The Highest Hurdle

by Kim Wroblewski

  September 11th…It’s been 14 years…

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 9/10/2015

  Seems like yesterday when Megan was born. September 11th happened two weeks after her birth. Is hard to believe it’s been over 14 years now since the twin towers fell in New York City. This is just a reminder those of you in town after you drop off your kids to school stop on by, if possible, to have a little breakfast, a little prayer session and a shot of tequila under the chandelier! I look forward to seeing all of you that can join us! Bring a friend! Well Megan has started high school and is thoroughly enjoying it! In addition, she is doing very well with her volleyball team! They defeated Traverse City West last evening in two straight games! Danny also is doing great! He continues to get phone calls from other colleges, Iowa, UC Davis, Vanderbuilt, that are interested in him for basketball! He’s doing double sessions working out for tennis and creating a basketball routine for coaches coming to see him as a person and a player. His tennis season in high school is also going very well. Also, he got his license this week! Not many can say they got a scholarship offer before getting their driver’s license! Lol. It goes to show you when you work hard and use the gifts God has given you, nothing is impossible! Danny is getting ready to go to a tennis tournament this weekend in Midland and Meg will have a volleyball tournament this weekend as well in Kalkaska! No grass growing under the Kolps’ feet! Andy is such a hard worker and trooper. We are so blessed to have him! As for me, just like you, I go day by day. I am planning another trip to California at the end of October where we will be moving forward with IVs and treatments and discussing stem cells. I can’t thank you enough for all your love, help and support. All your help we can’t even begin to thank you! Just know, if I make it through this it’s because of angels like you and the pure grace of God! Hopefully, all our efforts, especially those of you praying will reap the benefits of our works! I hope all of you have had a great kick start to the new school year and I pray you and your family had a fabulous summer!

  September 11th recap

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 9/12/2015

  It was great to see those of you that made it yesterday! We prayed for and offered a toast under the hall chandelier for the victims and all of the caregivers as promised! 24 Moms and Lillian in total showed! It was so nice to catch up! I think we’re going to meet the first Friday of each month and catch up over coffee and juices! The location may change, probably “coffee shop hop” I’d guess month to month! Here’s a start… October 2nd North Perk’s, November 6, Roast and Toast! Like my husband says sick or not…if I’m not going to a party I’m throwing one! Just join if you can! No pressure! All are welcome! Drop you kids and come for a cuppa Joe!!! Lol. Hugs and blessings to all of you! Have a great weekend! It’s a beautiful fall day in Kalkaska!!!

  September activity update from the Kolps

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 9/26/2015

  This fall, thus far, has been beautiful and amazing! Danny’s tennis season has been very successful, and he’s enjoyed it! Megan’s volleyball team too has been doing very well! We are so blessed by the athletic and academic success by them! In addition, Danny’s still on the radar for potential collegiate basketball opportunities. Iowa is coming to see him and meet his coaches this Tuesday. Crazy but in God’s hands this recruiting adventure is! As for Andy all is well. He had an unfortunate funeral for his GVSU assistant coach, Bill Springer this past week. He drove to Grand Rapids and had a blessed visit with old players, trainers and coaches. I know for certain many great fun stories, laughs and remembrances were shared! RIP coach, you made a difference in these old boys’ lives! We had another special gift this weekend, our niece Dana came home from MSU for the weekend and stayed with us! It was wonderful to catch up! As for my health update, I have restarted my detox IV’s. They kick my butt initially but after about 2 days I have more energy and feel better. I am still doing supplements, no pharmacy ALS drugs at this point, by my choice. To date, for me the risks of increased bodily endangerment isn’t worth the additional 2 extra months of life from these meds. Just nutrients and metabolic intermediates are what I’m taking. In addition to note, and an interesting point, a few months prior to my diagnosis I had stopped having a menstruation cycle. Thinking I was on my way into menopause, however as of the last 6 months, it has returned, not missing a beat. I only share this, not to gross the male readers out, but to state a fact, with my improved health could this be a positive thing for me? Systems not absolutely, necessary working again. Could continuing to peel the layers of health issues help me and those women in the future with this diagnosis? We don’t know. The experts don’t know, but I think it’s worthy to note. I have appointments up and coming, neurologist mid-October, a biological dentist I found in Michigan that may be able to assist in continuing ozone treatments in my dental cavitations. Many dentists are skeptical about dental cavitations. In my case, skeptical or not, once I receive an ozone shot I have instant relief of my echoing left ear and an instant change in my neck which feels much more relaxed and less tense. This change usually only last for 10 hours but, is that something also that should be noted? Is any relief an indication that there is a possible bacterial variable contributing to my disease. Again, no one knows for sure. In addition, discussion about removing my remaining amalgam fillings will be addressed. Amalgam fillings contain toxins, mercury for one, and heavy metals may too be a contributing factor. Therefore, these will be addressed. Lastly, Andy and I will be doing a quick trip to touch base with my doctors in California at the end of October! I pray all is well for you and your families! Please keep us in your prayers, as you too are in ours! Hugs to all of you!

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 10/11/2015

  Things are moving along at the Kolps. Andy and I had a great spontaneous trip to Mackinac Island! Great walking, talking and drinking and eating! We love the island! While my left side becomes progressively weaker, the Kolp kids are cranking, and we’re moving forward! God has them in the palm of his hand. This weekend was crazy busy! I unfortunately had to miss my South Lyon High School class reunion and other festivities, as I had a terrible respiratory infection and Andy was working, Megan had a volleyball tournament and Danny had tennis regionals and Iowa came to visit this afternoon to see Danny and meet his coach and his family. In summary, I’m feeling better, not coughing as much. Danny’s tennis team won regionals and we’ll be going to the state meet next week in Holland! Megan’s team won the JV volleyball tournament in Harbor Springs! Lastly, Danny’s recruiting visit with Coach Francis from Iowa went well. We will be going to visit Iowa’s campus later this fall! For those of you in the downstate area Thursday, November 12th…My sister has arranged a fundraising opportunity for my potential stem cell treatment. John Heffron, a friend who we went to high school with, and is a comedian from LA now, is willing to help by donating his proceeds from Royal Oak Comedy Castle. A silent auction and games are also in the making. More details will follow shortly! We are so grateful! God is good!

  Petoskey volleyball tournament champs!

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 10/11/2015

  The Freshman Petoskey volleyball team won the JV tournament in Harbor Springs!

  November Update

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 11/2/2015

  I learned in direct sales some people choose looking at life situations either on the “light” train or the “dark” train. I choose to ride the light train being positive, living in the moment and being grateful. Others ride the dark train, the cup is half empty, negative thoughts, blaming others for their troubles. Some days I do get sad and feel sorry for myself, I’m human and this has been a tough deck of cards to be dealt! How people do any of this without Faith is beyond me. I have learned a lot, as has Andy! He washes my hair well now and helps me dress too! Sorts vitamins and supplements and makes beds! We had a beautiful wedding, but our marriage has been my greatest treasure! Andy is a great man and caregiver. Think about how
hard it must be, being a physician and not being able to fix or cure your ill wife. I feel for him. On a lighter side… I’ve learned it’s easier going without a bra now that we’re in layer dressing season, also thong underwear make it much easier to pull up pants when your arms are challenged, than the typical woman’s jockey cotton undies I’m used to! It’s been quite a month. I received a confirmed diagnosis of ALS from the Director of the ALS clinic at U of M. I’m progressing although not as quick as most. I have been encouraged to keep doing what I’m doing. I suppose that’s a good thing. I use my left arm minimally and now feeling some effects in my right arm and my legs at times. Still have some issues to address like metal toxins, cavitations…so time will tell. I had a great trip with my husband to his conference in Florida, followed by a trip back to Mill Valley, California to do follow up appointments with my physicians out there. We were blessed to stay in San Francisco with Maggie Kromm’s brother and sister in-law and their family! We are so blessed and they were so kind, welcoming and gracious! Thank you, Andrew and Amy! This saved us so much. I received structural adjustments, supplement revisions, detox IV updates, stem cell next steps discussion, ozone treatments and OSB mouth piece adjustments. Now I am home and whipped! I have cavitations surgery and amalgam fillings removal scheduled later this month. I’m so looking forward to and grateful for the upcoming fundraising event and seeing family and friends and John Hefferon, the well-known comedian from LA my sister and I went to school with. He’s hilarious! It will be a great fun evening! I hope you and friends will consider coming Thursday, November 12th to Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak. Doors open at 5:30. Food 6pm. Live auction 7-7:15. John on stage at 8pm!!! Contact Natalie Reed for tickets. Tickets are not available at the door.

  Andy and Danny and Megan are doing well! The kids have had some quality time with my folks and Aunt Terri and Uncle Craig while we’ve been away! How blessed we all are! The kids finished fall sports. Danny had a great tennis season, the team won Regionals and placed 13th as a team at States. Megan’s volleyball team won their league and won 4 of the tournaments they were in this fall! Now hoop season begins mid-November for both kids! Danny’s still being recruited by more colleges, Oakland and CMU came to visit while Andy and I were gone. Toledo and Xavier have expressed interest as well. This season will be a big one for Danny! Pray all stay healthy!!! Hugs to each of you thanks for all of your help and support!

  Fund-raiser update and laughs

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 11/13/2015

  Who remembers Harmony House? Waiting all day to hear a favorite song? When short shorts were in for guys? And lyrics to 1980’s music? Not children born of the Millennium Age with I-phones!!! I do believe laughter is the best medicine! And we were blessed with good laughs last night! John Hefferon, a well-known comedian grew up with us in the 1980’s in South Lyon and now residing in LA, had a fabulous performance! He had the ability to teach life lessons with humor across the age spectrum! Hilarious!!! A special thank you to John for his generosity and financial support at the fund-raiser last evening. An extra special thank-you to all of you that donated and took the time out for a hug or to say hello last evening. I was even blessed by Andy’s twin sister coming into town for the event! While shopping and laughing with my niece Dana and my sisters-in-law that took great care of me Terri, Paula and Elena! Thank you! It’s been a while since I’ve seen many of you and it’s such a bummer or should I say blessing I have this disease? It was so good to see all of you that were able to attend the fund-raiser! Many family members came, some folks I grew up with, college friends and some supporters I didn’t even know! The support and the love Andy and I felt was indescribable! In part many of the friends and colleagues were there because of our hosts: Josh and Natalie Reed, my generous brother in-law and my loving, driven sister. To know them is to love them! They both work full-time, have great kids that are very busy and care for friends and family and have a beautiful home! Through all this they took on putting on a fund-raiser for me! I know if they could take this challenge away from me they would! I know this has been difficult being so far away. They hosted a great successful event at Mike Ridley’s comedy castle, catered food, invited David Santia, from Detroit to do speed painting for entertainment and auction! Had a beautiful silent auction with a variety of items, sealed by a Heffron performance! This was so cool! Also, Natalie bought me my outfit to wear and a friend bought a gift certificate to the spa for hair and make-up (no Andy didn’t do my hair and make-up, nor did he dress me for this event-lol)! What was all this for and how did it go? For those curious, it appears my dental costs not covered by insurance will cost approximately $5,000 this includes: cavitation surgery, 6 amalgam filling removals, homeopathies, and hyperbaric treatments! All happening before the end of the year! In addition, stem cells as previously mentioned, the entire procedure and follow-up will cost over $40,000 again no insurance coverage for experimental stem cell research using my stem cells! These treatments were not feasible before this event, and are not for many other ALS patients, Natalie and Josh knew that…with your help and contribution we brought in approximately $25,000 so far!!!!!! As I’ve mentioned before, “Divine Interventions”. God has me on a journey…with my progress and improvement because of treatments you’re giving me the opportunity to do; I hope my story and my path of ALS control and possible remission will be used to share with those in the future diagnosed and that have it now! From me and future persons with ALS…Thank you! I will keep you posted on your investment! We love and thank you and will continue to pray for each of you and your families.

  Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings & Good Wishes

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 11/25/2015

  I sincerely hope you and your families have a spectacular Thanksgiving! As the holidays are upon us please take some time for YOU and cut back on your to do lists! Only make 5 different cookies not 10! Decorations… Simplify! Cards…send to older folks that appreciate them and to those that will keep them! Otherwise, Facebook your Christmas wishes and kid pictures to friends! Visit with family and friends, be present and stop making ourselves crazy!!!! Before I got sick I would NOT have taken to heart my recommendations. I thought I was expected to do it all! I didn’t want to disappoint anyone; especially myself…I like to run on adrenalin!!! I hope you will be different, for your health and enjoyment!

  I’m so grateful and appreciate all your prayers, kind comments on this blog and financial support for my health expenses. These are some of the things I’m thankful for, as many of you know, we’ve simplified at the Kolp house, but the medical bills have been a burden. I realize I’m not alone in this concern. Many people struggle with bills. I pray for those struggling especially during the holidays. I have a precious story that pulled on my heartstrings! My brother in-law and sister’s friend’s son, named Reed, is a young boy with a heart of gold! He remembered Danny and when Reed was told Danny’s mom was sick he asked his mom if he could donate his own money to me. His mom allowed it and I am so touched beyond tears! This is one of MANY stories of thanks and gratitude. As I’ve said before, I have felt more love than I deserve. I pray my whole journey allows me to give back to those suffering. Keep the prayers coming! I thank all of you I know and those I don’t know…that still gave and prayed! I’m speechless!

  I still think of John Heffron’s comedy act often! I’m getting many friends “post it notes and mini Patron tequila” for gifts. So, everyone can write and leave love notes and reminders to loved ones in the new year! Lol. Just like John shared with us in his comedy skit! The Patron is my contribution… Even though there’s snow…I love a good Margarita!

  I have begun my dental visits in preparation for removing amalgam fillings and cavitation’s surgery. Thank you, Maggie Kromm for escorting me downstate! And Robin Corrington for hosting us and driving me to hyperbaric oxygen treatments! I’ve started them again! Three more weeks of dental prep, hyperbaric treatments and traveling downstate! Then stem cell implementati
on will be addressed in the new year! Without your support, honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to even consider these treatments. I’m beyond thankful! I’ll keep you posted! Don’t forget to consider simplifying this holiday season…or at least consider it! Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs, love and blessings being sent your way!

  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Kolp Family

  Journal entry by MaryFran Kolp — 12/19/2015

  Have you ever been part of a “pay it forward” experience? Many have heard of this happening but how many have experienced it? My good friend and hostess/caregiver Robin Corrington from downstate and I went to a drive through Starbucks and the person in front of us, who we did not know, nor did we get to thank, paid the bill! We in turn did the same for the lady behind us!!! What a feel-good moment it was! Very kind! Thank you too all the secret Santa givers! I know all of us are in the middle of the hustle and business of the season… But don’t forget the true meaning of the season and focus on the people, not the stuff!!! This evening we are having our “Frantabulous Friends” over for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres! I would have truly enjoyed having all of you but were in a smaller home this year. Nevertheless, we are so thankful for all of the support and prayers! This particular group, which many of you are a part, have signed up to facilitate my care needs and our family’s needs over the year. Each family has between 3 and 4 weeks a year they have designated to help. We’re so grateful for all the help, food, contributions, shopping, supplement sorting, road trips downstate, laundry folding, vacuuming, etc.! It’s been surreal! Remember if you have a loved one in need get the “Share the Care” book. It’s been an amazing process for us and beyond words helpful, especially that now I’m needing more care! I’m not sure if I’m getting weaker from disease or just freezing up from the snow and cold! God has my back I’m taking one day at a time. Last Monday I did have my amalgam fillings taken out! All 6 of them, 2 were cracked, hopefully with the removal I too will notice a positive effect! Interesting process for me, I had ozone shots and hyperbaric treatments 4 consecutive weeks prior to the removal! When being prepared for the actual removal of my fillings; which include silver, mercury and other toxins, I was draped with a cover, put on a hair net and a mesh screen over my face sealed with an oxygen mask! In addition, the dentist and hygienist had masks on and looked like they were from the planet Mars! Lastly, a vacuum suction hose was placed close to my mouth to ensure any toxic gases or amalgam power would be absorbed. What a process to take precautions. Note I had been told through blood testing and muscle testing that I have heavy metals in my system. With my health issues I didn’t mind the precautions taken, but I’m glad it’s over! After the new year I will have my wisdom teeth cavitation surgery… Then we’ll re-access and discuss next steps with my team of physicians. I pray you and your family are well and really enjoy each other this holiday season! We all are so blessed but often forget all the gifts we have!!! Forgive me! This is my Christmas Card this year! Hugs and blessings from the Kolp family today and throughout the year! …a few pictures of Danny and Megan to follow! God bless us! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!