WHY I OUGHTA!!!: September=Amazing

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

September=Amazing

I have been meaning to update this guy for a while...so here goes. Yes, my title states "September" but let me recall a special event in August. Helloooooo, Ring Around the Needle!!! Wow...talk about an emotional day! Let me list some of them; excited, humbled, scared, happy, loved, honored....I could go on. I have some of the best friends in the world who are genuine, good hearted and strong. The Pink Ladies put the event together, execut

ed day of operations, had a great time, breast fead a baby and got pretty tipsy (the last two did not happen to the same person). The event is still bringing in $$$ but so far is up to a whopping $20,000+!!!! Awesome, just plain awesome!

After recovering from the debauchery of the Ring, Jessica and I traveled to one of my hometowns, good old Littleton, CO. It was fun to play tourist in a town I spent over 8 years in. However, I really felt like a tourist, there is nothing the same about Denver. We stayed in a fun hotel downtown, walked around 16th St Mall, caught a Rockies game, ate well, drank well and enjoyed sharing memories with old friends. I think Jessica was through with my trip down memory lane by the weeks end but she enjoyed the stories that made an ass out of me. It was a great time.

Next up on the itinerary was a couple of amazing weddings and then, BIRTHDAY TIME!!!!

That's right, I turned the big 3-1!!! What a GREAT WEEKEND!!! It started off with a birthday dinner with Jessica's family. Followed by brunch and mimosas the next day at my house, a wedding and drinks and cards with friends. The weekend didn't end there, Jessica and I caught the matenae show of Wicked. It was a great show followed by a yummy appetizer dinner at Chandler's. The weekend may have been over but the fun wasn't. A pair of Pearl Jam tickets fell into my lap so Carmen, Kyle and I rocked out last night to Pearl Jam. What a great show...those guys are still killing it on stage! Thank you, Cori for a rad ass bday present.

And, of course, I can't forget to say, CONGRATS HUSKY FOOTBALL!!! Unranked UW beats little ole #3 USC...that topped off my birthday!!!

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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