A message from Filthy Mikes mum
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Dear Forum Members,
My name is Bernadette and I am Mike (aka “Filthy”) Ogurchak’s mom. I wanted to let you know how much it means to me that you thought so much about Mike. Thank you not only for your thoughts about him but also for the things you donated and/or purchased for the auction. Mike was almost obsessed with Iron Heart clothing and he only wore Iron Heart jeans and usually shirts every day. Every time someone would visit, he would go into his production about Iron Heart clothes and about the Forum. You brought so much joy to his life. I received the medical examiner’s report on Mike’s autopsy this week and as expected, he died from heart disease. The official cause was “coronary dilated myopathy” which means the muscles of his heart were so thick, it obscured the blood flow. Since many of my relatives had similar problems, it was definitely hereditary. Your donation to the American Heart Association will help in the research to find a cause and cure for this. Please know that I think about and pray for all of you daily and hope that you will carry on Mike’s great love of Iron Heart. Your comradery is so touching.
Affectionately,
Bernadette
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G Giles pinned this topic on 24 Mar 2023, 14:45
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This is so tragic and beautiful at the same time. This community is a wonderful example of what the internet should be and can be. It extends beyond the screens we hold in our hands and unites us through broad commonalities. The very commonalities that exist in all people. Mike was a warm and caring human being. And even though most of us never knew him, truly…his love and passion for both people and this community are unparalleled. Ive said it before and I’ll say it here…I’m honored to be a part of something so special. I wish Bernadette all the love and happiness she deserves and hope that knowing how deeply Mike loved this community and in return they love him can offer some ongoing support through an unimaginably difficult time.
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@Mizmazzle Nicely put and agreed
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yes , nothing to add
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Wonderfull! Tears.. she’s a beautiful human
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She's a beautiful mother. How touching.
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Thanks for passing along Bernadette’s words and update. It’s very nice of her to still think of our strange, niche passion shared by Mike.
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Latest message....
Giles, I received the notice from PayPal about the payment. I had my second hand surgery today and it was good to get this news. I continue to be amazed and humbled at the generosity of the Iron Heart forum members. All of you are close to my heart and as we prepare for Easter, I especially remember all in my prayers. Thank you again so much. Bernadette
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Hello Giles, Since it has been a few weeks since we have “talked”, I hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying a great Easter season. Thank you so much for the payment. Since we last communicated, I have had both my hands operated on for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and this coming Monday, I am having a total knee replacement. I will have to be in the regular hospital for a few days because of my heart problems and then I will be recovering in a rehabilitation center for a few weeks. I will still be able to receive your e-mails on my phone. I was wondering if you were able to post my letter to the Forum members. I can’t begin to reiterate how much it means to me that all of you have shown such kindness. Bernadette
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I’m so glad to start my weekend with a message like this. I hope she recovers well. We make annual contributions to American Heart Assoc, Save The Children (shout out to Luciana!), St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and every store check out request we come across but having a first hand relationship with someone touched by both tragedy and outreach is really a cool perspective.
