This year's official Western Maryland Walk for ALS is on Saturday, October 7th. Many team members will be walking virtually from their location, but a core group of us will be walking at Baker Park in Frederick, Md. Our team is joining hundreds of walkers for The ALS Association’s Walk to Defeat ALS®, and I need your support to make my efforts really matter! I am starting very late this year, but nonetheless am very determined to meet my fundraising goal.

I have lost 4 friends to ALS: Mary Hanna Cross (which is how I originally became involved with the Walk to Defeat ALS 11 years ago); Mark Myers (a good friend of my brother and Godfather to my nephew); a previous co-worker, Amy Truman, and Patty Hanna Fourcade, sister of Mary Hanna Cross. Through mutual friends, I was made aware of Audrey Dutton, who is also suffering from ALS. I am deeply saddened that my good friend, Teri Hanna Knowles (sister of Mary and Patty), was diagnosed with ALS a couple of years ago. ALS has been very unfair to the Hanna family. So this year I am walking for Teri. I don't want to lose anyone else to this awful disease. That's why I’m walking – for those who can’t.

My personal fundraising goal is $2000 and I hope you’ll help me reach it. By making a one-time, tax-deductible donation, you can truly make a difference in the fight against ALS. Just visit my online fundraising website listed below to make a donation. Any amount you feel comfortable giving is deeply appreciated. Every dime makes a difference! With your support, we can make a positive impact today in the lives of those living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.