| Missouri MISS
Moderator, Volunteer
 My youngest daughter,
Alesia Dawn, died on July 15, 1998 from Cardiac Arrhythmia at the
age of 14. Without question, my life has been "forever changed".
Not a moment of each day goes by that I don't think of Alesia Dawn.
The "unfulfilled hopes and dreams" I had for her and the constant
reminders that an "integral part" of my life is "gone forever".
I first came in contact with MISS and Joanne Cacciatore-Garard on
July 27, 1999. I was simply searching the Internet to find "any
form of comfort" that would help me in my struggle. At the time,
I didn't realize the significance of the date. It was the 5th anniversary
of Cheyenne's birth. Fate, Coincidence, I don't know, but Joanne
and MISS has been my "best and most consistent" support in helping
me honor and preserve Alesia Dawn's memory.
My wife, Marsha, and I were married on June 2, 1978. We have one
other daughter, Kristie Nicole, born September 21, 1980. Kristie
is currently attending Central Missouri State University and is
majoring in Elementary Education. Needless to say, we are very proud
of her. Alesia Dawn was born on April 4, 1984.
I enjoy all kinds of sports. Basketball is my favorite and I still
play competitively throughout the year. I also like playing tennis,
golf and softball.
Music is a big part of my life. I don't play any instruments or
sing, but I thoroughly enjoy listening. I find music to be relaxing
and insightful. I listen to many kinds and particularly the "new
country". Without a doubt, Collin Raye is my favorite artist.
I am employed as a Manufacturing Engineer, although my college degree
is in Communications/Journalism. Go figure!!
My family and friends are the focal point of my life. I am a "people"
person that likes to laugh and make others laugh.
I love to talk about my daughters. I am so proud of both of them.
They are the "light of my life".
I am most definitely not a "materialistic" person. I enjoy nice
things, but I would never sacrifice my "principles" to please others.
The persons I choose to surround me are based on "substance and
character" and not by their possessions.
I ALWAYS said that if I could be granted one wish, it would be that
my children would outlive me. How ironic that the thing in life
I wanted the most, and that the majority of parents take for granted,
has been taken from me.
I know that if I allow Alesia Dawn's "spirit" to guide me throughout
the remaining days of my life, I know I will be a better person.
gregg@missfoundation.org
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