WINNING AT LIFE
Benefit in the works for actor, author in fight against ALS
“Life truly is short. We all die. It’s just some earlier than others. Stop worrying so much. Make a list of things you want to achieve. Start now by checking them off and achieving them.” — Dominic Thrasher
Dominic Thrasher has a new motto: Win at life as long as you can.
Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in January 2023, Thrasher, known to some in Mt. Pleasant as Mikey Sheahan-stahl, spends a lot of his time reading to children the book he wrote about his family’s Aussiedoodle dogs, “The Adventures of Cece and the Sheriff: Country (Fur) Cousins.”
Written during pandemic restrictions, which postponed any live performances in his acting career, the book was a labor of love he wants to share with the community, despite a few recent snags.
Sacred Heart Academy canceled classes the day he was scheduled to read to students, and the priest at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Beal City apologized to the parish for allowing a gay man to read to preschool children because he was married in a civil union that is not in line with the church’s values.
Both of those instances caused an outpouring of support for Thrasher, born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, and a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy.
Thrasher continues to read the book to children at schools, libraries and businesses because he wants to bring joy while he can, but at the same time, he has to make sure he is taking care of his health.
“Life truly is short,” Thrasher said. “We all die.
“It’s just some earlier than others. Stop worrying so much. Make a list of things you want to achieve. Start now by checking them off and achieving them.”
While Thrasher keeps up his schedule of readings, community members have been buying copies of his book online and at Sleepy Dog Books in downtown Mt. Pleasant.
Now, a group of them are offering more support to the man who has spread kindness and love throughout his community.
A benefit for Thrasher is scheduled for May 4 at Morey Courts, 5175 E. Remus Road in Mt. Pleasant, with a silent auction beginning at 4 p.m. and a live auction to take place at about 6 p.m.
Organizers are asking for $10 donations for adults, $5 for children and $30 per family, with reserved tables available for $90 for six and $120 for eight, which includes tickets to the event.
The event will feature a pulled pork dinner, and refreshments will be available.
Reserve tables for six people are available for $90 and eight people for $120; those at reserved tables will be entered into a special drawing.
To reserve tables, call Claire Bunker at 989-621-2733.
All proceeds from the benefit will help pay for Thrasher’s growing expenses in his fight against the neuromuscular disorder for which there is no cure.
In addition to the fundraiser, cash donations can be made at any branch of Isabella Bank by referencing “Dominic Thrasher’s ALS Benefit.”