by Julie Criswell | May 16, 2013 | Adult Life
After being coerced by Ed Levendusky and Sue Reinhardt, Brian dedicated 3 months of his life to run for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year award. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) campaign is a fundraising competition in communities across the U.S. in which participants vie for the title of Man or Woman of the Year. They raise funds for blood cancer research in honor of local children who are blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the Year. The titles are awarded to the men and women in each community who raise the most funds during the ten-week campaign; the top local fundraisers in the country also win the national titles. More information is available at www.mwoy.org Brian used his charm, tenacity and fun loving personality to raise over $50,000 for this disease. Story and pictures submitted by Sue...
by Julie Criswell | May 15, 2013 | Adult Life
I first got to know Brian when he moved to Maryland to begin working for Lincoln Financial Advisors. Even though Brian was so young (early twenties), he immediately became one of my favorite people. He was so incredibly warm & caring……wise beyond his years. And, Brian wanted to become involved in community & charitable activities, just because he loved people. So, I introduced him to my husband, Denny, and they became good friends. In addition, Denny, being a fellow Irishman, introduced Brian to an Irish fraternal group called the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Of course, Brian quickly became one of the most well-liked members. Within a few years, he was on track to become President of the local group. During this time, he frequently sought advice from Denny & the longer tenured members. In typical witty Brian fashion, he gave them a nickname. They became known as the “Mt. Rushmore Hibernians”. And, Denny was given the title of “Wise One”. Brian would write Denny notes….”Oh, Denny, Oh, Wise One, What do you recommend?” There will never be another Brian Walsh…….no question about that. How could there be anyone like him again in this world? Story submitted by Harriet...
by Julie Criswell | May 15, 2013 | Adult Life
One day we were visiting the Walsh’s and Brian saw a mosquito and he said to my kids (Mia-6, Augie-4), “Do you know what I like to do with mosquitoes?” SPLAT! Brian hits his hand and says, “make them into pancakes!” From that moment on Brian became Mr Mosquito Pancake in our house and the kids would squeal when he would come over to visit… Mia would yell, “It’s Mr. Mosquito Pancake” and they would run outside to see Brian, they loved to see him. So maybe Brian can channel mother nature and ask her not to send too many mosquitoes or cicada’s this year… We love you Brian, you are in our hearts forever! Story submitted by The Criswell...
by Julie Criswell | May 15, 2013 | Adult Life
These pictures were taken in 2011 at an event that the Cool Kids Campaign was the beneficiary of called Pink and Blue. The host was Olivia Newton John, and Brian was asked by a relative who went with us if he would ask Olivia to sign her grease records. That’s right I said records, not CD’s (they were the originals, too!). Brian, as only Brian can, took the records, smiled, and said, “I will get these signed.” So there he goes, walking through the crowd, right up to Olivia Newton John, and says, “I am a huge fan of yours, do you mind signing these for me?” She said sure, but questioned if they were really for him. Brian smiled and said, “No they are for a relative over there who was too nervous to come over to you.” That was Brian, never afraid to take on a challenge! Story submitted by Chris...
