July 25th, 2012
Steve Falck, Husband, Father, Friend, Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA), No known Cure Or Treatment, Friends Rally as “We Paddle for Steve”, Ocean City, Maryland, Delaware Beaches, The Molokai to Oahu (M2O), Paddleboard Racing, July 29th
It is something else; the phrase “through thick and thin” comes to play in this post. The Delaware and Maryland beaches are right next to each other. It is a small place, and if you live here you pretty much know everyone. When one of our own is in trouble we stop to help. This is what has been going on in Steve Falck’s life. He is a husband, father, and friend. Among his many passions; the ocean and surfing!!
In 2009 Steve Falck was diagnosed with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). If you don’t know what this disease is, believe me none of us around here did either. It is so rare, and progressive. A neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no known treatment or cure. And, if that was not enough challenge, during this year, Steve was also diagnosed with prostate cancer. Steve’s spirit has always remained strong; that has not changed.
Some of the surfers in Ocean City, like Paul and Ross continued, while Steve was able, to help him get on that board to catch those waves in a modified surfboard, with special handles shaped by John Ashton.
On July 29th, other friends have taken it to a different level of fundraising for Steve. It is called Paddle for Steve. Sandy Deeley and Teene Froiseth will be in the World Championship of Paddleboard Racing, the Molokai to Oahu (M2O). This race is considered the Mt. Everest of paddleboard events. Believe me, these guys have about 123 years of experience; they have been training hard.
To qualify for the race, you must have previous race experience. The race is 32 miles across the infamous Ka’wi Channel known for the severe current, high winds and towering seas. A haven for tiger sharks, competitors are required to carry shark repellent which for this team is a 45 caliber “bang stick”. The channel is 2300 feet deep and is known as the “Channel of Bones”. Just completing the race is considered a crowning achievement in the sport.
The goal? To raise $32,000. $1,000 for each mile paddled. Achieving this goal would help ease the financial burden this illness has created for the Falck family.
The team is incurring all expenses for the race and every single dollar raised will go directly to pay expenses for Steve’s treatments.
Please visit http://www.wepaddleforsteve.com. Your donations are needed and much appreciated.
Note: Steve, Patty and the girls are so amazed and humbled. Like I said “through thick and thin”.
You can find them on Facebook.
Have a great day!!
Tags: Delaware, Event, Fundraising for Steve Falck, Maryland, Multiple Systems Atrophy, Ocean City, Steve Falck, The Molokai to Oahu paddle board race, We Paddle for Steve
