Why I Ride...
Kevin Heller was my high school classmate from Archbishop Stepinac High School (class of '79). I remember Kevin as being a giant personality - warm, friendly and fun; an outstanding athlete; involved in student government; well-liked by all. At Stepinac's 40th reunion, I learned that Kevin was diagnosed with ALS. I reached out to Kevin and followed him and his family on Facebook. Though Kevin passed away on January 5, 2021, his perspective, attitude and spirituality related to the disease continue to inspire me. He lived each day with the mantra "Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." Despite the challenges he faced, Kevin brought joy and grace into the world. So much so, that Kevin was posthumously named a national ALS Heroe. You can see a video of the presentation at https://youtu.be/HOTSJnF7oyc
On September 24, I will ride for Kevin and for his family and for all victims of this terrible disease.
Thank you for being a part of the event and part of the cure!
Here is a link to a story about Kevin and his journey.
http://webgw.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GW_9_2020_06_19_Spotlight_on_Kevin_Heller&fbclid=IwAR14G7NmFDQ9YiHG04w1eQSwgpSgr-O3T3kZ6-4DRBgzlc7rnmjpIR9KXCY#gsc.tab=0
What is ALS?
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of it's ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe.
Why We Need Your Help
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
1. The average life expectancy of an ALS patient is two to five years from the time of diagnosis.
2. Every 90 minutes someone in this country is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease.
3. ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease. Someone you know or love may die from ALS unless a cure is found.
4. Caring for a loved one with ALS costs on average of $200,000 each year.
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