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General presses war against ALS
Retired officer strives to improve victims' odds
Sunday, December 17, 2006

BY GLENN SMITH



Tom Mikolajcik's withered arms hang limply at his sides. His fingers can barely poke the buttons on a remote control. His once-strong stride is now an awkward shuffle on legs that tire quickly.

Mikolajcik is dying. But he refuses to give in. There is too much left to do, too many people who still need his help.

The retired brigadier general has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. The disease progressively kills nerve cells, robbing its victims of muscle control until they become paralyzed and die, usually within two to five years. There is no cure.

ALS was diagnosed in this former commander of the Charleston Air Force Base in 2003, and he knows there is little chance he will beat the disease. He is fighting to improve the odds for future victims.

The Mount Pleasant resident was instrumental in forming the first ALS Association chapter in South Carolina last year. He also pushed for the creation of a local clinic that opened in July to treat those stricken with the neurological disorder. He helps lead an ALS support group, promotes the annual fundraising walk for the ALS chapter and makes public appearances throughout the community to focus attention on the disease.

"God has given me a cross to bear, but he also allows me to still have the energy, the faculties and the voice to maybe make a difference, whether it be in helping other people or in raising awareness," Mikolajcik says.

This grandson of Polish immigrants has made service to country and community a hallmark theme in his life. At his 60th birthday party in August, 250 people from around the globe gathered in North Charleston to pay tribute to the aging warrior. Gov. Mark Sanford lauded Mikolajcik for leading "a true life of service before self." Brig. Gen. Susan Desjardins called him "an absolute hero."

Rebecca Jordan, executive director of the ALS Association chapter, says she has difficulty keeping up with Mikolajcik, regardless of his physical limitations. She doubts that either the chapter or the clinic would be in place now if not for him.

"All of what Tom does is really for other people," Jordan says. "He's made a huge difference in hundreds of people's lives."

Mikolajcik, who once worked in the Pentagon, has twice this year traveled to Washington, D.C., to spur government action on the link between military service and ALS. Studies have found that veterans are much more likely to contract the disease than those who have never served in the military. No one is sure why.

The general's efforts helped win additional defense funding for ALS research, bolstered Pentagon interest in the disease and paved the way for a possible congressional hearing on ALS next year.

James Heywood, chief executive officer of the Cambridge, Mass.-based ALS Therapy Development Foundation, said Mikolajcik's efforts are "going to change the entire landscape of ALS.

"What I love about Tom is that he doesn't ever blame anyone for anything. Yet at the same time, he holds them accountable for what they could do to help," Heywood said.

Mikolajcik also has remained active as a military advisor to the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and as a mentor for military commanders in the area. He is founding member of the Mount Pleasant Open Space Foundation and is a senior advisor to the National Defense Transportation Association's local chapter.

Mary Graham, vice president of the chamber's public policy division, said Mikolajcik's tireless work proved a key factor in local and state efforts to minimize base closures and job losses last year during the Pentagon's Base Realignment and Closure process.

"He was just not going to accept anything less than a positive result for this community," she says. "When he is involved, everything is done to 190 percent. That's just who he is."

The disease continues to take its toll on the general. But he has no intention of giving up.

"I feel like I can still contribute to society," Mikolajcik said. "I've never been a person who can just sit and do nothing."



Jefferson Awards
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The Post and Courier features a Jefferson Award nominee every Sunday on the Local & State page. Since 1973, the Jefferson Awards have been presented in five categories: public service by a private citizen, someone whose work helps the disadvantaged, public service by someone 35 or younger, public officials and someone who makes a difference on the local level.

To nominate someone, send a 300- word essay to Jefferson Awards,
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Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com
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