As published in the Southington Citizen, March 18,2016
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| Esther and Mark Corcoran |
It all began as a simple story of friendship that in time
became love between two Southington residents in their late forties. In time,
their love was clearly enduring and they decided to marry. A second marriage
for both, the couple knew it was right and they were ready to embrace their
new, blended family and live the dream of a second lease on life.
Before the wedding, Mark Corcoran seemed to be showing some
early signs that something was amiss. During a visit to his sister in London,
Mark’s health didn’t seem to be right.
As they were touring the city, Mark blacked out, waking up in an English
hospital. The doctors did various brain scans.
Something was wrong. Returning to the States, his wife, Esther, promptly
took him to doctors to diagnose his situation.
About three years after their trip to England, Mark was
diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at age 56. It doesn’t happen in one
specific moment. “In the time leading up to his diagnosis”, Esther wrote, in a
story published last September, “we had noticed signs of his confusion,
disorientation and his difficulty with organization and every day skills.”
In the next two unsettling years they lived from
week to week through an unrelenting series of tests, exploring diagnoses,
holding on to hope. “Today, at age 60, Mark can no longer work, drive or
complete most simple household chores. Through it all, however, he is the same
loving, kind and helpful man I married five years ago.”, Esther states.
A biographical report posted on the website of the
Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter (http://www.alzconnecticut.org/#!esther-corcoran/cfcj), reveals
that after the original diagnosis, Mark’s doctor had no suggestions and gave no
support or direction to Esther who was more in shock than denial. She had no idea
what to do but she knew it was imperative to ask more questions, find
clarification and continue to pursue answers. She turned to the Alzheimer’s
Association where she and Mark gathered with the G.A.P. (Giving Alzheimer’s
Purpose), group twice monthly for lunch. The Corcoran’s took part in the Walk
to End Alzheimer’s. They set up a fundraising page which Esther disseminated
through email and Facebook with an overwhelming response, raising $2,000.
That may sound like an insignificant number but every bit counts. As Esther wrote: “I’m struck by the staggering statistic of 13.8 million, the number of Americans projected to have Alzheimer’s disease by 2050, if no new medical breakthroughs are discovered by then.”
That may sound like an insignificant number but every bit counts. As Esther wrote: “I’m struck by the staggering statistic of 13.8 million, the number of Americans projected to have Alzheimer’s disease by 2050, if no new medical breakthroughs are discovered by then.”
Mark was honored to stand
on stage during the opening ceremonies of the Walk to End Alzheimer's, representing those who have Alzheimer’s. The sight of all the people gathered blew him away.
A lady representing the caregivers ran over to Esther and cried with her because they were all together in that moment. It fills the senses that this dreaded disease can bring people together in unexpected ways.
A lady representing the caregivers ran over to Esther and cried with her because they were all together in that moment. It fills the senses that this dreaded disease can bring people together in unexpected ways.
The Corcoran’s have spoken before the State General Assembly
about the great work of the Alzheimer’s Association and the rock that it has
been in their lives for which they will forever be indebted.
About that time, the Corcoran’s organized a successful concert featuring three-time Grammy winner, Tom Chapin.
About that time, the Corcoran’s organized a successful concert featuring three-time Grammy winner, Tom Chapin.
An
opportunity to feel the touch of their celebration of life will come to
Southington on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 3:00 pm. Tom Chapin and EVA, the contemporary
folk group, will appear in concert, honoring Mark Corcoran, at the First
Congregational Church Meetinghouse, 37 Main St., Southington. For tickets or to
make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact 860.628.6958 or link to: Tom Chapin Concert Honoring Mark Corcoran April 3, 2016
3-time Grammy® Winner Tom Chapin
The New York Times calls Tom Chapin “one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music.” Chapin is a renowned singer/songwriter for both family and adult audiences. His career spans Broadway, TV, documentary and feature films, and the concert stage. With 24 recordings and hundreds of songs in his repertoire, Chapin serves up a tasty mix of story songs, ballads, comedic and political songs, family music, sing-alongs, old-time folk classics and a favorite song or two of his late brother Harry’s. Tom accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and autoharp. Learn more about Tom Chapin on his website.
Contemporary Folk Music with an International Flair
Featuring breathtaking voices with roots in Australia, Ireland, the UK & the USA, EVA performs a seamless mix of traditional and contemporary original folk music. Kath Buckell, Liz Simmons and Nicole Zuraitis lend their three distinct voices to songs that meld worldly sensibilities with time-honored musical traditions. EVA's powerful three-part vocal harmonies are bedded on the textured landscape of guitar, piano, and percussion. Learn more about EVA on their website.
3-time Grammy® Winner Tom Chapin
The New York Times calls Tom Chapin “one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music.” Chapin is a renowned singer/songwriter for both family and adult audiences. His career spans Broadway, TV, documentary and feature films, and the concert stage. With 24 recordings and hundreds of songs in his repertoire, Chapin serves up a tasty mix of story songs, ballads, comedic and political songs, family music, sing-alongs, old-time folk classics and a favorite song or two of his late brother Harry’s. Tom accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and autoharp. Learn more about Tom Chapin on his website.
Special Guests EVA
Contemporary Folk Music with an International Flair
Featuring breathtaking voices with roots in Australia, Ireland, the UK & the USA, EVA performs a seamless mix of traditional and contemporary original folk music. Kath Buckell, Liz Simmons and Nicole Zuraitis lend their three distinct voices to songs that meld worldly sensibilities with time-honored musical traditions. EVA's powerful three-part vocal harmonies are bedded on the textured landscape of guitar, piano, and percussion. Learn more about EVA on their website.
Freelance writer, community service advocate and Southington resident, Dick Fortunato, welcomes comments at dick617@gmail.com
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