Why I Hike...
I will be participating in the Hike to Defeat ALS. My dad was diagnosed with PLS last year, and has since lost all lower body mobility. PLS is very relative to ALS and it's symptoms. I hike to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS, PLS, and to spread awareness for the urgency to find treatments and a cure.
What is ALS/PLS?
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. Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a type of motor neuron disease that causes the nerve cells in the brain that control movement to fail over time. PLS causes weakness in your voluntary muscles, such as those you use to control your legs, arms and tongue. You may experience movement problems, such as difficulty with balance, slow movements and clumsiness. You may eventually experience problems with chewing, swallowing and speaking.
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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