Dear DBR

Please help a couple of Duke grads and avid DBR readers attract attention to a very worthy cause that has some serious Duke roots. For the past several months, I have been helping Dave Kelleher (Trinity ‘94) raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and raise money for Destination Cure
(http://www.destinationcure.com
), a grassroots non-profit organization that donates 100% of its proceeds directly to MS research.

Dave was diagnosed with MS about 10 years ago. After his initial treatment regimen (high-dose steroids) destroyed both of his hips, Dave underwent two hip replacement surgeries at Duke Medical Center. Following the surgeries, Dave endured a strenuous rehabilitation process and moved with his wife, Kristin (Trinity ‘94 and Fuqua ‘02), to Portland, Oregon. Dave and I met two years ago in Portland at a bar showing the Duke-Carolina game.

Dave embodies the Duke spirit of overcoming life’s obstacles and finding ways to succeed. He loves to shatter stereotypes about people living with MS, so last year he entered and finished his first Olympic-distance triathlon. This year he has organized people from around the country to raise money for Destination Cure and has assembled a team, including several Duke grads (listed below), to race with him in the Memphis in May Triathlon. Having raced with Dave last summer, I know how inspirational it will be when Dave crosses the finish line in Memphis surrounded by friends, family members and supporters.

I hope that you will share Dave’s story with others and publicize his fundraiser. I have experienced Dave’s passion for Duke first-hand, and I know that he would be deeply touched to receive support from the Duke community. Additional details about Dave and the fundraiser (including a short promotional video) are posted on this web page:

http://www.destinationcure.com/pages/949393/index.htm
.

Thanks.

Michael Buckler (Law ’00)

Other team members from Duke: David Kalajian (Trinity ’96), Bill Tiffany (Trinity ’96), Zack Scott (Trinity ’95 and Fuqua ’05), Terence Sobolewski (Trinity ’94 and Fuqua ’03).