FAPG Home Site Map Links
Friedreich's Ataxia Parents Group

 

FAPG Home

FAPG - In Loving Memory of Our Children


Click here for Thoughts and Poems to Comfort

Dalton Wallace     December 2, 1997 -- June 12, 2008
    Son of Stephanie and Randy Wallace
We walk by Faith, not by sight. God is our refuge & strength, an ever present help in trouble.   Psalm 46:1
   
Dalton Lil marine 2005 / MDA camp 2007

Aaron David Martin   November 24, 1981 -- February 22, 2008
          Son of Pauline and Milton Martin

Diagnosed in 1990 with Friedrich's Ataxia, Aaron spent the next 18 years fighting beyond the boundaries of his disease.  He adapted to make the best of every situation through all stages
of his condition.  Aaron received a standing ovation as he graduated from Caribou High School in 2001.  He focused his interest in Computer Sciences and kept his intellect sharp by playing chess and listening to books on tape, but the majority of his time, and perhaps his strongest asset, was spent spreading laughter with his contagious sense of humor.  May we all learn to embrace life with our hearts as he did.

Pierre Baleydier  April 13, 1968 -- January 2008
    Son of Claudie Baleydier

Thomas Christopher Barnett   1985 -- June 5, 2007
    Son of Paige and Bill Barnett

Amanda Rieffenberger  -- _________  - May 15, 2007
    Daughter of Kathie Rieffenberger

Elizabeth Rae "Betsy" Neyland --December 17, 1981 - January 29, 2007
    Daughter to David and Ruth Neyland, sister of Emily Sarah.
Betsy was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia when she was 10 years old. A few months after she was diagnosed she told us to quit talking about “my disease” and we realized that we needed to get on with the business of living and ignore the disease.  Betsy did not want anyone to feel sorry for her. It made her mad when people tried to tell her good-bye. She knew she was going to heaven and she did. She is now free from her wheelchair and pain. We will miss her terribly but know that we will see her soon in heaven.

Joey Smith -- January 2, 1985 - June 6, 2006
   
Son of Bill and Debbie Smith, brother of Billy, Casey, and Molly
Joey was a 2003 graduate of Randolph Southern High School, where he excelled as an honor student. He was a friend to all who faced adversity with his infectious smile that inspired those whose lives he touched. Joey had attended I.U. East. He was an avid sports fan and was fortunate enough to have attended the Super Bowl and enjoyed listening to music.  

Nicole Flipp -- June 11, 1986 - January 15, 2006
    Daughter of Janette and Mark Flipp

Cesar Alexandre "Alex" Mijares -- March 5, 1980 - January 10, 2006
"A valiant prince once lived here.  You ran the race, you stayed the course, you finished well.  You are loved and missed by all who knew and loved you.  Can hardly wait to see you again."  -- Son of Cesar and Margie Mijares

Anthony "Tony" Turner -- June 29, 1979 - October 26, 2005
    Son of  Peter and Susan Turner, Sister Deanna, and brother Eric.
We love him so much and he will always remain in our hearts, always in our thoughts.  Tony loved sports.  He was a big White Sox fan and went to many of their games.  He passed away on the same day they won the World Series.

Paul Kenneth Flippo -- October 7, 1977 -- August 2, 2005
    Son of Bruce and Bobbie Flippo and brother of Shelley
Here is a poem Paul liked: "Drinking From My Saucer".  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 2000 from Arkansas Tech University in Russelville, AR.

Mikayla Rae Spangler -- April 12, 1979-August 25, 2005
     Daughter of Kathy Spangler
Mikayla had a great sense of humor, lots of spunk and a terrific "can do" attitude.  Every challenge was faced with a positive attitude which really touched many lives.  Patience was something always with her as she taught others.  Her spirit endures! Note picture: Kathy's rosebush has always had all pink roses, this year '06 there is one red rose, we think for Mikayla.

Jeramiah "Jeramy" Avery Clark -- February 24, 1986- April 30, 2005
    Son of Terry Kuykendall

Doug Spooner -- October 4, 1984 - December 13, 2004
    Son of Connie and Roger Spooner
    Doug's essay: "Things Change"

    
Benjamin Orth
 
-- July 20, 1983 - April 2, 2004
    Son of Mary-Lisa Orth

Kaila Marie Murphy --September 3, 1986 --July 13, 2003
    Daughter of Patrick & Ginga Murphy

Pieter  Cornil -- 15 October 1979 -- 8 July 2003 
    Son of Dirk and Odette Cornil-Tombeur

Mary Keyes - 1982 -- January 13, 2003
    Daughter of Jean and Bob Keyes

Billy Smith - July 25, 1981 -- May 14, 2002
   
Son of Bill and Debbie Smith, brother of Joey, Casey, and Molly

Michael David Abbey - January 28, 1986 -- November 3, 2001
    Son of David and Cindy Abbey, brother of James

    Soon after Michael's death the world experienced a meteor shower. 
We lay on our backs and marveled as fireballs streaked across the cold night sky. 
They burned brightly and were no more. 
Brief lives.
    As we come to terms with Michael's death, we need to cherish the memories of his bright, brief life and hold them close to our hearts. 
Memories endure.

William Grant May - November 8, 1969 -- July 12, 2001
Bill's Memorial Webpage
    Son of Bob and Kay May

Shayna Morris - 1976 -- June 29, 2001
  
Daughter of James and Elizabeth Morris

Alicia Orza - September 9, 1976 -- June 15, 2001
   Daugher of Barb Orza

Dena Leach - October 16, 1979 -- March 8, 2001
   Daughter of John and Rhonda Leach

Robyn Nunnery - January 12, 1974 -- December 16, 1999
   Daughter of Linda and Frank Nunnery
Although dealing with the daily physical and emotional challenges of this devastating and progressive disease, Friedreich's Ataxia, Robyn lived her life to the fullest possible.  She loved people and loved to laugh.  She had come a long way overcoming many obstacles, had just received her Associates Degree and all ready to work on her Bachelor's.  After we lost her, I found a website she had recently saved in her "Favorites" on her computer.  It was as though she left a comforting message for us.  We will always miss her!

Kevin Crowley - July 28, 1974 -- August 11, 1999
   Son of Jan and Mike Crowley

Jeremy Pierce - August 3, 1979 -- April 3, 1997
   Son of Rita Reynolds

Kevin Maher - February 3, 1976 -- November 30, 1996
    Son of Connie Maher
Kevin loved life.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.  Kevin also loved country music and bingo.  Every Friday, he played bingo with his grandmother.   Kevin had a very dry sense of humor and he thrived on a good argument.  He would never admit he was wrong, even when he knew it, just so he could argue some more.   Every morning when I left for work I would say, "I love you, Kevin".   His response never varied  - it was always "I love me too!" followed by a big laugh.   Kevin never wanted to give up and he fought for his independence.  He was an excellent student, carrying a B+ average in college correspondence classes.  Kevin was an inspiration to so many people and he touched many lives in the short time he was with us. 

Chris Buechel - October 29, 1970 -- June 6, 1992
   Son of Linda and Bob Buechel

April Barr - September 18, 1973 -- 1994
   Daughter of Terrie and John Barr

Jim Adams - April 13, 1971 -- October 19, 1991
   Son of Trudy Adams

Robert G May 111 - December 6, 1961 -- February 27, 1986
    Son of Bob and Kay May

Mark Adams, Jr. - January 28, 1963 -- November 9th, 1978
   Son of Trudy Adams


Page last updated September 20, 2008