Cullen Robert Connolly was born in December of 1997. Shortly thereafter we learned he had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and his life would be anything but ordinary. DMD is a quickly progressing muscle disease that begins in the larger muscles of the legs eventually affecting all voluntary muscles and involves the heart and breathing muscles in later stages. Life expectancy is estimated to be around 25-26. We always spoke the truth with Cullen about his prognosis, and he always affirmed he would fight, remaining optimistic there would be a cure. He didn't waste much time in self pity, even when at 10 years of age, he lost his ability to walk. Cullen's brother Drew made this video featuring some of the amazing moments in Cullen's life. To this day, we are told by people who had never met Cullen that they feel they know him because of this video. We are so grateful these memories live on.
Cullen spent 7 years in a wheelchair celebrating the things in his life he could do. His glass was always half full and there was something on the horizon to look forward to. Cullen found and excelled at power wheel chair soccer. We traveled 2 hours to practice and games once or twice a week until he asked him to help him start his own local team, The Chippewa Valley Hooligans power wheel chair soccer team. The team still exists today providing and opportunity to play a sport to many disabled athletes in west central Wisconsin.
Ultimately, it wasn't DMD that took Cullen's life. Cullen died on May 22, 2015 when our vehicle was hit from behind while we were stopped at a red light, by a drunk driver intoxicated to nearly three times over the legal limit, who fled the scene, was caught and is now in prison. Through the good generated with all that comes from Cullen's foundation, we intend to make the actions of this irrelevant individual less than a spec on a footnote in Cullen's beautiful, remarkable life.
We are the family and friends of tthis amazing young man named Cullen Connolly. We will always take every opportunity join the fight to end the unbelievably persistent notion that impaired driving is sometimes acceptable.
Most importantly, we are here to force this particular mindless decision and resulting tragedy into the shadow of Cullen's generous young life. Cullen's enormous spirit, giving soul, and courageous heart are what needs to be remembered.
We celebrate Cullen's life through support of the organizations and types of individuals who supported him. Organizations and individuals who understand that hopes and dreams begin within a thank you and sometimes before a please.
