This particular post is dedicated to Autumn and Dan Soyka. Autumn, Dan and I met in Dunedin middle school and we would walk to school together.We remained friends throughout the school years and eventually I ventured off to explore the world. Facebook has been a wonderful tool for everyone to reconnect. I have reconnected with the wonderful group of girls that call themselves "the Clams".
The picture shown is Autumn and Dan taken on her 31st birthday, October 1, 2011. Tragically - Autumn was killed by a drunk driver October 30, 2011. The world stood still when Autumn was taken from us. I was so looking forward to coordinating the 2012 reunion in New York City with her and the Clams.
The Clams
Dixie, Kaitlin, Autumn, Lisa, Jami and Kerri (from left to right)
Autumn had started this amazing charity, Our Friend Dan, before she passed. To our sadness, Dan has been diagnosed with ALS/Lou Gerhig's Disease. Dan's speech became slurred around Fall last year (2010) and his speech became unintelligible June 2011. Dan married his beautiful wife, Lisa, June 4, 2011. I am in awe of how amazing Lisa is for Dan. I have not yet met her in person, but communicating with her through email & Facebook - I can sense and feel her wonderful warmth and spirit.
Lisa and Dan Soyka, June 4, 2011
I am motivated and dedicated to helping Dan and Lisa fight ALS. Not only in loving memory of my sweet friend Autumn Soyka but also because of the love I have for the Clams that supported me through my important years in high school.
As mentioned, the name of Autumn's charity is Our Friend Dan. Our Friend Dan is hosting a silent auction January 28, 2012 at the Dunedin House of Beer in Dunedin, FL
Today I shipped out my box of donations for the auction and it felt SO good to give.
In my eyes, it truly is Better to Give than to Receive.
If anyone is interested in donating to Our Friend Dan, please check out https://www.facebook.com/ofdsoyka
Here is Autumn's last wishes...
http://autumnsoyka.last-memories.com/
Autumn was passionate about helping her brother in his fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to “Our Friend Dan” - a fund to support the family with medical expenses. Please click the "Donation" tab on the left side of Autumn's Last Wishes page to donate directly to the fund.
