November
14, 1958
August
5, 2000
This
picture was graciously shared with our community by Kevin's sister.
It
was taken in September 1989, prior to Kevin's being diagnosed with HCV.
Although
it has already been nearly 6 months since we lost Kevin,
he
is still in our hearts and prayers. The following is a Holiday Message, written in December 2000,
from Kevin's sister Monette....
Since
Kevin Drue Donnelly, USAR, Captain, is unable to wish you a Merry
Christmas
for the year 2000, I wish to send holiday greetings to you in
his name.
Kevin
knew last year that 1999 would be his last Christmas. He spent
Christmas
Eve and Christmas morning in the ER ward. A neighbor drove
him to
the hospital, upon Kevin's request near 4:00 a.m. When we spoke
later
on Christmas afternoon, he asked me to not to share how ill he
was,
including with his parents. He did not want others to worry about
him,
but he wanted vets and people to work together moving forward.
Kevin
wanted each moment, each minute to count, to continue the momentum
with
education and research. He was devoted to helping others in their
fight
against HCV.
Last year,
Kevin sent his siblings a large silver sequin Christmas
ornament.
It had the year 1999 - 2000 on it and was filled with
chocolates.
Kevin wanted us to have this 'last' special gift from him.
He also
sent a red fire station 'house' to his nephews. That afternoon,
as our sister-in-law
was cooking, the smoke alarm 'went off' in the
kitchen.
I woke the boys from their naps, dressed them in fireman
outfits
and equipped each with the fire tools Kevin had sent. They ran
down
the hall, half asleep, fire extinguishers in hand, swinging toy
axes,
fire hats tipped down their faces to each chin. I took pictures;
then
I phoned Kevin. Although he was tired, ill and alone, we roared
with
laughter.
I am so grateful for that memory. There are memories that I
hold
deep in my heart: the memories of listening to Kevin describe his
newest
project, most exciting correspondence that day. Often Kevin
would
phone or email sharing his enthusiasm for another path, a new
curve
in the HCV highway.
If each
of you would include as a New Year resolution to continue to
educate
others, Kevin's life, research and death will have been a well
fought
fight. He fought to live, just as others are now. You can make
a difference.
You can set goals together. You can assist to find 'the'
cure
educating others and working together.
Thank
you for the notes, cards, poems and emails that continue to be
sent
since his death August 5th, 2000. Just as Kevin impacted so many people
in his
life, you too can make a difference. Kevin would want it that
way.
He would be on the phone, on the net, and leading a new charge
over
the next HCV hill tonight and for each tomorrow that he was still
with
us. May you have a peaceful Holiday. And will you please say
a
prayer
for my brother's soul?
Merry
Christmas and God Bless,
M. Monette