Carol Hamilton, ALS TDI's Senior Director of Development, reflects on Pat Quinn, the life that he lived, and the legacy that he created.
He never said no. Ever.
Wanna meet for drinks? Hell yeah.
Will you speak at the gala? Of course!
Will you come to Fenway Park (despite your love of the Yankees)? I’ll be there!
Well, there was this one time.
Will you shave your head? LOL.
Silence.
Uh oh.
(Please, Dear God, Carol, don’t make me do this!!)
Even when he wanted to say no, he couldn’t.
How about I shave a handlebar mustache instead?
Ya, Dude, that works.
And he fired it up.
He fired me up. He fired hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of people up. His goodness, his energy, despite a horrifyingly disabling illness, was infectious. The kind of infection we need more of in this world. One whose symptoms are kindness, and warmth, and humor, and generosity. And humility. Man, did I admire that humility. A willingness to take on the bad with the good. One in which people tell each other they love each other, and act on it.
Just one short year ago, we asked Pat to reflect on the concept of legacy, and below is that reflection.
I love you with all my heart, Pat Quinn. And someday, thanks to you and so many you never said ‘no’ to, that first person is going to live the long life they deserve with the disease that cut yours too short.
About Pat Quinn
Pat Quinn was a long time supporter of the ALS Therapy Development Institute and Young Faces of ALS Ambassador. Pat was one of the cofounders of the Ice Bucket Challenge, along with Pete Frates and Anthony Senerchia, which helped raise millions of dollars for ALS research and awareness. Pat was also a founder of Quinn For The Win, which along with helping with the cost of Pat's care, was used to promote awareness of ALS and help fund ALS research. In 2019, he spoke at the White Coat Affair Gala in Boston, MA about legacy. You can listen to his speech below.