Gilson

My son Gilson, 10, lives in Louisville, Kentucky and has suffered with juvenile dermatomyositis since may 1, 2007. He lives with his mom, Margaret, dad, Miles, brother, Miles, and Charlie and Oreo, his two beloved dogs. Oreo gets to sleep in Gilson’s bed.

(Clockwise from bottom left) Gilson, his mother Margaret, his father Miles and his brother Miles

Since Gilson’s birth, he was one of those children people wanted to squeeze, hug or hold. His dimples and white hair made him a target for people’s hugs, kisses or squeezes. Gilson may have screamed,”no!” Or turned and given them a dimply smile. Gilson still possesses that endearing personality and determined spirit. We always have called him our ”lightning bug.” That is what he is. He lights all around him and others see his resolve and are bowled over the way Gilson handles his challenges.

So that is the reason we had such a trememdous fundraiser for jdm this summer. All the members at our swim club know Gilson. They want to support Gilson. They want to cure Gilson. And they made a dent by raising nearly $10,000 July 14th and 15th. Everyone wants to help Gilson and always asks, “what can we do?’’ finally I told our truth. Donate for a cure. And that is what these people helped me do.

The first night we auctioned off pies and the winner’s prize was throwing them in the swim and dive coaches’ faces. That one raised a lot of money! Next, divers raised pledges for hitting their goal dive. Gilson’s coach and special friend attempted his triple! His parents were excited to pony up that pledge. (By the way, this summer Gilson had psp pneumonia and three weeks later dove and won 2nd place in a meet!)

The swimathoners gathered money per lap swum. Several of the kindest 16 year old boys swam for an hour! Their pledges put some change in our pocket for jdm. Watching every lane at our pool filled with swimmers ranging from little 4 year olds to our dear 50-year-old friend melted Gilson’s heart. Not to mention ours.

-- Written by Margaret (Gilson’s mom)