July 25th, 2012
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!!
February 27th, 2012
Small communities like our beaches consider their residents, families. They have businesses, raise families and get involved.
Steve Falck and his family have been in the Berlin and Ocean City, Maryland area for so many years. Steve was a builder, Patty has been a teacher, is still an artist and a shopkeeper. You have been to her stores, TaDa, in Berlin, Maryland. Her own daughter, Blair, had Blair Elizabeth in Rehoboth for years; now with TaDa in Berlin, as well. Brooke is a Spanish teacher in Delaware.
Then, the news came in 2009. Steve was diagnosed with MSA. Multiple Systems Atrophy. And, what is it? It is a very rare and progressive, neurodegenerative disorder with no known treatment or cure. Most of us would collapse at those news. Steve and his family have rallied to get informed and to also bring it to the attention of others. Much research is needed. And, Steve needs our help, as well.
The first thing the Falck family did was establish a foundation. It is the Stephen Falck Foundation. Website? http://www.stephenfalckfoundation.com. By establishing this foundation, they are hoping that by funding research, they may help those currently suffering, and provide hope in the future for a cure. Please visit the website, for further info.
To know more about MSA, you can also visit www.wemove.org/msa/ and www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/multiple_system_atrophy.
Saturday, March 3rd – Happy Hour with Steve – Silent Auction and Cocktail Party from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. – Stix for Steve will be held at the Bonfire Restaurant located at 71st St. & Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland. Website? www.thebonfirerestaurant.com.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at NEST, 11 South Main St., Berlin, Maryland, at the Bonfire Restaurant, and at Malibu Surf Shop at 8th St & The Boards in Ocean City, Maryland. You can also purchase tickets directly from www.stephenfalckfoundation.com.
You may call Renee Shettle at 410-726-5295, Dee Gilbert at 410-629-1030 or Tiffany Wyatt at 443-880-2572. These ladies are in charge.
There will be hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a silent auction fundraiser. Donations to the silent auction are sill encouraged and appreciated. Call the above telephones if you wish to donate an item.
With the support of the community they will be able to provide the medical care that Steve requires now and in the future as this disorder progresses.
The Stephen Falck Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Sunday, March 4th – Steve was a girl’s lacrosse coach and on this day a Girl’s Lacrosse Festival will be on going, for the fun of it. Time 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Crown Sports Center located at 2840 Crown Rd., Fruitland, Maryland 21826. You can check Crown Sports Center’s website for directions at www.crown.sportscenter.com. More info? Call the above telephone numbers.
Steve Falck Fundraiser can be found on Facebook.
Thanks for your support!!
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