The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, ID #11-2777036
All donations are fully tax deductible.
All donations are fully tax deductible.
In Memory of Thomas Carlton Grimm
July 19, 2004 - June 16, 2023 Thomas "Tommy" Carlton Grimm, one of triplets, was born in Wheatridge, CO to Robert Grimm and Tabitah Fugate. Tommy was a kind and gentle person who enjoyed playing and looking after his siblings, cousins, and friends. He also enjoyed the outdoors and especially hiking in the mountains of Colorado. Tommy died tragically and suddenly at his home south of McCook due to cardiac arrest as a result of Addison’s disease. Coincidentally, his brother Robert Jr. “Robby” also has Addison’s disease. Those left to mourn his loss are his father, Robert Grimm of North Platte, Neb.; mother, Tabitha Fugate of McCook; brothers, Robert Jr. of McCook and Jon of North Platte; sister, Christina “Tina” Cordova of McCook; maternal grandmother, Charlotte Beckert of McCook; paternal grandfather, David Grimm Sr. of Georgia; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. |
In Memory of Lorraine Conner
Lorraine Conner (formerly Lorraine Hancock) passed away on July 13, 2023, at Diversicare of Eupora in Eupora, Mississippi. She was born and lived in Knoxville, Tennessee until she relocated to be closer to her Mississippi family in 2020. Everyone that knew Lorraine, from Tennessee to Mississippi, loved her caring spirit and witty attitude. Lorraine loved her family and friends, and, until she could no longer, showed her love for them by cooking and baking. You could often catch her watching all the cooking shows. If she wasn’t watching cooking shows, she loved good westerns. She loved nothing more than being with her close friends and family; 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Anyone that visited her did not leave without knowing how much she cared for and loved them. In her earlier life, she graduated from cosmetology school in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was a talented hair stylist and salon owner. She was an avid softball player and enjoyed coaching and supporting local youth softball teams, and she also loved to dance. She was very active until Addison’s Disease nearly took her life prior to being diagnosed and, though gradually, started slowing her down. After her diagnosis she maintained an active and healthy life, until she fell a few years ago which caused her mobility and health to decline rapidly. |
With her Addison’s Disease and after her fall, Lorraine’s adult life was filled with many health concerns, but so many compassionate health professionals provided her with amazing care that created the best possible quality of life. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Norris Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center that cared so generously for our mother from October to December 2020, prior to her relocating to Mississippi. They also want to thank the care team at Diversicare of Eupora in Eupora, Mississippi, for helping Lorraine beat her life expectancy by 5 years, and giving her love, comfort, and friendship until her passing.
In Memory of Trevor Lee Correa
24 years old Feb 6, 1999 – April 4, 2023 He died of adrenal failure due to Addison’s disease Our Beautiful Boy is Gone…. Trevor had an easygoing peaceful way about him that immediately put others at ease. He was gracious, generous, kind, loving, encouraging and selfless. He had a very open minded and nonjudgmental spirit that was welcoming towards others. He cared deeply for other people especially the underdog, and would give them the shirt off his back if they needed it. Trevor had a tender and compassionate heart. |
Just recently while vacationing in Florida, we bought Trevor new shoes, as we were throwing the old ones away. Trevor came bursting into the room and grabbed them. He was having a conversation with a homeless man and noticed that the man was barefoot. Trevor told him to wait outside while he ran to get his old shoes, and lo and behold they fit the man perfectly. God did an amazing thing when He created you, Trevor. “We thank Him for sharing you with us for 24 short years.”
Trevor loved fishing, playing with dogs, cats, and children. He knew a lot about cars and the mechanics of engines. His latest passion was motorcycles and he was starting quite a collection of them. He started riding with his biological family whom he had just connected with a year ago. He loved his country and wanted to serve in the military but he was denied because he was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease which is a rare incurable disease that causes adrenal failure. It can be carefully managed with medications. Addison’s disease caused Trevor severe chronic pain in muscles and joints among other symptoms.
Trevor loved fishing, playing with dogs, cats, and children. He knew a lot about cars and the mechanics of engines. His latest passion was motorcycles and he was starting quite a collection of them. He started riding with his biological family whom he had just connected with a year ago. He loved his country and wanted to serve in the military but he was denied because he was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease which is a rare incurable disease that causes adrenal failure. It can be carefully managed with medications. Addison’s disease caused Trevor severe chronic pain in muscles and joints among other symptoms.
In Memory of Nathan Joel Ellenbolt
Nathan Ellenbolt was born on February 1, 1991. He passed away from complications of Addison’s disease on October 30, 2021. Nathan was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease on February 25, 2011. Nathan had made several visits over the course of a few years to the Emergency Room, but those visits ended up with a flu diagnosis. The emergency room visit that finally gave us the answer to Nathan’s health issue resulted in a 4-day stay due to severe dehydration. |
Nathan was prescribed Cortef and Florinef, for which he would need to take for the rest of his life. Nathan’s symptoms included dark skin pigmentation, low sodium, loss of appetite, and nausea. Nathan did always have dark skin; but he was an outside kid, with his favorite time being spent on the river, or his dirt-bike and 4-wheeler. Who knew that his dark skin was really a sign of a severe health issue?
Nathan took his diagnosis in his “laid-back” kind of way. Always telling us he was fine, don’t worry about me. He never seemed angry, and we never heard him ask “why me?”. During the first few years, there was definitely a struggle with the doctors getting his prescription dosage correct. This could certainly be attributed to the life that Nathan led. He was a hard-working kid; but would often leave one job for the next best thing; and it seems that every job change led Nate right back to the Emergency Room, because his body had to work so hard to handle the stress of any new job. The most frustrating thing for us, his parents, was that every Emergency Room visit ended up with a call to the endocrinologist (the specialist); and for quite some time, the endocrinologist just told Nate to double (and sometimes triple) his dose. This was so wrong!!!!
While Nathan was very laid back about his illness, we could see that Addison’s was slowly killing him the past few years. Nathan was not diligent about taking his medication and this ultimately led to him losing his battle against this terrible disease.
It took us a while to write this tribute for Nathan because we are just so heart-broken; but we are hopeful that if even one person who is suffering from Addison’s sees this or if the family of an Addison’s patient sees this; it helps them to realize that they are not alone and that if you see any small change in your health: loss of appetite, severe weight loss, abdominal pain; please don’t ignore those signs. Get to a medical facility and tell them to take your condition seriously. Don’t let them pass it off as the flu and/or dehydration. Make them pay attention to you. This is a lesson that we learned too late.
In honor of Nathan, please consider a donation to the National Adrenal Disease Foundation (NADF). Through your support of Nathan, further research can be done to improve diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Nathan’s name will live on forever because we will never let it die. We will forever miss our son, but we know that he is safe with God and that we will be together again someday.
Nathan took his diagnosis in his “laid-back” kind of way. Always telling us he was fine, don’t worry about me. He never seemed angry, and we never heard him ask “why me?”. During the first few years, there was definitely a struggle with the doctors getting his prescription dosage correct. This could certainly be attributed to the life that Nathan led. He was a hard-working kid; but would often leave one job for the next best thing; and it seems that every job change led Nate right back to the Emergency Room, because his body had to work so hard to handle the stress of any new job. The most frustrating thing for us, his parents, was that every Emergency Room visit ended up with a call to the endocrinologist (the specialist); and for quite some time, the endocrinologist just told Nate to double (and sometimes triple) his dose. This was so wrong!!!!
While Nathan was very laid back about his illness, we could see that Addison’s was slowly killing him the past few years. Nathan was not diligent about taking his medication and this ultimately led to him losing his battle against this terrible disease.
It took us a while to write this tribute for Nathan because we are just so heart-broken; but we are hopeful that if even one person who is suffering from Addison’s sees this or if the family of an Addison’s patient sees this; it helps them to realize that they are not alone and that if you see any small change in your health: loss of appetite, severe weight loss, abdominal pain; please don’t ignore those signs. Get to a medical facility and tell them to take your condition seriously. Don’t let them pass it off as the flu and/or dehydration. Make them pay attention to you. This is a lesson that we learned too late.
In honor of Nathan, please consider a donation to the National Adrenal Disease Foundation (NADF). Through your support of Nathan, further research can be done to improve diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Nathan’s name will live on forever because we will never let it die. We will forever miss our son, but we know that he is safe with God and that we will be together again someday.
In Memory of Lonnie Curry
Lonnie Curry from Carthage, TX passed away on August 6, 2021, at the age of 65, from COVID. He was diagnosed with Addison’s in 1990. His best friend and twin brother, Ronnie, was diagnosed not too long afterwards. Prior to this, it took his doctors and medical staff a while to diagnose Addison’s and figure out what was wrong with Lonnie’s health. He fought a long and hard battle with Addison’s throughout his life. His quality of life over the last several years was affected by Addison’s disease, but he made the most of it and tried his best to continue doing all of the things that he loved. |
Lonnie loved hunting, fishing, and watching the Carthage Bulldogs play football and baseball, as well as spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Brock Curry; twin brother Ronnie Curry; and sister Gladene Curry Washington. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Curry; his loving sons and daughter-in-laws, Justin and Kasey Curry, Bradley and Amber Curry; the light of his life-grandsons, Jackson Curry and Bodee Curry; and sister Kay Garrett.
Lonnie’s family would love for you to make a donation to honor his memory, as well as to help with continued research and bring awareness for Addison’s disease.
Lonnie’s family would love for you to make a donation to honor his memory, as well as to help with continued research and bring awareness for Addison’s disease.
To donate in Lonnie's name, please click on the Donate Button.
Cathy Pospeshil-Patzke Obituary
Cathy Pospeshil-Patzke of Mesa, AZ passed away on July 6, 2021. For anyone who didn't know Scott and Cathy as a couple, they had a marriage that all marriages should be. Cathy has had a rough road; she had surgery on her spine that became infected, and this started a list medical appointments and hospital stays. High levels of antibiotics while home, nurses visits and weekly labs became part of her routine. |
She never forgot her friends and always down played her pain. During the last hospital stay she had developed a pulmonary embolism. She was on blood thinners and was able to go home after a week. She seemed to be getting better and Scott said they were hopeful. All she wanted was to go to the beach. During her last night, they laid in bed and talked, and the last thing she said to him was I love you, then fell asleep with her head on his shoulder – a normal happy night. When Scott woke up she was gone.
What Scott wanted everyone to know is she loved this group and cared deeply for her friends, deeply enough to request her adrenals be donated to research. Unfortunately, because of the infection, they couldn't use them. Scott had no idea she had arranged this. RIP our dear friend.
What Scott wanted everyone to know is she loved this group and cared deeply for her friends, deeply enough to request her adrenals be donated to research. Unfortunately, because of the infection, they couldn't use them. Scott had no idea she had arranged this. RIP our dear friend.
To donate in Cathy's name, please click on the Donate Button.
Kathy was an active member of the Living with Addison's Disease Facebook group and several other groups. She was very knowledgeable and touched many lives. She always said that she did not have just Facebook Friends. They were all her friends and she genuinely cared for each and every one.
One of the last things Kathy talked about was trying to find a way to help educate rescue/ambulance workers and physicians on the special needs of Addison's patients, especially the need for stress dose steroids. It is for this reason that the family has requested donations be made to the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF).
One of the last things Kathy talked about was trying to find a way to help educate rescue/ambulance workers and physicians on the special needs of Addison's patients, especially the need for stress dose steroids. It is for this reason that the family has requested donations be made to the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF).
To donate in Kathy's name, please click on the Donate Button.
Paul A. Knis Obituary
On May 12, 2021, at age 59, Paul died after battling Addison's disease for two years. He was a life resident of Ohio.
His brother Jim asked that donations be made to the National Adrenal Disease Foundation to raise awareness for Addison's Disease.
On May 12, 2021, at age 59, Paul died after battling Addison's disease for two years. He was a life resident of Ohio.
His brother Jim asked that donations be made to the National Adrenal Disease Foundation to raise awareness for Addison's Disease.
To donate in Paul's name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Andrew "Drew" Keown
Drew was 21 years old when he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on September 22, 2020 from an Addisonian crisis. He was unknowingly battling Addison's Disease, showing no obvious symptoms of the disease. A doctor's visit in July gave one puzzle piece of information -- low thyroid -- on an otherwise "healthy" young man. Drew was born on March 1, 1999 and grew up in Marshall, Illinois. He loved music and played the clarinet and saxophone from 5th grade through high school. He continued his love of music at Vincennes University as an Audio Recording major and member of the VU Pep Band. After earning his Associates Degree at Vincennes, Drew transferred to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There, he continued to study audio recording and was a proud member of the marching band -- Band of Blue. Drew excitedly returned to MTSU in August of 2020. He came back home on Labor Day for a visit, happy and seemingly healthy. 2 weeks later, we lost him. It took 6 weeks to determine that he had died from an Addisonian crisis. |
Please see his parents' interview here.
Drew was a loyal Cardinal, Colts, and Illini fan and he loved soccer. He is greatly missed by his parents, brother, grandparents, family and friends.
To donate in Drew's name, please click on the Donate Button.
Drew was a loyal Cardinal, Colts, and Illini fan and he loved soccer. He is greatly missed by his parents, brother, grandparents, family and friends.
To donate in Drew's name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Melissa Clemens
Melissa was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency in January, 2019 and became a volunteer at The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF) soon after to raise awareness and help others. She passed away suddenly on May 24, 2020 at 39 years old. Melissa was a candidate for her Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Graduate School in the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics track of the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences program. She was in her final year of study with plans to graduate in December. Her dissertation project was focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)-Induced Liver Injury and liver regeneration. Her highly innovative work identified potential new therapeutic strategies that were being tested to minimize the damage that occurs in the liver following acetaminophen overdose. She was also very active in the Graduate Student Association and served as a mentor to many new students. |
Her mother wrote, “She sparkled everywhere she went and never knew a stranger. I am so glad I was blessed to be her mom. Her life was a joy to us. Melissa, We love you. Rest now my sweet girl and I will see you again. Please pray for her father and I, her husband Loren, her step son Zac and his wife Alexa, her sister Tiffany, husband Frank and her sweet beloved niece Trinity.”
To donate in Melissa Clemens' name, please click on the Donate Button.
To donate in Melissa Clemens' name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Brandon H. Michael Dailey
Brandon was born January 20, 1994, and diagnosed with Addison’s disease at 9 years old. The signs included weakness, could not stand up, dark skin pigmentation and low sodium. The years to follow in Brandon’s life became a daily struggle. Brandon was prescribed Cortef and Florinef, for which he would need to take his entire life, because without it, death would be the outcome. Over the years, Brandon struggled as he dealt with Addison’s disease, anger, depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome. These health issues impacted him in school, jobs, relationships - and life itself. Brandon was a great guy who loved music, fishing, hunting, swimming and loved spending time with his nephews and niece, sister Kayla, Nana Dieter, family and friends. However, Brandon was non-compliant with taking his medications and ashamed of having the disease. He passed away on November 29, 2017 from complications from Addison’s disease and cardiac arrhythmia. |
Brandon’s name will live on forever, because we will never let it die.
- Love, Mom, Dad, Kayla and Nana Dieter
To donate in Brandon H. Michael Dailey's name, please click on the Donate Button.
- Love, Mom, Dad, Kayla and Nana Dieter
To donate in Brandon H. Michael Dailey's name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Carrie Rae Decker
In loving memory of Carrie Rae Decker A life well lived A woman greatly loved To donate in Carrie Rae Decker’s memory, please click on the donate button below. Carrie’s loved ones’ generosity will be put to great use with the work of raising awareness for adrenal insufficiency and stopping such situations in the future. |
In memory of Phillip Hobt
Phillip Hobt was only 52 years old when he died during an Addison’s Crisis in April of 2017. I had no idea how serious Addison’s Disease is; that it could take his life overnight. I don’t believe any of Phil’s family knew. After reading all of the tributes and memorials on these pages, I realize we are not alone. Phil’s Addison’s Disease went undiagnosed for many years. He suffered and nearly died until a doctor finally caught it in 2003. At that point, he was less than 100 pounds, severely depressed, had no energy, and could barely eat. We had no idea what was wrong with him. He had no idea himself what was wrong. After his diagnosis, things improved greatly. His spirits lifted, his health returned, and he was strong again. He knew whenever he had a “normal to us” virus, he would need to go in to the doctor to adjust his treatment. He lived a fairly normal life. He was a runner and enjoyed competing in the Peachtree Run and other races. He traveled, hiked, and let his kayak take him out for runs on the Chattahoochee River. He lived well, and seemingly healthy for almost 14 years. |
A couple of weeks before he died, he wasn’t feeling great. He thought it was just a stomach virus. He took medicine to treat the symptoms and thought he was getting over it. He died very unexpectedly soon after.
The lesson we learned too late is that it takes the awareness of family and friends, as well as great knowledge on the patient’s part, to keep someone ahead of the disease. Nothing is too minor to attend to. Never ignore a symptom. A simple bout of nausea is no simple matter. We urge you to learn as much about these diseases if you have a loved one in your life that faces this struggle.
We will forever miss our brother. We know that he is safe with God and has no more pain.
To donate in Phillip Hobt’s memory, please click on the donate button below. We thank Phil’s friends at Comcast Business Solutions, Atlanta, GA for their generosity and all others sending memorials that we are donating in his name to further research of Adrenal Gland Diseases.
The lesson we learned too late is that it takes the awareness of family and friends, as well as great knowledge on the patient’s part, to keep someone ahead of the disease. Nothing is too minor to attend to. Never ignore a symptom. A simple bout of nausea is no simple matter. We urge you to learn as much about these diseases if you have a loved one in your life that faces this struggle.
We will forever miss our brother. We know that he is safe with God and has no more pain.
To donate in Phillip Hobt’s memory, please click on the donate button below. We thank Phil’s friends at Comcast Business Solutions, Atlanta, GA for their generosity and all others sending memorials that we are donating in his name to further research of Adrenal Gland Diseases.
In memory of Justin Tyler Hensley
Justin Tyler Hensley was born August 17, 1987. He passed away from complications of Addison’s disease Sunday, October 30, 2016, at only 29 years of age. JT is survived by his parents David and Susan Hensley, Grandparents Dallas and Virginia, Bill and Wanda, three brothers, Deric, Chad and Taylor, Aunt Rhonda, Uncles Tim and Paul, one nephew Dayton, and nine cousins. JT led a very active and athletic life. He excelled in baseball, soccer, roller hockey and wrestling. He was a standout among the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and was honored to be selected as the guidon bearer for the most physically demanding platoon. He was, under normal conditions, a very strong and healthy young man. Ultimately he may have put too much stock in his own strength. |
A few weeks before he passed, JT began again to struggle. He lost weight and his complexion was pale. He became sick to his stomach and was vomiting. His mother took him to the emergency room and even though she told the doctors of his condition, they felt that he was just suffering from the flu and dehydration. They put him on an IV and he got better for about a week. Then he began to have trouble sleeping again and bouts of nausea. Friends and family tried to get him to see a doctor. He left work at noon on a Friday saying he was sick to his stomach. He spent some time with friends on Saturday and then Saturday night he lay down to sleep and didn’t wake up. Nobody understood that he was in that kind of danger. Even JT apparently didn’t realize how serious his condition had become.
Justin’s family is understandably heartbroken. Their only wish at this time is that no other family should ever have to suffer this kind of loss. If you suffer from Addison’s Disease or have a friend or family member that has been diagnosed, PLEASE make sure you fully understand the symptoms and progress of an Addison’s crisis. You must know that this condition can be FATAL if not treated with care and vigilance.
To donate in Justin Tyler Hensley’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
Justin’s family is understandably heartbroken. Their only wish at this time is that no other family should ever have to suffer this kind of loss. If you suffer from Addison’s Disease or have a friend or family member that has been diagnosed, PLEASE make sure you fully understand the symptoms and progress of an Addison’s crisis. You must know that this condition can be FATAL if not treated with care and vigilance.
To donate in Justin Tyler Hensley’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Jason Dale Top
Jason Dale Top, 41, of Akron, IA passed away December 25, 2015 at Unity Point Medical Center, Sioux City, IA, after a ten year battle with undiagnosed Addison ’s disease. He was born May 5, 1974 in Denver, CO to James and Arlene (Van Bruggen) Top. He grew up in Orange City, IA and attended Unity Christian High School, graduating in 1992. He married Christine Mills and became the father to Cole on October 18, 2003. He currently worked at Vander Kooi Trucking. He was always a trucker at heart and loved his job. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, amateur go-kart racing and yelling at the Denver Broncos. The words of Jason’s son, Cole, spoken at his funeral: “There are a few things that I remember about my father, traits about him I am most fond of. The first is that my dad was a content man. Content with his simple life. You see he didn’t need a big fancy, well…anything to be happy. All he ever wanted was what he had. |
He was also a generous man and a very humble man. He would give you the shirt off his back and not tell a soul about it. My dad was also stubborn; some would say that this isn’t a good character trait, however on some levels I disagree. The level of stubbornness that I am talking about here is that he wouldn’t quit, wouldn’t give up, even though throughout most of his life the chips were stacked against him. Especially later in his life.
You see my dad had Addison’s disease, something that we finally discovered a few days before his death. And something that we found out had slowly been killing him for the last 9 years or so. Addison’s is a disease that takes a lot away from a person: their energy, a healthy body, and a normal life. The disease took a lot away from our family, took a lot away from my dad. But’s that’s not what we are going to remember, at least that’s not what I’m going to remember. I’m not going to remember how a disease changed my dad, I’m going to remember my dad, how he truly was. Before all this.”
Survivors include his wife, Christine (Mills), son, Cole (Mills), mother and step-father, Arlene and Bob Feekes, sister, Jodi Top, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jason was loved deeply and will be missed every day of the rest of our lives.
To donate in Jason Dale Top’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
Survivors include his wife, Christine (Mills), son, Cole (Mills), mother and step-father, Arlene and Bob Feekes, sister, Jodi Top, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jason was loved deeply and will be missed every day of the rest of our lives.
To donate in Jason Dale Top’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of David Monstein
David, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2016, at the age of 53. He was diagnosed many years ago and bravely faced a multitude of challenges associated with Addison’s Disease. For those of you that knew him personally, you know that he fought a long courageous battle. For those of you who only knew him through me, you probably know that his journey was difficult. I have never seen such courage and determination in a person. I will forever strive to emulate that. My heart is heavy but I hope to find peace in knowing he is no longer suffering. In honor of David, please consider a donation to the National Adrenal Disease Foundation (NADF). Through your support of David, further research can be done to improve diagnosis and treatment of this and other autoimmune diseases. To donate in David Monstein’s name, please click on the Donate Button. |
In memory of Mary Elizabeth Galloway
Mary Elizabeth Galloway, 11-3-54 – 3-14-14. She was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in 1998 and fought a very long and courageous battle with it. She was married to the love of her life, Ronny Galloway. She had two sons, Ray (daughter in law Laurie) and Reggie, with two grand children Zane and Lynnley Rae. To donate in Mary Elizabeth Galloway’s name, please click on the Donate Button. |
In memory of Cristopher Michael Castetter
Cristopher Michael Castetter, age 29, of Millersburg, IN passed away on Friday, January 03, 2014 from complications of Addison’s Disease. He was born on May 6, 1984. Cris graduated from Westview High School in 2003, and was working at Elkhart Plastics. He was a member of Topeka Methodist Church and enjoyed playing video games, activities at the lake, Notre Dame sports, and also followed University of Kentucky basketball. Cris was known and loved for his carefree and easygoing spirit. Slow to anger and quick to forgive were qualities that were appreciated by all who knew him. He never worried about tomorrow and lived each day in the moment. Cris was deeply loved by his family and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Surviving are his mother, Donna (John) Reese of Elkhart, his father Kit (Kim) Castetter of Millersburg; a son, Daemien Bianski of Huntertown, six siblings, Kevin (Heidi) Castetter of Millersburg, Kelli (Mitchell) McDonald of Albion, Morgan and Aubrey Leonard of Millersburg, Tex (Tina) Reese of West Chester, OH, Vanessa (Jeff) Niewiadomski of Parrish, FL; also surviving are grandparents, Harry and Stana Castetter of Millersburg, Herb and Linda Bergman of Wolcottville; three nephews, Kyler, Karsten, Cameron and a niece, Olivia. |
Our family hopes this tribute will serve two purposes. The first is to honor Cris’ memory for all of the ways he touched our lives. Words cannot express the profound sadness and loss we feel nor can they begin to describe the pure joy and happiness he brought to our lives. The second hope is that this tribute will serve as a testimonial to others with Addison’s disease. The spirit that Cris possessed, while endearing in many ways, ultimately led to his death. Cris didn’t take seriously or worry about taking his medications, an Addison’s crisis, wearing a Medical Alert bracelet, or planning for sickness/injury. If one person with Addison’s disease sees themselves in this scenario and is prompted to make changes that could be life saving for them, our hope will have been realized.
To donate in Cristopher Michael Castetter’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
To donate in Cristopher Michael Castetter’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Mary Mathilda (Moreland) Sledge
Mary Mathilda (Moreland) Sledge of Choctaw passed from this life into the Kingdom of God Sunday morning, November 17, 2013. Born November 7, 1934, Mary had just celebrated her 79th birthday. Family was Mary’s greatest joy: husband of 59 years, Thomas Walker Sledge; Children Dale (DeAnne) and Elizabeth (Mike); seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She was tirelessly devoted to her family and will be dearly missed. Mary was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in 1982 and bravely faced a multitude of challenges associated with this disease. Her family would like to thank the many health-care professionals who gently cared for Mary over the years. In honor of Mary, the family is requesting memorials be made in lieu of flowers to the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation, www.nadf.us. Through your support of Mary, further research can be done to improve diagnosis and treatment of these rare auto-immune diseases. |
To donate in Mary Mathilda (Moreland) Sledge’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Nicole Leah Brown
Nicole Leah Brown, age 36, passed away in her home on September 15th. Nicole was born in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Northmont High School in 1995. Before becoming ill, Nicole pursued her passion for nursing and helping others, working at Miami Valley Hospital as a nursing assistant. She poured her loving and generous heart into her family and friends and despite her illness did all she could to put others first at any cost. Nikki’s unique sense of humor and inspiring strength will continue to touch the lives of her friends and family long after her passing. Nicole suffered with Addison’s, Cushing’s, Hashimoto, COPD and numerous auto immune diseases for many years, being misdiagnosed and mistreated due to the medical field’s lack of knowledge and treatment of such rare diseases. It is our hope to raise awareness and educate others who have the challenge of facing and dealing with auto-immune diseases. Our family is so grateful for your support and donation to this foundation. We feel that it is a wonderful way to honor Nicole’s life that was cut tragically short by these destructive diseases.
To donate in Nicole Leah Brown’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
Nicole Leah Brown, age 36, passed away in her home on September 15th. Nicole was born in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Northmont High School in 1995. Before becoming ill, Nicole pursued her passion for nursing and helping others, working at Miami Valley Hospital as a nursing assistant. She poured her loving and generous heart into her family and friends and despite her illness did all she could to put others first at any cost. Nikki’s unique sense of humor and inspiring strength will continue to touch the lives of her friends and family long after her passing. Nicole suffered with Addison’s, Cushing’s, Hashimoto, COPD and numerous auto immune diseases for many years, being misdiagnosed and mistreated due to the medical field’s lack of knowledge and treatment of such rare diseases. It is our hope to raise awareness and educate others who have the challenge of facing and dealing with auto-immune diseases. Our family is so grateful for your support and donation to this foundation. We feel that it is a wonderful way to honor Nicole’s life that was cut tragically short by these destructive diseases.
To donate in Nicole Leah Brown’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Phyllis Riley
Phyllis was born in Middleton Ohio on October 28, 1932. She went home to the Lord on January 23, 2013 after a brave, endless battle with multiple illnesses including Addison’s Disease. Phyllis tirelessly devoted all of her adult life to her family; she was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Never too busy to lend a hand or an ear when needed, you could always count on Phyll to tell things the way they were, usually with a smile. She enjoyed pets, horticulture, antiquing and ice cream. Phyllis is preceded in death by her mother Dora; husband Walter, Brother Bob and son Mike. She is survived by her children; Steve (Sandy), Phillip (Janet), David (Melissa), Linda (Brad) and Susan. Grandchildren: Angie (Mark), Matt, Dirk (Natalie), Chris, Ben, Rachel, Nick A., Nick S., Jacob, Hannah, Luke, and Great Grandchild Dietrich. As well as an endless amount of relatives, friends, and acquaintances. She will be greatly missed and thought of always. |
Phyllis will be laid to rest in her home state of Ohio at Rose Hill Cemetery.
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To donate in Phyllis Riley’s name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Pauline Baxter
Pauline Baxter, self diagnosed in the late 1980s, died January 11, 2013 at the age of 73 from multiple complications from Addison’s Disease. Through her 20+ years fighting this disease, we have found it difficult and challenging to find family practice doctors in small rural America that have the awareness and education to treat and manage this life threatening illness. Through constant research and doctors, she was able to finally find a specialist to manage her disease. Through your prayers and contributions, her story like many unknown can be told for awareness and any thoughtful contributions will allow the NADF to spread critical information to patients, family and friends like you. To donate in Pauline Baxter’s name, please click on the Donate Button. |
In memory of Juanita Williams
Juanita had Addison’s for 50+ years. She passed away on Sunday, April 8th, 2012. 1934 – 2012 Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, died in Sulphur Springs, Texas from complications of Addison’s Disease following a long and courageous battle, leaving a loving family. Husband, Donald Williams, children, Leslie Patterson and Bill, Jeffrey Williams and Dawn, Kenneth Williams and Roxanne, and Greg and Susie Lu; grandchildren, Jonathan, Jennie and Andrew Patterson, Keith, Scott and Luke Williams, Jennifer and Jasmine Lu, and Alec Jamar; sisters, Willie Ash, Willean and husband Le Hornbeck, brother Neely Denton and wife Nancy; sisters in law, Cynthia and husband Mike Haynsworth, and Yvonne Denton. She loved her numerous relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins and their children. Preceded in death by parents, Willard Denton, Sr., and Beulah May Hackett Denton, of Thayer, Missouri, and brothers, Willard Jr., and Charles. |
Juanita was a life long member of the Baptist Church. She lived in Thayer, Missouri throughout high school, became a journeyman typesetter until moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1954. An adventuresome woman, she drove alone to Alaska from Oklahoma over the Alcan Highway in 1955 where she met Donald and with him established their first home, returning in 1968 to assist in managing the family business while raising their children. Subsequently, she was employed by Baylor College of Dentistry until retiring to Sulphur Springs where she and Don lived on the family farm. Juanita’s family and many friends remember an angel of light — a loving woman of kindness, wisdom, compassion, and generosity who lived an exemplary Christian life, always putting Donald and her children ahead of every other interest.
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To donate in Juanita Williams’ name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Janell Rae Hewitt
A Tribute to my Sister, Janell Rae Hewitt Janell, or “Nellie” as we all called her, completed our family when she was born June 19, 1964, the baby of the family. Please click here for the full tribute. Complications from the Addison’s Disease, along with other underlying conditions, took her from us on August 28, 2011, at the young age of 47 years. To donate in Janell Rae Hewitt’s name, please click on the Donate Button. |
In memory of Christie Marie Williams
Christie, at the age of 23, passed away on March 3, 2009 in her San Jose home. Her death was related to Addison’s Disease, which she was diagnosed with last June. Read the Euology. THE CHRISTIE M WILLIAMS RACE FOR AWARENESS Thank you for your generous donations to the Christie M. Williams Race for Awareness. Together we raised over $8,000! See the race results here. Jamie Williams’ 2010 Wine and Chocolate Fundraiser in Honor and Memory of her dear Sister Christie With over 100 in attendance, which included such notaries as retired San Francisco 49er Wide Receiver Dwight Clark, and silent auction items such as a signed picture, CD and harmonica from Huey Lewis, a signed football from Dwight Clark, volleyball signed by Kerri Walsh (Olympics winner), a hockey stick signed by members of the 2009-2010 Sharks team, and a jersey signed by the 2008/2009 Sharks team, Jamie Williams’ Wine & Chocolate Fundraiser was a great success, raising an astounding $6,235.03 for NADF and adrenal patients! |
Jamie hopes “to see everyone out there next year…whatever event I end up putting together. And thank you for celebrating Christie and helping her memory live on.”
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To donate in Christie Marie Williams’ name, please click on the Donate Button.
In memory of Stephen Michael Howry
To donate in Stephen Michael Howry’s name, please click on the Donate Button. |