A Cowl for Nick

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 

Comments

[NiseyKnits]

Thank you for doing this for your friend's dad, Margaux. I just donated and would love a copy of the pattern. My email address is niseyknits@gmail.com.

[Cheryl]

Made my donation ... would love the pattern to knit this cowl ! Thanks !!

[Cheryl]

Hi Mah-go :) - made my donation and I'd really like the pattern to knit this cowl ... standing by ...

[Dina Cahn]

Hi,
I just downloaded the donation form. My plan is to knit this cowl for my boyfriend's daughter who is having some serious medical issues and will soon require surgery. Ironicly (or not)his own brother died of ALS several years ago and I know that Jacob and he were very close (this was before we met). So I think he will appreciate the donation as much as knowing that I am making this scarf for his daughter. Would love the pattern and will think of you and Nick as I knit. Thanks, Dina

[Colette]

Happy to donate. What a great way to spread the awareness.

[Debbie]

Mah-go (: you are such a loving and thoughtful " foster daughter" of ours. I can not believe what a fantastic idea that you came up with to help raise funds to fight ALS. The cowl is gorgeous on a spectacular looking model! Thank you so much for the beautiful story that you wrote about us and which featured Nick's struggles with ALS. Nick was overwhelmed with emotion when I had him read your post on Facebook. Since we know that you and Jim can't be with us for the Walk, we are thrilled that your Mom and Dad will be with us. We love you so much and we appreciate your amazing efforts to let people know about ALS and for them to donate to the Walk and get your great cowl pattern. All our love to you and Jim.

[Gillian Saris]

I don't know how to knit but will ask my mother in law to help and will wear it proudly and think of Nick everyday!You are doing a wonderful thing!

[Claire Vackar]

I just donated and would like to have the pattern. My prayers go out to Nick and his family and friends. Thank you.

[Carolyn Dickey]

I just ran across your blog to take a look at your cowl pattern and read the story about Nick. While I don't know anyone personally with this disease my heart goes out to Nick and the many others who have to deal with it. I think your fund raising idea is an excellent one and I am glad to see you Team Nick as far exceeded its fundraising goal.

I would like to receive a copy of the pattern so that I can make this lovely cowl.

[Tatiana]

Donated.I also graduated from BC. Thank you for using your passion for this cause.

[Lisa Dean]

Hi Margaux ~ I'm so sorry about Nick. Very happy to help and cannot wait to wear my "Cowl for Nick".

[Melissa Dolese]

I think this is a great idea; I donated! Please send me the pattern when you get a chance; we are connected on Ravelry (I'm mjune). Be well.

[Cathy S]

I made a contribution; so sorry about Nick's illness. A great cowl. Thank you.

[Melissa Dolese]

What a great idea! I was happy to donate. The pattern can be messaged to my ravelry account; I'm connected to you as mjune. Be well.

[paola maranan]

I was really touched by your story and very happy to donate! Look forward to knitting up this cowl for my niece for Christmas. Feeling like it will carry a little bit of the love in your story with it.

[Terry]

What a kind person you are. Thank you for the nudge to think about and give to those who need our help that we may not see in our own lives.
Terry

[elliptical machine reviews]

Still using typepad? try wordpress, you won't go back.

[Kerry]

I just realized I clicked the wrong button on the donation page. I clicked on Donate to Margaux. I hope that's ok. This is an amazingly wonderful thing you're doing! We lost a young teacher at our school to this terrible disease. I hope they find a cure soon.

[Pilar Hale]

Very nice idea. I hope more people get involved. I would love the pattern. Thanks

[Pat McDonald]

Made a donation and I commend you for using your talents to raise money for this cause. I know what it is like to battle a serious illness and the toll it takes on the person who is sick and the caregiver. My husband has terminal cancer so it seems we have to fight a new battle every day. My heart goes out to Nick but also must include Debbie because she is suffering as much as Nick only in a different way.

I had to give up a very good job to take care of my husband, and as a result, I learned to knit to fill up the "dead" time in doctor's offices. Also, the friendships developed in my local yarn shop keep me functioning.

[Julie St]

Happy to donate to a fellow Boston College family! Looking forward to making the infinity cowl

[Chris]

What a wonderful idea--I hope that it helps raise awareness. I'm happy to donate to such a worthy cause.

[Andrea]

What a great way to draw attention to this important cause! Glad I could contribute and get the pattern. Two things to make me happy! Best of luck!

[Rebecca Nixon]

Good luck with all your fundraising. Contribution made. Looking forward to the lovely pattern

[Alison Juestel]

I was touched by your story and have made a donation. I look forward to making the cowl.