By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Adam MacDonald has big plans for his 28th birthday bash on Saturday, Oct. 19, involving guests and dancing to the music of Wally and the Virginian at a party held at The Crow’s Nest in Presque Isle. But instead of receiving gifts for himself, he’s asking all participants to make a donation to a cause near and dear to his heart: Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Adam has spent much of his life in a wheelchair, suffering from this disabling disease that robbed him of his ability to walk years ago and has slowly but steadily taken away his power to do the daily tasks most of us take for granted, including dressing and feeding himself. That’s now done by his mother, Cheryl Markey. But despite these difficulties, Adam, who was diagnosed at 5, continues to look beyond himself and has been involved in numerous fundraisers, raising money to help find a cure for Duchenne and to help others with the disease live a better life.
“This will be Adam’s first Dance for Duchenne. It’s this Saturday at The Crow’s Nest. Doors open at 8 p.m. and admission is $10 per person,” said Cheryl. “You must be 21 to participate.”
The event has theme colors, in case anyone wants to coordinate for the event.
“Adam’s theme colors are yellow and black, the same color as his wheelchair,” said Cheryl, noting drinks will be served in red and black cups.
In addition to the dance, Adam is also collecting bottles to raise money for his cause. Anyone interested in making a donation can drop cans and bottles off at Rick’s Redemption in Presque Isle. Just tell them they’re for Adam’s fundraiser.
If you can’t make the dance, don’t worry. You can help the next day by stopping by Amato’s in Presque Isle.
“On Sunday, Oct. 20 — Adam’s birthday — Amato’s in Presque Isle has agreed to donate 10 percent of the day’s sales to CureDuchenne, a leading group in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” said Cheryl.
Cheryl said all money raised will go toward research to find a cure for the disease.
“Adam has a mission to help find a cure. You’ll also be treated to a piece of birthday cake, offered by Amato’s, to celebrate his 28th birthday,” said Cheryl.
Adam’s efforts to raise money for research began earlier this year, when he, family members and friends traveled to the Maine Mall in South Portland to participate in the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association’s “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference” Walk. They joined hundreds of others who turned out for the worthy cause.
“I was one of those hundreds of people. I showed up bright and early — not because I have been diagnosed with MD or my child has MD, but because several special people in my life are living with a form of MD called Duchenne and I wanted to somehow help, somehow make a statement that I don’t like their diagnosis and I want to do a little something to help find a cure,” said Athena Hallowell, a longtime friend and former teacher of Adam’s.
Walking seemed like a simple enough thing to do to help a friend, noted Athena.
“I wanted to walk for Adam who has been in a wheelchair for the last 17 years or so. I wanted to walk for my twin cousins who are just 10 years old and beginning to experience the symptoms of their disease. I thought my lazy self could do this simple act for these three very important people in my life. So I signed up to join Team Adam MacDonald vs. Duchenne on Jan. 5 and begged friends and family for donations,” Athena said.
The event took place April 6, after the Feb. 9 date was postponed due to a snowstorm.
“It was a carnival. Photos were snapped, hugs given, balloons adorned tables and banners were put up in the center hall of the mall. I saw the faces of families who care for and support these people, smiling through tears,” she said, referring to herself as “a bystander of sorts.”
“I feel somewhat helpless and sad because I know that this disease robs the life of those who have it and a cure is so close yet just out of reach,” said Athena.
Thanks to people like Athena, Adam was able to raise over $6,000 for the walk.
“Because of the efforts of Adam and his team, he was awarded the 2013 Spirit Award and was the walk’s official ‘grand marshal,’ leading all teams in the walk. It was a proud moment for all of us on his team,” said Athena.
For more information about Adam’s fund-raising efforts, visit Facebook and look for “5th annual Adam MacDonald Birthday Wish Fundraiser in the Fight Against Duchenne” or e-mail cmarkey1961@yahoo.com.
