MS Fundraiser Inspired By Couple’s Love

Simcha Kackley is a loving mother and wife, a marketing professional and president of the Cincinnati American Marketing Association. She is also the organizer of a big fundraiser this Saturday (January 23) to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. Her story is so inspiring to me that I wanted to share it.

Behind every great effort is a deeply rooted passion. Simcha’s passion for collecting money toward MS research dates back to February, 2008. After a three year relationship, she and Matthew knew theirs was a lasting love. Engaged to be married, they were so focused on their future.

As can happen sometimes, their lives took an unexpected change. Matt awoke one morning with the right side of his body numb. A few days later they found themselves in a hospital where Matt spent the next two days undergoing a myriad of tests trying to figure out the mystery origin of his symptoms.  Simcha was by his side every minute.

Finally, he was sent home and told to follow up with his primary care doctor…who told him he needed to see a neurologist.

At age 28, Matt was diagnosed with an Abnormal MRI from lesions on his brain and spine. While neurologists were 99% confident he had MS, they could not officially diagnose him until he experienced a second episode. It was a month later, one week before their wedding, when Matt’s numbness finally began to subside.

On March 29, 2008 Simcha and Matt married their soul mates.

And after their honeymoon, Matt was able to return to work. However, almost like clockwork, he has had an episode every February since then for about a month. Thankfully each new episode has been of lower severity than the first, allowing him to continue serving our community as a police officer.

“The entire situation opened our eyes to how important living life each and every day to the fullest is. We were brought so much closer together than we had ever been before,” Simcha wrote on a website. “Matt is my inspiration for continuing to trudge ahead and he makes me a better person. I am grateful and blessed to have him in my life.”

Simcha’s Rock n Aspire Event benefitting the National MS Society grows each year. This year’s concert will include appetizers, a cash bar, and these popular bands:

Freekbass (Funk / Rock)
Elementree Livity Project (Reggae / Jam / Rock)
The Magic Lightning Boys (Blues / Rock)
SOUSE (Jazz / Funk / Fusion

It is this Saturday, January 23 at 7 pm at the 20^th Century Theater in Oakely (3021 Madison Road; 45209). Tickets are $30 each if bought in advance and can be purchased here; or $40 if purchased at the door. To volunteer, donate or become a sponsore, please email Simcha at info@rocknaspire.com.