Mark J. Christman works a puzzle called CryptoQuote. The player chooses letters to be used in place of other letters to figure out a famous quote.
A recent one Christman solved was: “What do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” “I thought, ‘that’s a keeper,’” said Christman, a Trib Total Media board member, as part of his comments after he accepted the Whitehall Man of the Year Award on Saturday. ”So I started writing it down and wrote ‘What do you plan to do with your one wild and precious wife .’ “I thought: ‘I like that even better.
’ That quote is about paying attention to detail and remaining curious and being grateful for the ones who love you.” If you know Christman, that quote is spot on with both words “life” and “wife.” Christman has certainly lived through some wild moments.
And his wife, Renee, has been by his side through it all. Renee Christman captured video as her husband was lauded as the Man of the Year at the ceremony in Brennan Plaza on a beautiful 80-degree day as part of Whitehall Community Weekend. Brennan Plaza is named after former Whitehall Mayor Ed Brennan who did his research that this August weekend is the nicest of the summer in terms of weather, said Hannah Bower, Whitehall director of parks and recreation.
Close to 500 people attended Community Weekend — which includes a 20-team pickleball tournament on Sunday — to honor Christman, a former real estate and business attorney. He also started a local chapter of an organization for a genetic disorder that causes weakening of the skeletal muscles. The weekend also served to honor as two people with Community Awards and another as a Good Neighbor recognition.
Michelle Crawley acquired a $26,000 grant to help with the water flow to prevent flooding at Baldwin Manor Park, a public park. Her daughters accepted her award because she was out of town. Sean Crane, who owns a landscaping business, has done work for free in the park.
The Good Neighbor award is chosen by the Whitehall residents. They selected Dennis Stumpf, who will do anything for anyone who needs it. Christman, 63, congratulated his fellow honorees from the neighborhood where he and his wife have lived since 2006.
“This is a safe, orderly community where everyone is invested in making it a great place to live,” Christman said. “Everyone who lives here cares about the neighborhood.” It is Christman’s caring nature that guided him to always strive for the betterment of his clients as an attorney.
In his retirement years he has dedicated himself as an advocate for people with a rare disease, one he knows well. “Being named Man of the Year is fantastic,” said Christman, who grew up in Indiana Township. “It’s important to help others.
It’s one of those things you don’t want to care too much about what people think about you in order to motivate you. But it is really special when they recognize what you do — especially in the community where you live, where they know the challenges you face in life.” Christman has not allowed those challenges to get in his way.
He has faced every one head on. Christman was diagnosed in 1977 with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, or FSHD, a genetic disorder that causes weakening of the skeletal muscles. He didn’t meet another person with this disease until 2014.
Christman decided to create a Western Pennsylvania chapter of the national FSHD Society. He is involved in a fundraising campaign that includes an annual event — Drum & Roll to Cure FSHD. He has helped raised nearly $150,000 for FSHD.
He traveled to Washington D.C. a few months ago to talk to congressional lawmakers and bring awareness for patients who have FSHD.
According to the FSHD Society, an estimated 870,000 people worldwide have FSHD. About 20% of them, like Christman, will eventually need a wheelchair. There is no effective treatment or cure.
But there is hope — which is what keeps Christman moving forward. The condition is inherited and can affect many family members across generations, according to the organization, which provides education and outreach, funds scientific and medical research. It also advocates for increased government and industry investment.
Christman is a leader in everything he does, according to his son Zachary. He said his dad and mom are role models to him and his sisters, Leah and Rachel. “He is getting the recognition that I think he deserves,” Zachary said.
“My dad helps others with FSHD not give up hope. I am very proud. He and our mom show us the good in the world every day.
They are such a great couple.” When Whitehall Mayor James Nowalk read Christman’s story, Nowalk said he was inspired that at age 16 Christman learned of his diagnosis. “You are 16 and you think about driving, you think about girls, and you get this diagnosis,” Nowalk said.
“I am sure there were times he felt so alone. To see what he did, what he’s been able to accomplish in his life and to decide to help others and raise money for research for a cure and treatment. “We are proud to honor him.
He is a celebrity. He’s our Taylor Swift. He is courageous, inspirational and passionate.
” Trib Total Media President and CEO Jennifer Bertetto agreed, calling Christman a fantastic advocate and dedicated trustee. She said she’s proud to call Christman a friend. “I’m delighted to extend my most sincere congratulations to Mark on being named Man of the Year,” Bertetto said.
“This is a truly exceptional honor that reflects his extraordinary contributions to his community. Mark’s tireless dedication to advancing research for the FSHD Society, including his advocacy on Capitol Hill, inspires us all. Mark’s service as a Trustee for Trib Total Media is a further testament to his commitment to our community.
This recognition is a well-deserved tribute to his leadership.” Christman has been a member of the Whitehall Zoning Hearing Board since 2010. He said he’s probably the only resident to call the police to help him when he gets his wheelchair stuck in the mud in his yard.
He said there are always adventures that keep him moving forward. The next adventure in his wild and precious life for he and his wife? They are about to become grandparents in February. Their daughter, Leah, is expecting a baby.
“We are so excited,” Christman said. “Having a grandchild in our life will definitely be wild.” And precious.
This year’s Western Pennsylvania Drum & Roll to Cure FSHD takes place 1 p.m. Nov.
3 at The National Aviary’s Garden Room on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Details: fshdsociety.org.
