Kathy Pinna
The Mickey Gallagher Foundation
Mickey Gallagher was an extraordinary human being. He loved life with a passion few could ever match. Mickey was born with a rare heart condition. It was discovered at a very early age. His parents were told he would not survive past childhood.
Through the wonders of medicine, he defied the odds for many years. Mickey finally needed and received a heart transplant in 1998. For the next three and a half years, he struggled with his new heart. In March of 2002, it was decided that valve replacements would be the cure. After two surgeries, an infection developed that could not be cured. Mickey died May 11th, 2002. Mickey had many loves in his life. His family, friends, sports, theater and fiance just to name a few. He was devoted to all of these things as well as Northeast Catholic High School. He always spoke highly of his times at North. So highly, that he entertained thoughts of becoming an Oblate of St. Francis De Sales.
Mickey also wanted to start an organ donor awareness event called "Keep The Beat". It was to be a big fun party with live music and dancing with plenty of friends. Do to his untimely passing he was never able to see it become a reality. So in 2002 The Gallagher Family and friends started "Keep The Beat". It became an organ donor awareness event but also a scholarship fund established at North Catholic in Mickey's name. Keep The Beat is held every October at Finnigan's Wake. We also hold a Golf outing in May at Juniata Golf Course in the old neighborhood.
With the sad closing of North Catholic our organization has shifted focus. We will no longer be a scholarship. We are and always will be and organ donor awareness event but now we are also going to be trying to help other families who are waiting for transplants. The Mickey Gallagher Foundation has made a five year commitment to the University of Pennsylvania Transplant House to fund construction of a patient room that will bear Mickey's name. This designation strikes a chord with the Gallagher family, for months they spent everyday waiting in the hospital, sometimes sleeping in the waiting room. The Transplant House will provide families support and comfort while waiting for a life changing event. This commitment will forever let people know that Mickey is still here, lending a helping hand to anyone in need.
Despite his illness, Mickey "never had a bad day". He never complained or asked why me. He wore this illness as a badge of honor. He was thankful for it because it made him who he was. He said he would not have been the same person without it. He inspired people to accentuate the positives in life and not dwell on the negatives. He was loved by many in so many ways. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend and most of all a great human being. When you were in his company, he made you feel like the most important person on earth.
- From The Mickey Gallagher Foundation Facebook page.
Through the wonders of medicine, he defied the odds for many years. Mickey finally needed and received a heart transplant in 1998. For the next three and a half years, he struggled with his new heart. In March of 2002, it was decided that valve replacements would be the cure. After two surgeries, an infection developed that could not be cured. Mickey died May 11th, 2002. Mickey had many loves in his life. His family, friends, sports, theater and fiance just to name a few. He was devoted to all of these things as well as Northeast Catholic High School. He always spoke highly of his times at North. So highly, that he entertained thoughts of becoming an Oblate of St. Francis De Sales.
Mickey also wanted to start an organ donor awareness event called "Keep The Beat". It was to be a big fun party with live music and dancing with plenty of friends. Do to his untimely passing he was never able to see it become a reality. So in 2002 The Gallagher Family and friends started "Keep The Beat". It became an organ donor awareness event but also a scholarship fund established at North Catholic in Mickey's name. Keep The Beat is held every October at Finnigan's Wake. We also hold a Golf outing in May at Juniata Golf Course in the old neighborhood.
With the sad closing of North Catholic our organization has shifted focus. We will no longer be a scholarship. We are and always will be and organ donor awareness event but now we are also going to be trying to help other families who are waiting for transplants. The Mickey Gallagher Foundation has made a five year commitment to the University of Pennsylvania Transplant House to fund construction of a patient room that will bear Mickey's name. This designation strikes a chord with the Gallagher family, for months they spent everyday waiting in the hospital, sometimes sleeping in the waiting room. The Transplant House will provide families support and comfort while waiting for a life changing event. This commitment will forever let people know that Mickey is still here, lending a helping hand to anyone in need.
Despite his illness, Mickey "never had a bad day". He never complained or asked why me. He wore this illness as a badge of honor. He was thankful for it because it made him who he was. He said he would not have been the same person without it. He inspired people to accentuate the positives in life and not dwell on the negatives. He was loved by many in so many ways. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend and most of all a great human being. When you were in his company, he made you feel like the most important person on earth.
- From The Mickey Gallagher Foundation Facebook page.
