Note: This was written by Mike Fishbein, a close friend of David. Mike and his wife, JoAnn, have been an integral part of the Swim as Board Members since the inception. These thoughts reflect Mike’s personal relationship with and about David.
This past fall, our dear friend David Garber finally succumbed to ALS.
David defined the term “one of a kind.” David’s ability to live a full life despite ALS was absolutely extraordinary. Although there are many reasons for saying this, I think adaptability was his superpower. David often said that he far preferred to engage with the world rather than “living inside my head.” David enjoyed being in motion both in the water and on the earth. The David I knew prior to ALS seemed to be the least likely person to tolerate the severe physical limitations imposed by a rapidly progressive paralytic disease such as ALS. But once diagnosed with ALS, David adapted big time. He learned to live not only in his head but continued to live very much in the world. He continued to travel to New Orleans for Jazz Fest every year, even though he was dependant on a portable ventilator for breathing. He took his friends to Fenway Park for concerts and baseball games, navigating the terrain with a high-tech wheelchair. He organized and hosted a Marcia Ball concert in his living room along with more than a hundred fans. He communicated with writers and journalists about ways in which to live with ALS. He went to the Chart Room restaurant every Thursday during the summer with friends and family. He learned how to “talk with his eyes,” by using a computer which responded to eye gaze rather than finger touch. He remained connected to his friends and totally engaged in his community. Most amazingly, he learned to love movies—even rewatching Maverick, the only movie he had ever watched prior to (which he reported to be no better the second time around). He learned to live in his head.
David inspired a community by confronting his challenges with humor, wit, and grace. Scarcely a day goes by when I am not in some way—large and small—reminded of the beautiful ways in which he enriched my life.
Before David died, he asked that we promise to hold the 2024 David’s Swim. He said it was important to continue supporting CCALS, an organization which did so much to help him live large with ALS. The planning committee recently held our first planning meeting for the 2024 swim. It was weird doing so without David’s input and wise cracks. David loved being a part of the swim. He loved the planning. It put him in contact with friends going back to elementary school as well as friends from all over the United States. More than a few of them travelled far and wide to make an appearance on race day and to renew their friendship.
He also enjoyed sending out his CCALS fund raising appeal. David was meticulous in writing these letters. Each year, the letter had to be honest, pitch perfect, and inspirational. The writing of these letters was tortuously slow and difficult for David, especially as his disease progressed and his eyes became less efficient at “texting.” It was a true act of love.
As an avid swimmer, David especially enjoyed race day. He derived great satisfaction in watching swimmers young and old competing along the route in front of his house. It was about as close as he could come to vicariously experience the total joy of swimming. Prior to ALS, David swam this route nearly every day of the year, even cutting a hole in the ice when Buzzards Bay froze. Needless to say, David loved to swim and to share that love with others.
Swim 2024 will be like no other. Although David will not be there physically, his presence will be felt by everyone. It will suffuse the Goody Bags filled with David’s favorite knick-knacks. It will be in the memories of past participants when they hit the water and make their turn in front of David’s house. It will be in the hearts of those who were his friend. It will be in the smiles of those who recall his humor. And it will be in the tears of those who miss him.
For those who can attend the swim, I look forward to seeing you on the beach. To those who cannot, I hope that you can honor David’s memory by supporting CCALS in order to help others live large with ALS.