Gerard Michael Carroll, “Jerry”, was just 58 years young when he lost his battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in May of 2021.  Born as the middle child in a family of seven children, Jerry was an easy-going, kind-hearted, and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.  He was a 1981 graduate of Dunwoody High School (Georgia) and went on to earn a business management degree from West Georgia College.  From 1985 to the spring of 2020, Jerry helped countless school and church groups raise money for their organizations with his fundraising business.  His charismatic personality helped his clients achieve success, and he established hundreds of lasting friendships.

Throughout his entire life, Jerry devoted himself – his time, his talents, and his energy to his family.  He leaves behind his wife of thirty-one years, Cindy, and their four young adult children: Ryan, Matt, Emily, and Conner. His leisure time was spent golfing or fishing, but he truly just loved coaching his children’s youth sports’ teams, watching them compete at the high school level, and jumping the ocean waves on family vacations.

In the spring of 2015 short episodes of dizziness, foot numbness, and tired, heavy limbs were the beginning signs of MSA, unbeknownst to Jerry.  From 2016 to the spring of 2019, Jerry saw countless doctors only to come away with nothing – no diagnosis.  Many illnesses and diseases were ruled out, but no one could put their finger on MSA.  Finally, a specialist at Emory’s Brain Health Center (Atlanta) nailed it.  But, with the diagnosis came the grim description of what lie ahead as well as that word – “terminal”.  The dizzy spells increased; walking was a chore; blood pressure readings plummeted.  The days of jogging, golfing, and fishing were over.  Not only did the debilitating illness slowly take Jerry’s ability to walk from him, it led to the frustration of no longer being able to be an independent adult.

Jerry lost his battle exactly two years after his diagnosis and six years from the onset of his initial symptoms.  With so little that can be done to help anyone diagnosed with MSA, it has become the goal of our family to raise money on an annual basis to support Defeat MSA Alliance’s goal to help fund more research.  The Carroll family wants to help others in the future to not have to endure the physical, mental suffering and emotional suffering. More research is critically needed – please help the Carroll family help other families affected by MSA