Mark Anderson
Help me raise money to find a cure for ALS!
Welcome to my Walk to Defeat ALS/PLS Fundraising Page
Event: | Seattle Walk |
Date: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 |
Team: | Everett PLS with a Purpose, Patience, Love and Support |
First, thank you for the prayers, kind words, and gestures that carried me through this past year. Thank you again to those that generously helped me exceed my 2023 Walk to Defeat ALS/PLS fundraising goal! The Walk to defeat ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS/PLS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. Both ALS and PLS are on the same motor neuron disease spectrum.
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. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure.
Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) is a really rare, about 2000 in USA, that affects voluntary muscles via lesions in the brain. PLS is a progressive and degenerative disorder that typically affects functions that govern mobility, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, speaking, swallowing, and executive functions in the brain. Like ALS, there is no known cure and no known cause. Unlike ALS, PLS is not normally fatal although it is extremely life-altering. People with PLS may live as long as 20+ years. Some progress faster, some slower, and for some PLS turns into ALS.
Caregiving, for ALS and PLS patients, is a horribly stressful and emotionally draining endeavor, especially for loved ones. Knowing there is no known cause or cure you just deal with the progressive nature that this beast of a disease takes on your loved ones.
My support groups play a big role in my life also. It is hosted by the ALSA (ALS Association).
That’s why I’m walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS or PLS” again. My hope is if a cure is found for ALS it will be available to PLS people also. PLS. However, since PLS is so rare it is hard to diagnose without eliminating all other possibilities. Symptoms in 2018, but 2019 when my diagnosis was confirmed. My PLS continues to progressively get worse making this adventure unpredictable.
I’m also walking in memory of friends that passed away in 2024 from these diseases: Dr Rosemary Warren PLS 8/24/2024; Steve Horn ALS-variant May 2024; Richard Benton ALS 6/3/2024; and Marcel LaPerriere ALS 6/26/2024. They are in a better place but missed by those left behind.
Please support this important cause with your tax-deductible donations if you are able.
Thank you for your donations and prayers!
Mark Anderson
Check out the badges I've earned
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Mark R Anderson
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