Kicking for a Cause: Gary’s Fundraiser for TMS

At The Mast Cell Disease Society (TMS), we are continually inspired by the strength and generosity of our community. We’re grateful to share Gary’s story of living with systemic mastocytosis (SM) and the meaningful way he chose to support The Mast Cell Disease Society. In addition to navigating his own diagnosis, he rallied his community to raise significant funds for TMS—an effort that has made a real impact.

It means so much when members of our community share our mission with their friends and family. When supporters bring others alongside them in this work, it strengthens our ability to advance research, education, and support for everyone affected by mast cell diseases. Here is Gary’s story:

My name is Gary and I am 55 years old and was diagnosed with Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) in 2010. I have chosen to mostly treat myself through nutrition, exercise and doing everything I can to stay positive. SM has led to other conditions such as severe osteoporosis, enlarged spleen, as well as hypertension.

I have always lived a VERY active and adrenalized lifestyle. In my younger years as a competitive freestyle skier and martial artist, I opened my own martial arts facilities in the suburbs of Boston. I have 3 beautiful daughters (Mikayla 29, Madison 26, and Samantha 11), and they are my world (and my dogs 😊).

This year when we began our annual black belt testing cycle, I decided to have the requirement of fundraising / good deed, be raising money for The Mast Cell Disease Society. We had 70 Students that were testing for Black Belt or Degree level of Black Belt involved and we were able to raise over $20,000!

It was such a great feeling to be able to donate that money to TMS! It is such an unknown disease that so many people struggle with and not many people are aware it even exists.

If you are interested in following Gary’s lead, you can learn more about becoming a fundraiser below.