October 14, 2015
The Breath’s Anniversary Surprise – A Team Gleason Adventure full of wonderful memories…
What a day and what a surprise! This year Chuck and Ellen Breath celebrated 47 years of marriage. Little did they know on Valentines Day they were going to spend the day surrounded by many friends and family at one of their favorite locations, The Grand Hotel at Point Clear, Alabama.
Chuck was diagnosed with ALS a little over three years ago. Ellen is his wonderful caregiver who tirelessly makes sure he has all the care he needs with much love and support. Team Gleason has been an invaluable source of knowledge, compassion and support during Chuck’s fight against ALS.
Team Gleason and the family wanted to do something special for them, but what? This is where the idea for a destination celebration started. Everyone involved in the planning wanted it to be a surprise, but that was easier said than done.
Chuck and Ellen’s daughter, Missy , started contacting family members and long time friends to save the date. Everyone was excited and looking forward to it.
As the date got closer, the secret was getting harder to keep. They knew something was up, but couldn’t quite figure it out. When the weekend finally arrived they were very excited.
That morning Ellen and Chuck were ready for the “small” family brunch and made their way to the main event room. Along the way there started seeing friends of theirs that were waiting for them to arrive. At first they thought it was just a coincidence, but then realize that it was going to be a get together of many friends and family.
When they entered the ballroom, they were greeted and cheered by a LARGE group of friends and family! The ambiance was spectacular with great food, a great jazz band, beautiful decorations and a great water view. The room had been decorated with a nautical theme in honor of Chuck’s love to boating and to coincide his theme “Sink ALS”.
During the brunch many memories were shared and toasts made in honor of Chuck and Ellen.
Chuck and Ellen were genuinely surprised and enjoyed spending the special occasion with everyone. The joy and the happiness that this event brought to them could not be missed.
Many thanks to Team Gleason, Mr. Paul Varisco, Suzanne Alford, and Liz Chapaton for making this event SO special and providing such a memorable time for all involved! And a special thanks, to our beacon of hope, Steve and Michel for leading all the pAlS in the fight against ALS.
The Breath Family
