Our Molly

When a person dies it’s natural for the people who knew them to offer praise in their honor. Heartfelt condolences, cards with inspiring messages of hope, and warm food is delivered in abundance to the surviving family members. These gracious acts provide a momentary respite from the fog of death. The emotional and monetary support our family has received has been overwhelming. To everyone who has provided a ray of sunshine during this challenging time for the Carter and Gallagher families, we offer a genuine and humble THANK YOU! - Molly is no longer with us in the flesh, but the spirit generated by such a fine person cannot be extinguished. Molly Gallagher Carter died at home on October 12, 2022, for a dissected aortic aneurysm. A double rainbow appeared over our home that evening. Upon the rainbow beginning to diminish in intensity, I went back into the house and was inexplicably guided to Molly’s cell phone. One tap on the pad led to her screen saver, a double rainbow. The outpouring of affection for Molly after her passing was a clear signal that someone of significant character and warmth had been summoned to the heavens. It was also clear that giving back to others in Molly’s honor would be an essential part of the healing process. Determining a cause to associate the Our Molly campaign with has been a challenge. Molly’s life included a wide array of interests and activities. She loved organizing social gatherings. Molly valued animals and spent countless hours helping her rescue dog heal both physically and emotionally. She participated in many sporting activities and was passionate about coaching at the youth level. Molly treasured educational opportunities for herself and others. She was a mentor to many in her chosen career path (Human Resources). So appropriate that someone who choose to work in Human Resource, was such a wonderful human being. Ultimately, we’ve decided to work alongside the John Ritter Foundation. (www.johnritterfoundation.org) Actor John Ritter died from the same disorder as Molly on September 11th, 2003. John’s wife Amy founded The John Ritter Foundation only weeks after his sudden death. Both John and Molly might still be alive today if their aneurysm’s had been detected and treated before dissecting. The John Ritter Foundation is striving to prevent premature death and suffering from thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections through research, education, and advocacy. This condition is genetic. About 20% of people with thoracic aneurysms will have a first-degree relative who also has aortic disease. Our goal is to raise $6,000.00, with the money earmarked for genetic testing for 23 families. Please visit the Our Molly website (www.ourmolly.org – 2023 Event Details – A Discoverable Disease) and watch the Weaver Family video. It provides an emotional look at what we are raising funds for. Tim Carter & Meghan Breen Team Molly is hosting two fundraising activities in 2023 (with proceeds going to the John Ritter Foundation). A social gathering celebrating Molly’s spirit for life featuring music, food, and games takes place on Saturday September 16th. We are also organizing a Walk between the cities of Waseca and Prior Lake starting Friday September 29th. Will be sharing our love and memories for Molly and connecting the two cities that have provided so many treasured memories. This is an extremely sentimental undertaking. It’s also something we want Molly’s family and friends to share in. Please feel free to contact Meghan and I if you are interested in participating in the Walk. We will also be providing status updates during the walk via social media sites (to be determined and posted on the Our Molly website). To achieve our financial goal, we are hoping to gain sponsorship for each mile of the 60-mile distance. Please visit the Our Molly website for details on how to contribute. Our Molly Celebration September 16th (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm) Lakefront Park (amphitheater) Prior Lake, MN Our Molly Miles 2023 Walk 60 Miles Worth of Love & Memories September 29th & 30th, 2023 (6:30 am start) Church of the Sacred Heart (Waseca, MN) to The Carter Family Home (Prior Lake, MN) www.ourmolly.org www.johnrittterfoundation.org