As a Mesa police officer continues to battle a fatal neurological disease, his law enforcement family is continuing to be a pillar of support for him and his family.
The Mesa Police Association is hosting a fundraiser and benefit auction for Officer Mark Kelly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at OneOhOne Art Gallery, 101 W. Maim St. in downtown Mesa as part of the city's Second Friday activities.
The family of Mark Kelly, who was diagnosed in April 2009 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is in need of assistance to purchase a head controller for his wheelchair, a communication device and items for shower mobility.
The family welcomed their fifth child, Mary Elizabeth on July 4.
ALS is a terminal neurological disorder that destroys the nerve connections between muscles and the brain. As the disease progresses, patients lose the ability to control their muscles and eventually cannot walk, speak, swallow or breathe.
For more information about donations, visit www.beallfoundation.com.
IceCat posted at 5:57 pm on Thu, Jul 8, 2010.
I'll second the statement that Mr. Kelly situation is unfortunate. That being said having Mr. Kelly still on the payroll as a police officer and he can't perform the job to any extent is ludicrous.
miraclegro posted at 3:33 pm on Thu, Jul 8, 2010.
Officer Kelly's situation is very unfortunate. What's also unfortunate is the MPA unions efforts to line the pockets of a handful of its members who wanted to get paid for getting dressed and extra overtime for some on the SWAT team. Its too bad the MPA didn't use its resources to obtain long term disability benefits for Mesa police officers and health insurance for the survivors of officers who pass on.