When Betty Moak, a longtime resident of the Blythewood community and crafter, was recently diagnosed with Bulbar ALS, a disease of the muscles that is frequently referred to as Lou Gherig’s disease, Betty didn’t slow down very much at all. Instead, she whipped out her crochet needles and got to work making one of her favorite crafts, her famous angel ornaments.
Crafting with renewed energy, she crocheted the angels for Midlands Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Lock-Up Fundraiser in Columbia. The goal of the Fundraiser is to raise money for a cure for ALS, Muscular Dystrophy and related diseases by funding world wide research.
Betty attended the event along with family members to represent those diagnosed with ALS and help bring awareness and put a “face” to the disease by sharing her MDA story.
Betty began making her special angel ornaments over 20 years ago as part of her family’s love of crafting. She continues to hone her angel-making skills and in 2010 won a Blue Ribbon at the S. C. State Fair for her lace angel. She is always adding new designs as special keepsakes for friends and family.
Betty’s angels have decorated many homes, nursing homes, bridal parties and special occasions.
Betty said that being diagnosed with ALS at 78 years of age was a surprise and presented a challenge, but that it did not dampen her crafting enthusiasm or her enjoyment of life.
Betty and her husband, Robert, and their daughters, Mamie Turner, Barbara Beckham and Nancy Grogan (and their families) all enjoy crafting and, last year, held a Christmas Open House and Craft Extravaganza in downtown Blythewood. Now Betty is adding MDA as a beneficiary of her talented crafts.
During the MDA Lock-Up, Betty’s angels were given as incentive gifts to those volunteers who raised $1,000 or more during the event.
As a special surprise, Betty’s family presented her with $1000 in donations from friends and family in her honor. For those in the community who would like to donate to MDA in support and honor of Betty, contact the Columbia office at (803) 799-7435 or by e-mail: [email protected].
