I had been thinking of making a chunkier cowl version of the 5th Avenue Infinity scarf for a long time. It wasn't until recently I found my reason to get it done.
Let me tell you about Nick. Nick is the father of one of my closest friends, Torry. We met my freshman year at Boston College and I immediately gained an irreplaceable friend and new family. Debbie, Nick's wife was quickly nicknamed "Debbie Dewdrops" because she always radiated happiness. Even when her prized Boston teams were losing I swear that woman never frowned. I can see her smiling right now.
I enjoyed it so much hearing them pronounce my name with their thick Boston accents. "Mah-go". Her and Nick's generosity to myself and my roomates during those years was incalculable. They became foster parents to all of us. I remember a day when I had pulled the bumper off of my car accidentally in the middle of the BC parking lot. (stupid concrete wheel stoppers) At the time I was mortifed and didn't know who to call - but Torry knew. A swift call to Nick and a few moments later reinforcements arrived. There was no time to worry because he'd be there to help.
I guess it's no surprise years later it is their names that were on all our of wedding guest lists. No list is ever complete without Debbie & Nick.
Recently, Nick was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. If you've read the book Tuesdays with Morrie then I am sure you know exactly what that means. Already ALS has caused him to require help doing things we take for granted everyday - eating and breathing.
It's that time of year where most people begin to dig out their knitting needles after a summer's hibernation. I knit so often these days that I can't imagine what it would be like to lose control of my hands and not be able to knit. Sadly it is something I can't say could never happen.
ETA: You can purchase your own Cowl For Nick pattern on both Ravelry and Craftsy!
All proceeds will be donated to the ALS Foundation, Team Gleason, and next year's walk for Team Nick!
I know I can never repay all that Nick & Debbie have done for me during those years but I hope you'll help me raise awareness and funds to help make a difference in their life and the lives of all those who suffer with ALS.
xo,
M
I'm glad you've had Nick in your life and I'm so sorry that he's suffering from ALS. We lost a good reenactor friend to this a few years ago and it's a horrible, insidious disease.
Posted by: Carole | October 05, 2011 at 05:31 AM
I love that scarf and for me it looks amazing but I will definitely prefer the dark grey as a colour
Posted by: short let london | October 06, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Sorry to hear about your friend Margaux -- I am happy to donate!
Posted by: ann | October 07, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Thanks for utilizing your cowl pattern for a good cause -- and donating to ALS is such a good cause. I lost a co-worker years ago to ALS, plus a childhood neighbor, and am happy to donate on behalf of both of them and for your friend's dad.
Posted by: Sue | October 10, 2011 at 08:25 PM
Well done, Margaux -- beautiful story, simply told, and a magnificent gift from you to us in that cowl design. The best part is what moved you to action, and what you chose to do with that impetus: join it with your skill and use it to move others. I'll be sharing this with my students.
Posted by: Donna B. | October 11, 2011 at 07:01 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's dad. It's great that you're increasing awareness with this pattern & I'm happy to donate. I'm looking forward to knitting this cowl. Several years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with ALS. That summer "Tuesdays with Morrie" was assigned as summer reading for my daughter's English class, making the story so much more personal.
Posted by: Kendra | October 11, 2011 at 10:49 PM
I love the look of this cowl and I would like to have the pattern. My stepson's BFF's father has ALS and I am happy to donate.
Posted by: Kari F. | October 12, 2011 at 07:42 AM
Beautiful cowl, meaningful cause. I've made a donation & would like to make the cowl. Thanks.
Posted by: Rae | October 12, 2011 at 02:02 PM
Really beautiful cowl inspired by your brilliant and lovely idea to link it to fundraising for your dear friends. I made a donation & would love to receive the instructions. Clever & heartwarming :)
Posted by: Karen R | October 12, 2011 at 04:23 PM
Made my donation and I am anxious to receive the pattern.
Posted by: Kari F. | October 12, 2011 at 09:41 PM
I'm happy to make a donation in honor of Nick. Honored. Thank you, Margaux!
Posted by: Vicki | October 13, 2011 at 11:39 AM
beautiful pattern - beautiful story - wonderful cause!
i'm happy to have donated. what a wonderful thing you're doing, thank you margaux!
Posted by: melissa | October 13, 2011 at 02:00 PM
I don't have any personal experience with ALS but can very much relate to your story. Happy to have donated. Thanks Margaux!
Posted by: Erin | October 14, 2011 at 01:47 PM
Beautiful Cowl. I am so sorry about Nick, everybody should have a friend like him in their life. My neighbor passed away 5 years ago from ALS, and I watched her go down and felt so helpless. I hope my small donation will help in some way.
Thanks!
Posted by: arlen bobb | October 16, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Love it! Good job...
Posted by: Cláudia | October 16, 2011 at 05:48 PM
So sorry to hear about your friend's dad. I know others who have suffered with ALS. What a wonderful idea you had! Glad I could make a small donation to help. I thank you in advance for the beautiful cowl instructions.
Posted by: Ellen | October 18, 2011 at 12:12 AM
I'm sorry this disease has come into your lives. Thank you for sharing so many aspects of your life and rallying for a cause that belongs to more than just one. I have donated to show my support. best to all of you.
Posted by: ellen | October 18, 2011 at 05:27 PM
What a great idea....very proud of you for doing this. I lost a friend to ALS 5 years ago. It is a devastating disease. My email is below and would love the beautiful pattern and will knit one in Nick's honor. Good luck to you both! Terri
Posted by: Terri | October 18, 2011 at 06:12 PM
Hello Mah-go! I was more than happy to donate for Nick. I lost someone near and dear to me to ALS. Such an awful disease. This is a wonderful way to honor your foster "Dad".
Posted by: Miss Martha | October 18, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Beautiful pattern inspired by a beautiful friend. It will be an honor to create this for the ones I love in my life and will think of Nick with every stitch. This will be my Christmas project for my sisters and mom. Thank you!
Posted by: Janine | October 22, 2011 at 09:37 PM
Will knit this pattern with love, for all those suffering with ALS, in every stitch. Thank you for turning your anguish into something so positive. Nick is proud, I am sure!!
Posted by: Janine | October 22, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Love this cowl !! Fantastic idea with funds going to a great cause ... happy to donate !! With thanks ...
Posted by: Cheryl | October 23, 2011 at 08:49 PM
I'm going to donate now and thank you for using your talent for this cause.
Posted by: Joan | October 23, 2011 at 09:45 PM
Donated! What a cool way to honor a friend and share something with us as well! I would love the pattern, thank you!
Posted by: olivia demkowicz | October 26, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Made my contribution. You're a good person! I'd love a copy of the pattern, too. Think of you and Nick when I wear it!
Posted by: Gretchen | October 27, 2011 at 11:34 AM