Fight ALS.

Dear Friends and Family,

I will be participating in the SuperHero 5K/10K Dash. It is an event designed to raise funds for those with ALS ( Lou Gehrigs Disease).
I may not finish the race, but I promise you I will start it!

Because you all know me so well, you probably know that this is really uncomfortable to ask.....but here goes.
Yes.....I am asking you for a donation as I am trying to meet my personal fund raising goal. I know all of you give so much to others ( I have such loving and thoughtful friends and family).I do understand completely if the timing is not quite right or if you are stretched with the things life can bring.

I have spent a bit of time learning about ALS Disease and it really tugged at my heart. This is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease and it slowly takes away the bodies ability to walk, speak,swallow and breathe. There is currently no cure and life expectancy averages 2 to 5 years from diagnosis. Due to the rapid progression of ALS, the needs of someone living with the disease evolve rapidly over a short period of time.

Often Insurance does not pay for the durable medical equipment that is so needed, so the ALS Association utilizes a loan pool that allows people to access equipment at no charge. Caregivers so often need a break, so the ALS Association pays for skilled home care workers to give those caregivers some time.

I feel the ALS Association is doing a beautiful job of not only working hard to find a cure for ALS, but to also shoulder the burdens of disease itself by spending dollars taking care of the caregivers and trying to help families mitigate the high cost of valuable medical care and equipment.

I know all of you will be giving something, whether it be monetary, prayers, good energy, or just taking time to educate yourself about ALS. I appreciate and thank you for any way you choose to show your love!

Love to all of you,

Joni

P.S. It has been awhile, so I hope you all cut me some slack on my writing and spelling skills. Thanks