Mickey Gallagher was an extraordinary human being. He loved life with a passion few could ever match. Mickey was born with a rare heart condition. It was discovered at a very early age. His parents were told he would not survive past childhood. Through the wonders of medicine, he defied the odds for many years. Mickey finally needed and received a heart transplant in 1998. For the next three and a half years, he struggled with his new heart. In March of 2002, it was decided that valve replacements would be the cure. After two surgeries, an infection developed that could not be cured. Mickey died May 11th, 2002.

Mickey had many loves in his life. His family, friends, sports, theatre and fiancé just to name a few. He was devoted to all of these things as well as Northeast Catholic High School.

Mickey Gallagher

He always spoke highly of his times at North. So highly, that he entertained thoughts of becoming an Oblate of St. Francis De Sales. His family insisted a scholarship be established in his name.

Despite his illness, Mickey "never had a bad day". He never complained or asked why me. He wore this illness as a badge of honor. He was thankful for it because it made him who he was. He said he would not have been the same person without it. He inspired people to accentuate the positives in life and not dwell on the negatives. He was loved by many in so many ways. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend and most of all a great human being. When you were in his company, he made you feel like the most important person on earth.

The Mickey Gallagher Scholarship Fund was developed to grant incoming freshmen a chance to experience a great education and provide strong values to take with them for life. If they are lucky enough, they will take a part of Mickey with them.