"Michael and I are first cousins. Michael was raised in Altoona, Pa., and I in Philadelphia.  Michael's parents and siblings made regular trips to Philadelphia to visit with our grandparents and the other family members.  It was always very special when Michael and his family came to town because we could play together, visit Philadelphia's plethora of historical landmarks, and have fun around the dinner table. Many summers preceding my teen years, I spent the summer months in Altoona with Michael and his family.  Over the years, we continued our relationship from afar and I marveled at his professional accomplishments."