This cause is especially close to our family’s heart as Fred, a fun loving husband, a supportive dad, and loving grandpa, was diagnosed with this disease in January of 2018. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their passing. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Many can remember the Ice Bucket Challenge Fundraiser, and maybe many of you, like me, participated in it. I never would have guessed that ALS would be something a family member of mine would be diagnosed with. Today they are beginning to make advancements on medication that can slow the degeneration of neurons down. It is with the charitable donations from people like you that will make it possible for the research for a cure to continue.

My dad has always been hands on. He is creative, musical, fun loving, and an all-around amazing and generous man who gives the best hugs. Unfortunately as of lately, he is having more and more trouble doing the things he so dearly loves. ALS is effecting his ability to use his arms and play with his grandchildren the way he would want to. I will say, with all of this going on, my dad is still in such high spirits, and finds creative ways to do what he can. He is truly and inspiration for facing adversity.

 With no known cause or cure, ALS challenges the human spirit and tests the courage of everyone touched by this devastating disease.However, we can work together to create a Community of Hope that restores dreams and builds courage.  Our community gives strength and hope to our loved ones, neighbors, and friends facing the fear and uncertainty of ALS.Your gifts will make this possible.

Thank you for helping us build a Community of Hope!

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