ABOUT OUR HONOREE
The Board of Directors of MAC Angels is pleased to announce
our 2013 “Halo of
Hope Award” honoree,
Christopher J. Curtin.
Chris Curtin began his journey with ALS in 2004, when childhood friend, Claire
Gormley Collier, was diagnosed with the terminal disease. Chris immediately reached
out to Claire and her family to provide as much support as possible. During her battle
with ALS, Chris served as one of Claire’s caregivers, and learned first-hand what
living with ALS was like, day-in and day-out.
In addition to spending as much time with Claire as possible, Chris joined together with
a group of Claire’s friends and family to start the “Friends of Claire” organization,
which raised much-needed financial support through a variety of fundraisers. Chris
served on the Gala committee every year for Friends of Claire.
Chris was inspired by Claire’s strength and her determination to live each day to its
fullest. Through Claire’s journey, Chris realized what a gift life is. He believes we
should be thankful, embrace each day, and live life to the fullest.
Claire left us in May of 2009, and as the end drew near, she made a request of her
family and friends. Claire wanted to keep her legacy alive by finding a way to support
families living with ALS the same way Friends of Claire supported her family.
Claire’s family and friends did just that, and in 2010, Claire’s brother-in-law, Rich
Mauch and his firm, EW Group, worked with Claire’s family and friends to begin
“The MAC Angels Foundation.” The new Foundation was formed to fulfill Claire’s
legacy, along with the legacy of Claire’s mother-in-law, Mary Ann Collier. Chris was
asked to join the Board of MAC Angels, and the rest is history. Today Chris serves as
our Board President, and works tirelessly with our Board, Services Director, Program
Director, and a team of other professionals to do whatever it takes to support our
families. Chris is truly the heart and soul of MAC Angels, and his support of our
PALS and their families is unwavering.
When Chris is not working on his MAC Angels duties, he is busy working at The Catery,
the business he founded in 1999 that provides full-service catering and event planning
to clients all over the Tri-State area. First and foremost, however, is his role as proud
father to his two wonderful sons, Liam, 15 and Seamus, 13.
Please join us as we thank and congratulate Chris
for all he has done and continues to
do for MAC Angels.
