WHY I OUGHTA!!!: Happy Birthday T-Town!!!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Happy Birthday T-Town!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.....I could keep them coming but I guess you guys get the point. Today is a great day...it is the birthday of one, Miss Takiyah Jackson. If you don't know her, you are missing out. If you do, well then, you know how amazing she is. Last night I was fortunate enough to celebrate her birthday with her and her closest friends. She decided that she wanted to make this birthday special and throw a charity event. My foundation, The Melissa Erickson Foundation, was the lucky beneficiary. She really went all out for this event. Not only did she rent out an amazing location, Sole Repair, but she had a DJ, food, full bar, picture booth, slide show, raffle, trivia contest, and the AMAZING Choklate perform live. If you haven't heard of Choklate, you are really missing out. Her soulful voice and inspiring lyrics are smooth and melodic. She is a local woman who has garnered international attention and affection.

The love I felt last night was immeasurable. Takiyah's heart is huge! She is beautiful inside and out and I am honored to call her my friend. It was definitely a night to remember. I didn't get a chance to take pictures so hopefully I will be getting some from all of you photags out there *wink*.

THANKS AGAIN TAKIYAH...I LOVE YA!

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MORE ABOUT ME

Let me give you all a little background on me. For the first 27 years of my life I was extremely active. I started playing basketball when I was 10 years old. It defined my life and gave me incredible opportunities for which I am most grateful. I earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Washington which enabled me to continue my education. From there I went on to coach and play professionally in Germany and Portugal. Basketball brought me to many countries and gave me immeasurable amounts of pleasure, pride and independence. When I was 25 and in my last season in Portugal, I started to feel very inadequate on the court. I was out of balance, slow and unable to jump as high as normal. I felt that I was just getting old and not training as I used to. I moved back to Seattle and became part of the working world. I continued to play basketball recreationally and go to the gym to work out. My inadequacies continued to progress and soon it became very difficult to play or run on my own.

After a workout at my local gym, my personal trainer informed me that my problems with balance and strength were not normal of a typical 27 year old. So in August of 2006, I started my search for reason. A day before my 28th birthday, doctors told me that there were definite signs of a neuromuscular disease. I was devastated to know that the active life I had lived was in for a drastic change. I currently am unable to walk. I use a power chair and it has increased my independence and mobility so much. Life is easier despite the restrictions of living on wheels.

In 2007, I attended numerous doctors’ appointments in Seattle and Boston, and undergone several tests; doctors continue to lean on the initial diagnosis of ALS. My life has taken many different turns and I have journeyed down a path I never thought existed. However, despite all of the disappointment and setbacks I have learned to view life in a new way. I can truly say that I enjoy the simple things in life. Each day is cherished in a new and inviting way. My family and friends are the very blood that runs through my veins.

On behalf of myself, my family and all of my friends who have supported me along the way, I send a huge THANKS for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Sincerely,

Melissa Erickson

All questions, concerns and donations can be directed to Sarah Duncan, co-founder of the Melissa Erickson Foundation. Sarah can be reached at (425) 339-8556 or sdunc@myuw.net