July 2021
It was a week of live music, warm sand, and a whole lot of love for Paul Morgan. Team Gleason was able to help Paul, his wife Kristine, and their family go on a week-long Adventure to the Moon Crush Music Festival. Paul was diagnosed with ALS soon after he started dating Kristine. Not wanting to wait a moment longer, they got married on Cinco de Mayo last year. Shortly after, the world shut down due to Covid-19.
“It’s way better being stuck in a house when you’re a newlywed,” laughs Kristine.
Paul and Kristine have known each other since they were kids. The two reconnected a few years ago when Paul organized The Music Group, a bunch of friends that traveled to see live music together. After years of friendship, Paul and Kristine’s first date was, of course, at a concert. After that, they fell “madly in love,” states Kristine.
With some Covid-19 restrictions being lifted, Paul and Kristine were able to find an outdoor music festival that would reunite The Music Group while still keeping everyone safe. Paul and Kristine reached out to Team Gleason, and we were able to help with their Adventure to Miramar Beach, Florida.
Thanks to the support of our generous donors, we were able to assist with both the cost of the concert tickets and accommodations for this Adventure. The group of 15 enjoyed a week-long stay in an accessible beach condo. This close-knit group of friends have been there for Paul throughout his diagnosis with support and helping out at home; this was the perfect way to give thanks and have some much-needed fun doing what they loved. Even Paul’s mother could be there, making the trip a perfect blend of family and friends.
Team Gleason was also able to help provide a Beach Powered Wheelchair – which meant that Paul could go right from the condo to the edge of the water. The highlight of the trip was the festival, where Paul and Kristine got a chance to meet one of their favorite artists, Grace Potter, and even received a signed guitar!
“Hearing live music for the first time in almost a year…that was totally amazing,” says Paul. This Adventure brought music, family, and friends back into Paul and Kristine’s lives after almost a year of quarantine. “I always have my sense of humor no matter what with ALS,” Paul states, describing his journey as ‘making lemonade out of lemons.’
“I’ll always keep the ‘No White Flags’ attitude. I appreciate everything Team Gleason did for that trip.”
Team Gleason would like to extend a special thank you to the Moon Crush Festival & Staff for assisting with accommodations needed to make this Adventure possible!
