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 2022 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), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, 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 rare motor neuron disease that affects voluntary muscles via lesions on 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 can live as long as 20 years or more. Some progress faster, some slower, and for some the PLS turns into ALS. In many ways PLS lifespan puts more of a burden on me and my wife who is my primary caregiver. My support group plays a big role in my life also. It is hosted by the ALSA.

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 is really rare with only about 2,000 in the USA, maybe more. In 2018 I was told I probably had PLS. However, since PLS is so rare it is hard to diagnose without eliminating all other possibilities. It was 2019 when my diagnosis was confirmed. My PLS continues to progressively get worse making this adventure unpredictable. 

Please support this important cause with your tax-deductible donations if you are able.

Thank you for your donations and prayers!

Mark Anderson