Thank you everyone! - DPChallenge Forums

10/16/2005 10:58:07 AM · #1

To any of you who know me, it's no secret that I think the world of the DPChallenge community. While there are many photography contest web sites around (including many imitators of this one), none have as positive and mutually supportive a community as DPChallenge.

Still, I was moved and humbled by the outpouring of support at the time of my grandfather's passing last week. The outpouring of messages, PM's thoughts and prayers of support truly helped get me through a difficult time.

Many of you also know that my grandfather's passing came just 8 hours before the start of the MS Challenge Walk. After some long conversations with my parents, brother, and several close friends, we all agreed that I should continue on with the walk as planned, but prepare for the possibility that I would need to leave early if the funeral were to be on Sunday. Fortunately, the funeral ended up being Monday and I was able to finish the walk. Continuing on with the walk was absolutely the right decision, not only because it was what my grandfather would have wanted, but also because it was a tremendous help in dealing with my grief.

For this reason, I also want to take a moment to send extra-special thanks to everyone who supported my efforts in this year's walk. Your donations, and the emails of moral support from those who wished to donate, but were unable to do so, mean a great deal not only to me but to anyone living with MS, their families, and their friends.

This year, we raised a total of $1980 from about 50 donors. This money not only helps in the search for a cure, but also provides information and services essential to those living with Multiple Sclerosis today. Donations are still being accepted, and if you meant to donate but never got around to it, you can be the one to push me over the $2000 mark! One step at a time, we are moving closer to the day when "MS" will stand for "Mystery Solved."

Once again, thank you all for your support, and more importantly, that you all for helping to make this such a wonderful community. You all should be proud of yourselves.

~Terry

mesmeraj

10/16/2005 11:01:53 AM · #2

Thank YOU Terry. You are a great asset to the community, without you we wouldn't be nearly as wonderful :D

Kavey

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

10/16/2005 11:05:00 AM · #3

Terry, I'm so glad to hear that the walk went well and that it was the right thing for you personally too. I am sure your grandfather would be extremely proud of you and your ongoing support for those suffering from MS.

There are many DPCers who live with the difficulties of MS and many more of us who have a close family member or friend who has MS. It's a problem that affects so many people and yet, even with all our advances, we still not have an understanding of what causes it let alone a cure.

That you have raised such a huge amount, yet again, some of which will go towards research, is a great comfort to many of us.

I'm not one of your 50 donors as I donate to the MS Society here in the UK but am an admirer and supporter of your efforts.

THANK YOU!

Message edited by author 2005-10-16 11:05:24.

alfresco

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/16/2005 11:05:24 AM · #4

What Elli said.

suemack

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS

10/16/2005 01:52:31 PM · #5

(((hugs)))) you are an inspiration Terry!

10/16/2005 02:41:19 PM · #6

Originally posted by mesmeraj:

Thank YOU Terry. You are a great asset to the community, without you we wouldn't be nearly as wonderful :D

Aww... you're making me blush!

As much as I'd love to take credit for the quality of this community, all I and the rest of SC really do is offer a guiding hand and try our best to lead by example. If that's worked, it's really a testament to the quality of people who choose to hang around here.

Also, if anyone is curious, I will be walking again in 2006. I'll post more details once the dates are announced, but I'm already signed up!

~Terry

Message edited by author 2005-10-16 14:42:13.

SJCarter

Canon EOS-7D

10/16/2005 04:01:00 PM · #7

You rock Terry! :-)

10/16/2005 06:05:22 PM · #8

modprod

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

10/16/2005 06:18:49 PM · #9

My condolences Terry,to you and your family.

10/17/2005 12:52:30 AM · #10

Originally posted by modprod:

My condolences Terry,to you and your family.

Thank you, Rick!