Man making the most of life
while dealing with brain tumor

August 21, 2008

By Ken Prendergast

kprendergast@sunnews.com

West Side Sun News

Adam Gaspar already has beaten the odds. When diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor shortly after last Thanksgiving, doctors said he wouldn't live to see another summer, even with medical treatment. Not only has Adam seen summer, he’s renewed his vows with his wife on their 20th anniversary and danced with his eldest daughter Monika at her prom.

But the incredible burdens wrought by the glioblastoma multiforme grade IV brain tumor are undeniable. Adding to that weighty burden, the Gaspar's house at 4179 West 204 Street in Fairview Park is in need of serious renovations and additional living space to adequately accommodate Adam, his wife Ann, and their six children ages 11 to 21.

“It's been difficult for Adam to see his home fall into disrepair,” said Marty Whitford, who has been friends with Adam since they were in first-grade. “Adam wants to leave his family with a better place to live and grow up.”

Compounding matters, the Gaspars recently learned Monika has multiple sclerosis.

"God never gives you more than you can handle," said Ann Gaspar. "I guess he thinks we're strong."

Last spring, Whitford nominated the Gaspars for the television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." In Ohio alone, more than 4,000 homes of families in hardship were submitted. Of that, 25 were finalists — including the Gaspars'. But EMHE ultimately selected three other very worthy Ohio families.

Like Adam, Whitford’s determined not to give up. He has organized HUGE Heart Home Makeover for the Gaspars and is seeking local help from corporate sponsors and private funders.

"We're mobilizing this great community to take just one burden off the Gaspars’ shoulders," Whitford said.

Although Adam is primarily bed-ridden and facing bouts of paralysis, the St. Ignatius High School graduate who unselfishly has helped many others fix up their homes over the years, continues to live life to the fullest.

"He's a real trooper," Whitford said. "He's not just hanging in there. He saw his twins (Juli and Gabi) graduate from St. Angela Merici School. He saw his oldest daughter (Monika) graduate (from Magnificat High School). He went to Mexico. He's there for his sons Nick and Adam Jr. and daughter Emily. And he continues to put stuff on his ‘bucket list'."

Whitford and his long-time buddy saw the movie "Bucket List." That's when Whitford said Adam didn't just want to survive as long as possible — he now wanted to truly live, one moment at a time. Adam and Whitford since have made their own “bucket lists” and have been working through them together.

"It's an incredible journey," said Whitford, who visits and prays with Gaspar every day. "Every day, he shows me how to live and how to die."

Man's death leaves family
needing assistance with home makeover

October 09, 2008

By Ken Prendergast

kprendergast@sunnews.com

Although the community rallied around Adam Gaspar and his family in life, the need has not ended with his passing. Adam, who fought a brain tumor for 10 months, died Sept. 30, at the age of 42.

The wake for Gaspar will be from 4-7 p.m. today and 1-4 p.m. Friday at McGorray Funeral Home, 25620 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. A Resurrection Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Angela Merici Church, 20970 Lorain Road, in Fairview Park.

Adam is survived by his wife Ann and six children ages 21 to 11: Nick, Monika, Gabi, Juli, Emily and Adam Jr. He also left behind many friends, including Marty Whitford, whom he knew since first grade. Whitford is organizing HUGE Heart Home Makeover for the Gaspar's house at 4179 West 204 Street in Fairview Park, bringing together donations of volunteer workers, materials and money.

"Adam went home to God after a courageous 10-month journey filled with smiles, laughs and tears," Whitford added.