Chapter 3: Joan and Mike Geraghty
Forward from Tessa: Kevin’s mom, Joan, wrote this blog post. She is one of the classiest and kindest people I know…as she gives me and the rest of our army credit, I have to say that we couldn’t get through a day without her and Mike. They are loving parents, wonderful in-laws, and all-around great people. This blog was designed to be an ALS story for everyone in Kevin’s life…if you have something to add, please send it to me, and we will include you in upcoming chapters. Thank you, Mike and Joan….we love you with all our hearts.
March 17, 2023
All that Matters...Joan and Mike Geraghty
Pull up a chair, and get yourself a cup of coffee. This could take a while.
It is an understatement to say that we consider it an honor to be Kevin's parents. Since his ALS diagnosis, we have been learning every day about the strong, loving man Kevin has become over the years. Kevin's attitude is inspirational. At the core, Kev is fighting this disease with everything he has in his arsenal. Luckily, his sense of humor is strong as ever! Sometimes a wee bit inappropriate...but very funny! And let me tell you, you NEED to use your sense of humor constantly to battle every day. Kevin is doing the work. He aims to raise awareness and research funds for those patients who come after him.
Kev and Tessa have built such a strong relationship over their ten years together. They truly work together as a team. Do they have down days? Of course, we all do. BUT, they get right back up to fight for another day. Kevin frequently expresses how grateful he is for all that life has given him. He says he's the luckiest guy in the world: remarkable. There really are no words to fully express our love and admiration for Tessa. Her strength, courage, and determination help guide all of us through this ALS journey. Tessa is a whirling dervish of activity: caring for Kev, working, co-chairing a gala, and running their household.
Even as a child, Kev was a playful, joyful, kind person with an open heart. Did he ever mess up, you ask? OH my...YES! We won't get into the shenanigans he was involved in over the years, but...let's just say it all helped build his character and...our gray hair! Kevin and his two sisters, Meghan and Molly, actually played well together and, truthfully, enjoyed one another when they were little. Of course, as they grew into their teen years, it wasn't all "lollipops and roses": they stayed in their own lane save for a little harassment here and there. Now as adults, they are all married, get along well, and enjoy spending time together as a family. We Geraghty’s love to laugh often. Such a gift!
Bruce Kramer, a former University of St. Thomas dean of Education, passed away in 2015 from ALS. He said (I'm paraphrasing): "In the end, love and friendship are all that matter." That brings me to all of you. Kevin and Tessa have love and friendship in spades. Let me list the ways:
Jan Gillam, Tessa's mom, shows up! She hops on a plane in an instant! The support she so happily provides for Kevin and Tessa is irreplaceable. Kevin has been blessed to have such a loving mother-in-law. Jan loves Kevin like a son, and Kev has a close bond with Jan.
Our daughters, Meghan and Molly, are two of the many warriors in Kevin's army. They are helping in any way possible. Meghan started a meal train (a godsend). Molly is the tech assistant who has helped Kevin set up the Obi robot (a robot to assist with eating) and the goggles/iPad system, which uses Kev's eye movements for communication. Their husbands, Chad and Domingo, have been so helpful in so many ways, ready for whatever comes up.
Tessa's brother, Nick Gillam is so talented, especially in fixing any household problems and/or building things for them! Nick and his wonderful wife, Chelsea, show up with their two boys, Myles and Otis, and help get the job done. The boys, along with Meghan's girls, Evelyn and Sophia, and Molly's son, Minguito, are in charge of the JOY...lots of it!
Kevin has a long-lasting, solid network of buddies from grade school, high school, and college in his professional life. His buddies are constantly coming over to offer comradery, watch sports events, bring all his favorite junk food, shovel the walk, and offer Tessa some free time for herself. People are keeping in touch with Kevin every day. One couple, who live in New York, send a card once a week to let Kev and Tess know they are thinking of them. Many of our friends call, text, email, send cards and flowers, and offer to help on a regular basis. Blessings!
Then there are our extended families: aunts, uncles, and cousins ready to help. Many are participating in the Meal Train, assisting with fundraising, helping build awareness, and just being available for support. One Aunt and Uncle offered their Palm Desert condo to Kev and Tessa. We know we can call on all of them for help at any time. Family!
Both companies that Kev and Tessa work for have been incredibly supportive in so many ways during this time. This is, we believe, indicative of Kevin and Tessa's success in their professional lives. Both know how to build lasting relationships. We are immensely grateful for this support.
Then there's the ALS community. What a lifesaver! Team Gleason and The ALS Association have provided support with various types of equipment. And then there is ALS-TDI. TDI (Therapy Development Institute) has wrapped Kevin and Tessa with much-needed support. In his speech at the White Coat Affair in Boston last fall, Kev talked about how "the fog was lifted" when he and Tess spoke with Carol Hamilton from TDI. Along with Carol, Lori Larson Heller and Michelle Dupree have become integral parts of the circle of friends who are there...who show up and understand what we are going through.
And the A.Love.Story. GALA Committee! Another loving group of warriors volunteering their time and talents for the successful event co-hosted by ALS-TDI and Lynn and Gino Giovanelli, Lori Larson Heller, Kevin and Tessa.
Mike and I offer our deepest thanks to all of you...for the many offerings of help, for the "reaching out", for the prayers, and for those who have generously donated to Kevin's fund or those of you who will be attending A.Love.Story. in April.
All our love and gratitude,
Joan and Mike