Thursday, May 17, 2012

My Wife Joanne Has Passed Away; Stop and Smell the Lilacs

On May 16, 2012 my wife, Joanne, went on to a better place. For those still on this planet, please remember to stop and smell the lilacs.



That picture is from our honeymoon on Mackinac Island, Michigan, about 27 years ago. Lilacs were her favorite flower.

I ask the living to consider a donation in her name to support ALS research , better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, the illness that took her life.

Results as of Monday 9-25-2012 

  • Donations $45,266
  • Tickets $311,400
  • Corporate Sponsorships $30,000 
  • JPMorgan Grant Campaign $20,000

Les Turner gets half of ticket sales so the direct benefit to Les Turner so far is $250,966.

Donations From 40 Countries

Donations have come in from 40 countries now, up from 22 on May 15.

Over the years many people have asked me to put up a tip jar. I refused. I have always thought the best information is free. That philosophy has served me well. I have never asked for anything, but I am asking now.

If information from this blog, for free, 4-5 posts a day (for 7 years!) has made you money or kept you out of trouble, then please consider purchasing a raffle ticket or making a donation.

If times are tough, and they may very well be, then please consider a cash donation of $10 or more. Every bit helps.

Checks

To make a cash donation by check or money order, please send a check or money order to
Lacey Wood 
Mish Campaign
Les Turner ALS Foundation
5550 W. Touhy Avenue, Suite 302 Skokie, IL 60077
847.679.3311 (Main)
Any questions, please call the above number.

Credit Card

You can make a donation or purchase raffle tickets by credit card on the Les Turner ALS Site.

Raffle Ticket Entries are split 50-50 with ticket buyers in a drawing to be held November 15 8. Ticket sales end September 27, but you can still make a donation at any time.

Some people emailed they did not like entering the information fields required. However, the purpose is only to ensure the foundation knows how to get in touch with raffle winners!

People move, phone numbers change, and email addresses change. It's as simple as that.

Those who do not like disclosing personal information on a form (the site is secure) can send a check or money order for tickets or to make a donation.

I have written about the disease and an ALS fundraiser twice previously.

  1. April 2, 2012: My Wife Joanne Has ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease
  2. May 15, 2012: ALS Update; I Still Need Your Help; Money Contributions From 22 Countries!


Philosophic Point of View

Whether you make a donation or not, please stop and smell the lilacs. Joanne did, at every opportunity.

Goodbye Joanne we love you and miss you already.

Addendum:

List of Countries Making Donations
Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Croatia
Denmark
Estonia
France
Finland
French Polynesia
Germany
Ireland
Israel
India
Italy
Japan
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Panama
Poland
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Venezuela