Ed Brayton is a journalist, commentator and speaker. He is the co-founder and president of 
I posted a couple weeks ago about the students and faculty at FSU law school who formed Team Gey and were running a triathlon to raise money for ALS research, all done in the name of Prof. Steve Gey, who was recently diagnosed with ALS. I am happy to announce that the triathlon took place on Saturday and was a huge success. Their goal was to raise $20,000; they ended up raising $37,000, thanks in part to my generous readers. Congratulations to the more than 40 people who participated from the FSU law school.
Another very cool thing happened as well. Steve Gey was set to receive the NCSE's Friend of Darwin award for his tireless service to the cause of protecting science education over the last 20 years. The NCSE board had voted unanimously to give him the award. They usually like to sneak up on the recipients of this award at conferences or gatherings and present it to them when they least expect it. Knowing that they were having a banquet after the triathlon, I figured that would be a great time to do it.
Glenn Branch of the NCSE was kind enough to mail the award down there and my friend Barbara Leech, who helped organize the whole thing and ran in the triathlon, got to present it to him. Prof. Gey was very surprised and touched to be given the award and I know it meant a lot to Barbara to be able to make the presentation to someone she respects and admires so much. Just a great event for everyone involved.
To Team Gey I say congratulations on a job well done; you all did a great thing to honor your friend and to help cure the disease he suffers from. And to Steve Gey I say congratulations as well for the much deserved award. And while you fight the progress of this disease you have been saddled with, I know that you recognize what I hope everyone else does as well from reading about these events - that you have a great many people who care about you and are willing to do whatever it takes to support you. They, and we, have all been fortunate enough to benefit from your wisdom, your wit and your work for a long time and it was a privilege to play even a tiny role in helping make this past weekend a success.
For a picture of Team Gey, click here.
Comments
In related news, Army recruiter Sgt. Marcia Ramode expressed outrage at the unfair nature of the competition, since no one in their right mind would want to "catch teh Gey".
(I mean no offense to the great work or fine character of Professor Gey, this is purely a semantic joke. I'll be appearing here all week, thanks very much and tip your waitresses!)
Posted by: Jeff Hebert | March 27, 2007 11:19 AM
And don't forget, there's dancing on the Lido deck.
Posted by: Ed Brayton | March 27, 2007 11:46 AM
This is wonderful. It's the first I have heard of the effort. Is it still possible to contribute to Team Gey? If so, where should I send the check? Thanks for your work on this terrific project.
Posted by: Melissa Rogers | March 28, 2007 6:53 PM
Hi Melissa. If you'll email me (ebrayton@crystalauto.com) I'll put you in touch with someone there who can handle a donation.
Posted by: Ed Brayton | March 28, 2007 7:21 PM