisiana, (Roberta Gonzales) Austin, Texas, (Cynthia McBride Martindale of Des Moines, IA. David and Joyce Clayton, mother-in-law and father-in-law of Clear Lake, Iowa, Sister-in-law Karen Gregory (Brian) of Steamboat Rock, Iowa, Brothers-in-law James (Sherrie) Naber of Fort Worth, TX, Kirk Naber of Winterset, Iowa, Kenneth Naber of Des Moines, Iowa. Also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

James is preceeded in death of his father, James P. Martindale and his mother, Violet Martindale, a Sister, Claudia Pender and maternal and parental grandparents.

Jillian Margaret Keenan

She is my MSA Angel, My Angel of Hope, Sharing the Light of Hope and Courage!

Jill was born the second of three children in 1944 and from an early age was destined to be a school teacher. We both attended Melbourne Teachers College and were married 1st of January 1966. Our first son was born in 1969, our daughter in 1972 and by 1975 Jill was back doing what she loved teaching. Our youngest son arrived in 1979 and again in 1985 Jill returned to teaching, she continued teaching until 2002 when she was diagnosed with stress and we went off on our trip of a life time around Australia as it turned out. Jill was diagnosed with MSA-C in 2004. She was determined to beat it and with the help of our families we did everything possible – natural therapies, drugs , stem cells in 2006 and 2008 and the most beneficial – Exercise. We converted our garage into a complete gym “Jillsgym” and she exercised there every day. We had a purpose built caravan – wheel chair accessible and we continued to holiday with family and friends. In Easter 2013, she was able to spend time with her two beloved grandsons and family. She passed away in her sleep on the morning after we returned home. She will always be in my heart where ever I am.

~ Mac Keenan

Jill’s MSA Blog: www.jilliansgym.com

Eric Carl Sutton

Eric Carl Sutton was born on April 5, 1950 and left this life too early on November 12, 2013. He fought MSA with a courage and heart that few of us ever possess. He left a thriving law practice and teaching career too early. He was an Ad Litem Attorney, working with the San Antonio Children’s Court to protect abused children. He was also a much beloved professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio for over 30 years, winning many teaching awards.

Eric was the father of 4 wonderful sons who honor him every day and a much loved husband for Sharon Sutton of 39 years.

~ Sharon, John, Nathan, Richard and Colin Sutton

Alvin Miller

He loved cars and coca cola the best. He loved going to antique places. He suffered with MSA for seven years.

In Memory of My Brother, Al Miller

Love You Always and Forever! ~Terry

Please Visit Terry’s Blog, A Very Touching Journal About Her Brother Al:

http://terry1954.wordpress.com

Richard Ruth

Richard was an amazing husband, son, brother and uncle, he was the first to offer a hand if you needed it and the first with a smile or shoulder, just always there for anyone. He loved bowling and making us all laugh with his crazy antics.  He was just truly a remarkable, loving man and he is missed so very much.

Kathy Shih

Forever in our hearts!

Joseph Gerard Fortier

Joe Fortier was the son of Callista Fortier and (the late) Charles Fortier. He attended Catholic schools in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. After high school, Joe began a career in the field of sleep medicine. He held positions at Henry Ford, Oakwood, Macomb and the VA hospitals. For more than 25 years Joe managed sleep clinics, consulted on research (now oftentimes cited by others), contributed to publications and helped to establish many sleep study clinics throughout Michigan.

Until the onset of his illness, Joe led a very active and adventurous life, one that included jogging, swimming and scuba diving. He was a strong and loving family man who had a quick wit and great sense of humor. Active in local politics, Joe always had in his mind what would best help the common man build a better life. Throughout his life, Joe was committed to advancing medical research to help others. He completed his life’s journey with an integrity drawn not from great deeds, but rather from the simple desire to do his best to help others.

In late 2009, Joe was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). He suffered from the disease for three years. In January of 2013, at only 56 years of age, Joe passed away.

~ He is greatly missed by his mother, daughter and grandson, surviving brothers and their families, many close cousins and numerous friends.

Please visit the website of the MSA Foundation, named after Joe: http://www.DefeatMSA.org

Geoff Aitken

Eternal rest grant unto Geoff dear Lord and may your perpetual light shine upon him.

Missed every second of every day by Carole, Dom and Alexander. To his sons, Geoff was a hero and the font of ALL knowledge!! To Carole, he will remain forever the most selfless, kind, loving person ever known. Geoff exhibited goodness to his roots.