Deborah Lewow passed away Saturday morning.  I was stunned.  I came home from working most of the day, heard the voicemail, and just sat quietly for a couple of hours. I saw her a month ago and she was still so full of life. Although she had started losing the use of one arm and had lost the use of her legs many months ago, her bright smile and soothing voice were the same, and her beautiful blue-green eyes still twinkled as we talked about the glory days. 

Deborah is the only girl I know who saw The Beatles play Atlanta Fulton County Stadium August 18, 1965.  Deborah was 11 or 12.  She went with a little friend of hers.  Her friend screamed for Paul, and Deborah screamed for... George. Just that little nugget goes to show you that Deb wasn't like most girls. I met her more than 25 years ago when I first started in radio.  Deborah worked for a record company. She promoted music her whole adult life.  In a business teeming with men, she stood out and really made her mark in the industry, especially in the world of Jazz.  I always thought of her as an "old soul."  There was no b.s. with Deborah.  She was a genuine, wise, thoughtful and loving person, and she leaves her son and a legion of friends heart-broken.  

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) took Deborah's life.  The disease is your worst nightmare - when one's diagnosed there is no hope -- there is no cure.  Although it seems to take people's lives fast (most live only 2-5 years after diagnosis,) it's not fast enough for the person who suffers or for the people around them everyday watching and feeling helpless. ALS attacks the nerve cells.  Usually the legs go first, then the arms, then a person is unable to talk, eat, then breathe.  Just the thought takes my breath away.   Deborah fought her valiant fight for just over 2 years. She was grateful for the wonderful support she received from the ALS Association, which included a motorized wheelchair that gave her some much needed independence.   

Little did I know when I blogged about The ALS Walk last Thursday that Deborah would pass away two days later.  You and I don't have to sit hopeless and helpless thinking of her and more than 30,000 others suffering in such a terrible way.  The ALS Walk is this Saturday at 10am at Centennial Olympic Park.  You can rally your friends and co-workers and form a walk team, or simply donate.  Call 888-636-9940, or register online at www.walktodefeatals.org.  Help find a cure for ALS!

R.I.P. Deborah Lewow.