November, 2011

Dear Friends,

It doesn’t seem possible that two years have passed since I last communicated with you, and I will first attempt to update you on the all the positive events that Friends for Faye continues to work on to fund ALS research. The yearly golf outing continues to be a well attended event, and everyone has an enjoyable time. This year, the luncheon was a success despite a spring thunderstorm, which took out electricity all over town. Friends were there showing their support and dedication. Three years ago, a tennis outing was organized by Dr. Steve Gerber, as an alternative to golfing. It is a fun afternoon with players enjoying being out of doors. St. Patrick’s park was the location for the 2^nd Annual 24 Hour Run. Sara Miller chaired the race, and her attention to details was appreciated by all participants. The South Bend community continues their commitment towards finding a cure for ALS. Words cannot express my deepest gratitude to everyone fighting this battle.

My family continues to show great courage supporting me, while continuing with their careers. Ellen is in her 2nd year of anesthesia residency at Dartmouth in New Hampshire. Kristin is in DC working at Chemonics and spent 3 months in Haiti. They both have significant others and seem very happy. Tom works at his same group, but spends a great deal of time caring for me. We are fortunate to have wonderful caregivers. We lost our two terriers, and have a French bulldog puppy. Tanner is adorable, and makes us laugh.

I underwent a tracheostomy in July. It was a very difficult decision, and I am still uncertain it was the right choice. I have been continuing with my activities as I enjoy my book club, bridge, and movies. I can still use most of my right hand, which is critical as I can still communicate. Unfortunately, I can no longer paint. My art group has been together for five years. We decided to put together a book of my art work and the challenges ALS presented. It is in process and we are excited the proceeds will benefit ALS research. Friends will be able to purchase “An Art Journey” online. We are hopeful people will find the writing and pastels inspirational.

It has been eight years since my diagnosis, and I truly hoped that treatments would be available. Progress is being made, but it’s never fast enough when you personally suffer with ALS. With Thanksgiving approaching, I am grateful for many things. I am thankful for my family and friends. Without their love and support, I wouldn’t have had the strength to fight on. I am thankful for the researchers who tirelessly strive to find a cure. The cards, letters, pictures and emails sending good wishes are so appreciated. Life can be impossible, but once again, I realize how important relationships are. During this holiday season, I am thankful to all of you who have touched my life.

I wish you good health and happiness in the New Year,

Faye

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Fight for the Future

March 2009

Dear Friends,

The daffodils and tulips are blooming, but we have two inches of snow on the ground.
Spring should be around the corner, but we live in Indiana!

Last year was a tremendous year in that "Friends for Faye" surpassed it's goal of raising one million dollars for ALS research. Thanks to Jody Freid and the Friends for Faye committee, we were able to accomplish this incredible feat. Jody worked non-stop to see that the luncheon and golf outing were fun and successful, and seeing the turnout for both events, her goal was reached. She will never know the gratitude and love my family has for her and all she has done for the ALS community.
None of this would be possible without the generosity and support of the wonderful community of South Bend and friends across the country. They have become familiar with the horrors of this disease and want to find treatment and a cure as soon as possible. I know their efforts have helped accelerate the research which is so critical. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

I continue to stay busy at Indiana School of Medicine-South Bend, which is expanding
and is an exciting time to be a part of this great institution. Art, bridge, book club, and Bible study are activities I never had the opportunity to pursue with a busy practice.

Most importantly, I spend time with family and friends, who provide me with tremendous love and support. Jen has been with us for fourteen years; caring for the girls and now caring for me. I am grateful she is in our lives. I am so proud of my daughters who are excelling in their careers, but carry the realization of what ALS is doing to someopne they love. My husband continues to remain strong, loving, and supportive. I am so very lucky to have him in my life.

Like time, this disease marches on. I will grieve the loss of the use of my hands as I have grieved every other physical loss. There are times when I don't know if I can go on and the future is frightening, but there is no choice but to take one day at a time.
I am forever indebted to all of you for your cards, letters, calls, and visits. Thank you so much for caring.

All the best,
Faye

January 2007

Dear Friends,

Another year has flown past, and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all of your heartfelt notes, cards, letters, and phone calls. It takes time out of your day to think of me, but you must know how grateful I am for your support and friendship. Each bit of communication keeps us in touch with each other, and that is what relationships are all about. Every one of you means a great deal to me and my family. Each card, letter or note is saved in a large bin so that every once in a while, I can read your encouraging words again.

There is nothing pleasant about ALS. As I move into my third year with this challenging disease, I at times wonder what keeps me going. It takes longer to get ready to go somewhere, my speech is unintelligible, I can still walk slowly with a cane, and I need assistance with many activities.

Despite this, I am still involved as Director of Introduction to Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine-SB, have taken up painting, yoga, bridge (believe it or not) and still travel. Having to give up so many activities and my career, has forced me to look at alternative things that bring enjoyment to one's life. Having practiced for 25 years allowed little time to explore other avenues, and I must say, although I would return to practicing medicine tomorrow, I have enjoyed to some things out of my comfort zone. I couldn't even draw a stick figure and the pastel paintings I have done are at least identifiable as to what I am trying to paint!

My family remains supportive and courageous as they watch what this disease is doing to someone they care so much about. However, my daughters are pursuing their careers and moving forward with their lives. Kristin graduates from Georgetown this May and Ellen will be completing her second year at IU School of Medicine. Tom, my husband, continues to practice Radiology. He is dedicated to me and the quality of life we have together, and I know how fortunate I am to have him in my life. We have much to be thankful for.

As we enter the New Year, appreciate all that life has to offer you, and prioritize what is important. I have found through all of this trauma, that relationships are what it is all about. You have given me strength by your words of encouragement, support and prayers, and you have shown me what is important in my life, and that is, all of you.

August 2006 Update

On July 21-23, 2006, Friends for Faye sent a brave team of riders and volunteers to the 4th Annual Tri-State Trek. The Trek, a 270-mile bike ride from Boston to New York, is a challenging athletic endeavor, but the Friends for Faye team was triumphant! Faye's sisters, Beth and Britt, along with Britt's daughter Alison and Jerry Rush, conquered the course and showed their support for ALS research. For pictures from the weekend, please see our photo section.

The following is a letter to the editor that appeared in the South Bend Tribune following this year's Friends for Faye Golf Outing on June 26.

To the Editor:

On June 26, the South Bend community once again showed its support for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) research during the 2^nd Annual Friends for Faye Golf Outing. It was an incredible day in honor of South Bend’s own Dr. Faye Magneson and I was honored and humbled to be a part of it.