TJ's ALStars
Well here we go again!
Welcome to TJ's ALStars 8th annual ALS Superhero Dash, a tradiation that has been on-going since 2016 in loving memory of Thomas Monroe Johnson, who lost his battle with ALS on November 6th, 2011. He was a loving husband, caring friend, and the best father I could've hoped for. For those who knew my father, knew that his smile and infectious energy could fill an entire room. He gave nothing short of 110%, whether that be in his daily job, duty as a husband, father, or friend, or even in his battle with ALS. The lives he touched span far and wide, and he continues to do so through this team and fundraiser. He will forever be my greatest hero, idol, and inspiration in life.
This team, TJ's ALStars, has been made in rememberance of him, just as much as it has been made for those indivudals and families who recently got the news of an ALS diagonsis. Also, to those who will recieve one in the future. I want, we all want, to make sure no one else has to live through a terminal ALS diagnosis as an individual or loved one.
ABOUT ALS/WHY I 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 regard for age, gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic boundaries.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. While medications have slowly been approved by the FDA for "treatment" of ALS, they have only been able to slow the inevitable for several months on average.
Due to the rapid progression of ALS, the needs of someone living with the disease evolve rapidly over a short period of time. The financial burden on the family is a heavy one, as the average out-of-pocket cost for caring for a loved one with ALS exceeds $250,000. Often times insurance does not cover durable medical equipment, so The ALS Association utilizes a loan pool that allows people to access equipment at no charge. Caregivers often need a break, so The ALS Association pays for skilled home care workers to give those caregivers time. The ALS Association also provides augmentative communication devices that are critical when someone's ability to speak has been compromised.
All of these support tools help individuals and families impacted by ALS live the fullest life possible, which is why we're asking you to support our fundraising efforts or join our team.
Thank You!
TJ's ALStars
"Gone yet not forgotten, altough we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart."
-In loving memory of Thomas Monroe Johnson, who lost his battle with ALS on Novemeber 6th, 2011.
We love you Dad
