In the summer of 2014, we all happily and enthusiastically participated in the ice bucket challenge to benefit the ALS foundation and those living with this incurable disease. Of course, we had no idea at that time that this disease would affect us also personally.

In May of 2022 Jerry was diagnosed with ALS.  Suffice to say that our family's world was rocked by this news. We were devastated. Why him? Why now? He had worked his entire life to support his family and was finally months from his well deserved retirement.  This was SO unfair.

However, Jerry set the tone for all of us when shortly after diagnosis he announced that he didn’t want a “pity party” and that “It is what it is“. He was determined to live as much life as he could for as long as he could, and he immediately started planning an extensive bucket list of vacations and adventures. And like always, HE was OUR rock.  This is SO Jerry!

As he has said, he didn’t let the grass grow under his feet, and this past year he has traveled far and near, with the people he holds dear, to places such as London, Iceland, Portugal, Alaska, Morocco, Italy, Mexico, and so many places in the USA. As I’m writing this, he is on his way to Switzerland.

Jerry’s amazing attitude has inspired us all and left no room for self-pity, anger, or resentment. Instead, he inspires us to embrace every day and try to hug harder, laugh louder, and live each day to the fullest. ❤

Jerry has formed Team Bleu, named in honor of his little French bulldog puppy, and we invite you to join us on October 7 as we walk to help raise funds to support Jerry and those affected by ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

Join us in person in Seattle, virtually from wherever you are, or by supporting Jerry or another member of our team in raising funds. Your support means the world to our family!