Stargate Atlantis star Joe Flanigan (John Sheppard) recently posted an open letter via Twitter, requesting help from Stargate fans to help his friend, Sarah Geary, who is suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
Visit FriendsOfSarahGeary.com to read more, and for all the relevant links.
In addition to appealing for donations for Sarah’s care, the actor is auctioning off a lunch date with both him and SGA co-star David Hewlett (Rodney McKay), in Los Angeles. He is also auctioning his skateboard, used on the set of Atlantis (and appearing on screen a few times) during the show’s 5-year run.
Joe writes:
I feel remarkably blessed in my career. One thing I feel so proud of is the special relationship that we, actors of the Stargate franchises, have with our fans. If there ever was a chip I could cash in on for my success, this would be it. My uncharacteristic seriousness should only underscore the sobering obligation I feel toward Sarah.
I’m asking all of us to rally for Sarah Geary and her family. We can make her last days as comfortable as possible and help Tim and the kids transition to the next chapter of their lives. Unlike donations to a large organization where it is difficult to measure the impact of your contribution, your money will have a direct and immediate impact on her well-being from breathing apparatus’ to night nurses. Tim and I will be keep everyone in touch by informing them of the process.
David Hewlett and I are auctioning off a lunch together in Los Angeles. David will be forced to eat lemons and laugh at my same joke that I will continually repeat throughout the meal. Additionally, and perhaps more shockingly, I am auctioning off my trusty skateboard that has reliably transported me around the studio-lot for many years and has appeared in scenes through out the Stargate Atlantis series. Yes, folks, I brought my skateboard to space.
Read the full letter from Joe here, and be sure to bid on the auctions at CharityBuzz.com! The auctions close on October 14.
Even though the Web site shows buttons for U.S. and U.K. donations, people from other countries can click on either U.S. or U.K. and donate in U.S. dollars through PayPal.
Thanks so much for posting this. I hope we can help make this family’s journey a little better.
I’d totally donate about 50 bucks, but I live in canada. Apparently I can’t donate unless I’m a US or UK citizen (I actually have dual citizenship between Canada/UK.. do I have to be living there though?)
Sarah Geary and her family and friends are in my prayers. God bless you all.
To Optional:
You can still donate. Even though the Web site shows buttons for U.S. and U.K. donations, people from other countries can click on either U.S. or U.K. and donate in U.S. dollars through PayPal. I’ve known plenty of people who have done that already.
My very best to Sarah (my mum has ALS herself, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone) and a big high five to Joe for his work on this one.
Good job Joe – this is the kind of thing that you should use your success and notoriety for. I wish there were more items to bid on (the two that are up are more than my budget allows). I’ll be making a donation however. ALS is a horrible disease to live with.
Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like you Joe! Best wishes to all.
joe is the greatest that is why we love the man!