ChatiCat posted this on
the message boards:
Koziol,
Donald John
Passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2003, age 59 years. Survived by his loving
wife of 39 years, Sue, sons Jeffrey and James and daughter, Donna Sue, (9)
grandchildren, a host of relatives and friends.
Cushing’s Syndrome, while remaining unknown for many years, affected Donald's
life. During the many years Sue was afflicted with this disease he stayed by
her side, supporting her, loving her and never giving up on her as she became a
stranger to him. Once diagnosed, he continued to support her throughout her
surgery and many months of recovery. He was instrumental in the foundation of
the CUSH organization, his belief that no one should have to suffer such
insidiousness and that more should be done to create awareness of an often
misdiagnosed disease. Shortly after Sue's surgery Donald was diagnosed with
Prostate Cancer. All the while he battled his own disease, he continued to
support his wife's devotion to Cushing’s Awareness, traveling with her to form
CUSH, meet other Cushing’s patients and the UVA Pituitary Days Conference, plus
annual CUSH meeting in Virginia in 2002. While he himself was riddled with
pain, he committed himself to being by her side, meeting those afflicted by
Cushing’s. He kept up an avid interest in the message boards until the last
month of his life... He was devoted.
In lieu of flowers, Donald requested that donations be made to the Cushing’s
Understanding Support & Help (CUSH) Organization
I never had the opportunity of meeting Don personally but I so appreciate his
dedication to Cushing's and his faithful support to Sue.
Cathy