Honoring Roger Kirk's Legacy
ALS affects the whole family. The fight is all of ours, and thanks to the Kirk family, we will win it together.
After Roger Kirk was diagnosed with ALS in 2013, there was no hesitation that his family was going to fight alongside him. “Roger never stopped trying to make the most of each day. He repeatedly said that although our family’s fundraising efforts through the Roger Kirk Golf Outing and our Walk Team “Kirkin’ It” would not save his life, it will have a direct impact on and possibly save the lives of others,” said his wife, Maryanne.
In 2015, Roger, a dynamic, loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, colleague, and devoted friend who never missed a chance to enjoy life (and play a round of golf), lost his two-year battle with ALS. Maryanne, their five children, and extended family never looked back. They looked forward. Forward to a world where ALS was something that only existed in the past.
The Kirks felt fortunate to have had support from so many people. Everyone had a role in caring for Roger. Additionally, family members and longtime employees united in running CNI Sales, the IT company Roger founded in 1994. But, just as importantly, the help the Kirks received from ALS United Mid-Atlantic was invaluable.
ALS United Mid-Atlantic was a constant resource for the family. ALS United's ALS Treatment Centers, Loaner Closet from which Roger received a walker, manual wheelchair, and motorized wheelchair, Assistive Technology program that provided tools to help Roger communicate, and compassionate care was never-ending. “If we were unsure of what to do as the disease progressed, ALS United Mid-Atlantic was the first step,” noted Maryanne.
“Our family has embraced the need to help ALS families and help find a cure for this disease by getting involved in fundraising.” -Diana Kirk, the youngest of Roger’s five children
The golf outing, now in its eleventh year, is not only a day to honor Roger (coincidentally at the Old York Road Country Club where he belonged,) but also a way friends and loved ones do all they can to raise money for the ALS United Mid-Atlantic. Their presence continues to be a tremendous beacon of hope.“
We have a window to make an impact in this world and obviously Roger did that, and then some. Roger put up a brave fight and never stopped trying to make the most of each day. We will continue his fight. That’s why we give.” -Maryanne Kirk
ALS United Mid-Atlantic is eternally grateful for families like the Kirks who have formed the framework of our organization for over 44 years.
