A Challenge and an Opportunity

Aunt Macie Brian's Children

Greetings family, hope all is well. Today our MCJ family is presented with what I would call both a challenge and an opportunity. Typically, we've only used this forum of the MCJ newsletter to focus on family reunion specific information. But, I strongly believe that most would agree that the following two issues are appropriate for as wide dissemination as possible. First, the challenge.

On January 29th, Brian Scurlock Sr. was hospitalized and diagnosed with Guillan-Barre Syndrome. It has completely affected his mobility causing loss of movement in his body. This disease is rare and only 1 to 2 people out of 100,000 are diagnosed with GBS every year. Brian has two kids, an 18 year old son in college and a 12 year old daughter in middle school. Back in 2016 the mother of Brian’s children passed away from a heart condition that the family and herself was not aware of. At this point, we as a family are trying to do everything we can for Brian to have a 100% healthy recovery. The recovery and rehabilitation process is going to take anywhere from 6-12 months and we are going to need all the help we can get with this process. We the family of Brian Scurlock Sr. support this account to aid and assist Brian and his two beautiful children while he battles Guillain-Barré Syndrome. All support for Brian’s kids is extremely appreciated. God bless and thank you all.

The message above was posted on the Go Fund Me page set-up to help Brian financially. Brian, for your reference is the son of Lawrence Scurlock, grandson of Bessie Lee Scurlock of Charleston, Mississippi who recently passed at the age of 96. Your support of our family member would be greatly appreciated. All you need to do is go online to the Go Fund Me website and search the name of Brian Scurlock and it comes right up. It has Brian's two kids (pictured above) in the accompanying photo. Make your donation and be blessed!

Next, we have the opportunity. For those who have attended the MCJ Family Reunion for many years you will remember Aunt Macie, who currently lives in Arizona. This year in April, God willing, Macie will reach the ripe age of 100 years old. Wow, a Centenarian in our family! That is such a treasure that we are inspired to do something appropriate to support and congratulate Macie on this amazing accomplishment. That is why we are initiating the Macie: 100 for 100 Campaign. The 100 refers to 100 dollars for 100 years. For those who recognize what an achievement this is and are able to celebrate and commemorate Aunt Macie we'd like to encourage you to organize with your local family members and send your donation. For instance, a 100 dollar donation could come from New Orleans, from Kansas City, from Chicago or from Memphis, Dayton, Washington DC, etc., you get the point. It could come from individuals or families, doesn't matter.

A number of friends and family will be traveling to Arizona to celebrate with Aunt Macie but we realize that may not be practical for most. Among those who will attend the celebration is our cousin Frank Wilkins. Frank is a premier agent for AllState for many years and is widely known throughout the Chicago area. Frank also attends the MCJ reunion. Although most of us may not be able to attend this momentous celebration in Arizona, you could certainly mount a 100 for 100 challenge donation and it wouldn't have to hurt much per person and long as you recruited other family members to share the burden. Frank has a paypal account set-up for this purpose to make your donation convenient (frankwilkins@allstate.com) or if you'd rather use snail mail for your checks or money orders just text or call Frank at (708) 205-4311.

So there you have it. A challenge, and an opportunity. I personally think our MCJ family will rise to the occasion like we always do. Thank you for your attention and support.

Much Love,

EC