1985

Andy Birol sent us the following update on his year: "Margo enjoyed another year of phenomenal health and growth and continued to delight and inspire so many of us around her. As she grows, it is so exciting for us to listen to her read to us, solve math problems, and tell time. She continually points out what we take for granted and what our blind spots cause us to miss. Andy in fact is attempting to capture all she has taught him in his second book effort, Lessons from Margo: Unveiling Your Best and Highest Use, which is now in the hands of a NYC literary agent. Above all, we treasure every day that Margo's battle with cystic fibrosis has her mostly in control.

In July, Joan and Andy celebrated their tenth anniversary and they realize, through thick and thin, how much their love has conquered all. The social highlight of the year was certainly the Birol's 25-day odyssey through France and Italy. Throwing caution and frequent flyer miles to the wind, the Birols journeyed through the French Riviera, Monte Carlo, Italy's Ligurian Coast, Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Andy's business fared well in this tough year, winning the Weatherhead 100 Award as one of northern Ohio's fastest-growing businesses. Additionally, Andy is now seen on Cleveland's NBC-TV affiliate as an entrepreneurial contributor, commenting on local and business issues. During the year, he got very involved in the home-based business movement, speaking on National Public Radio and standing up for similar businesses in front of his town's city council."