Sharon Conley

​Wonderful mother of Russell and Kyle and wife of Tim Conley for 28 years.  The best daughter, sister, and aunt of the Meyers’ family. We were so lucky to have her, but mourn the loss every day. The family of Sharon Rene Conley is pleased to be at this event today to honor her memory.  We, like all the others here today, are happy for the opportunity to help raise awareness and research dollars for the fight against MSA. Please enjoy the day and smile and laugh as Sharon would always do in the face of any challenge. We are so pleased to be part of this event and a would like to give a big thank you to the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and organizers.

Julie Waggaman
“Jewelz” was a name of endearment that Julie received from dad when she was a newborn, because she was so precious.  She was called & recognized by it throughout her life, & is treasured by so many loved ones. Jewelz had a tenacious flare of wanting to have fun & to enjoy a good laugh.  Julie is the mother of Kim, (married to Dillion Jensen, with baby boy arriving in November!) Travis, Kevin, Tiffany & Katie Waggaman. She mothered countless others & was called Mama J. She spent incalculable time making holiday traditions, boating, camping, dirt biking, cheerleading, lacrosse & other special memories with her family. After years of experiencing different symptoms, seeing an array of doctors & specialists in various fields of medicine, Julie was finally diagnosed with MSA on December 1, 2016. Julie continued to bravely & graciously endure the effects of this disease. She quietly passed away February 27, 2017. Our “Jewelz” is remembered as a strong, loyal & genuine mother, daughter, sister, aunt & friend. Our lives are forever changed for the better because of her life.
Janice Gaylord
Jan fought a tough battle for six years, and especially the last year, against the rare neurological disorder Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). Even though she was physically and emotionally challenged by the disorder, she was brave and courageous and never lost her faith in the Lord relying on his strength through her journey.
 Our loving and devoted sister, wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family.
​While we miss her every day, we know that her story and her brain and tissue donation to research will help find a cure for those that are currently fighting this courageous battle.

Kurt Williams
A mushroom walked into a bar and asked the tomato out on a date.  When the tomato said no, the mushroom said, “Why not, I’m a fungi?” And Kurt Williams has about a hundred more jokes just as funny as that one!  Kurt is a husband, father of five and grandfather of eleven. He has run more than a dozen half marathons, marathons and triathlons and loves hiking, water skiing and hunting.  Three and a half years ago he was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy and has lost the ability to participate in these activities. Now he holds his grandchildren and lets them have rides with him in his wheelchair and spends time reading scriptures, good books and watching TV reruns.  He continues to be the world’s best listener as he patiently endures this debilitating disease. As his family we are grateful for his smiles and his faith in Jesus Christ and a loving Heavenly Father.

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Keleigh Hague-Bechard
​Our sister Keleigh died of Multiple System Atrophy at age 53, exactly 6 years after her first symptoms appeared.  She was a beloved sister, daughter, aunt, teacher, and animal lover.  Her love for animals led her to the field of Biology, which she loved to share with her students and all of her nieces and nephews.  She taught at Eagle High School, Mountain View High School, Centennial High School, Bishop Kelly High School and finally, Capital High School.  She received many honors and awards for her teaching, including the Siemens Foundation Advanced Placement Teacher of the Year award and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science. 
Keleigh first noticed symptoms in the summer of 2007.  Her hands had begun to shake and she was dropping things.  Her doctors diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease and she went through many tests and procedures to try and help control her symptoms to no avail.  While she accepted that Parkinson’s was a horrible disease, she believed it was something she could live with for a long time.  Her diagnosis of MSA was not confirmed until after her death in July of 2013.  While we miss her every day, her legacy lives on in her students and family that were influenced by her joy and unconditional love of every thing living.  
Eileen Jagger
​Eileen Marie Jaggar was born September 24, 1948 and finally rested peacefully April 7, 2015. Eileen was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend until the end. She was tough yet so weak, strong willed yet still concerned, hurt yet brave, and broken yet still in charge. Eileen never complained throughout the many years of pain she endured. She continued to have the expressive look in her eyes as she lost the ability to use facial expressions, and she continued to talk with her family even when they could no longer understand her. She always believed she would get better. Family started noticing something was not right in 2005. From then on her health began to decline. Doctors, many doctors could not give answers, medications could not give reprieve. Medical answers did not come until years later, in the form of “likely MSA.” Eileen fought the disease for 10 long years. 
​My dad John Bennett was a great man and father. Everyone who met him instantly liked him. My dad started getting sick years before he was diagnosed with MSA. Finally we found a neurologist that knew exactly what he had but then it was a long down hill from then on. We were on our own with an illness that no one knew what was going to happen day after day. It was a long struggle with no support.It took 2 years for my dad to pass on July 11th 2017. We miss him dearly.