On August 26, 2023, I am participating in the Omaha Walk to Defeat ALS. I have my heart set on raising $250 this year because I’m trying to do everything I can to impact this disease. I have a very personal reason to walk and raise money - I am walking in memory of our dear friend Mike Vinkavich.

As you know, Mike was Jeff's "work spouse" at the NJROTC unit at Papio South HS. We all spent countless hours together, traveling to drill meets and other events. Jeff and "Vink" worked really well together building a great program and we had a lot of fun socializing. 

Vink started to notice a weird feeling in his hand and eventually, it bothered him enough to go see the doctor. After many tests and appointments, he was diagnosed with ALS. He fell under the triple whammy of risk factors...military, farming, and athletic. He had to let Jeff know almost immediately because it was affecting how he did things at work. I didn't find out until we were at a drill meet in Missouri. I asked, "Mike, what did you ever find out about the weakness in your hand?" He said, "I'll tell you later. I don't want to ruin your day." That sums up Mike in a nutshell! He was always trying to make things easier for everyone else despite his own physical struggles. He had a fantastic attitude and an excellent sense of humor dealing with ALS. He worked as long as he could but eventually not being able to salute or wear his uniform properly forced him to retire from teaching NJROTC. He loved going out for beers with friends and ALS didn't stop him from enjoying the local watering holes in spite of needing to use a straw to drink and having us cut up his food to feed him. He just didn't care what people thought as long as he was having fun with friends.

Vink survived longer than most with ALS (7 years) -- a testament to his stubbornness! And he was teasing and joking all the while. In some ways, his sudden passing was a blessing because he never had to endure losing his speech and not being able to breathe on his own like so many others.


Together, we can create a world without ALS. I firmly believe it's possible and in my wildest dreams I feel like ALS research and advancements will also lead to cures for other neurological diseases like Parkinsons and MS. This is why I Walk to Defeat ALS!


Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS fundraising goal! This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease (like my friend Mike) and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. I encourage you to get your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers involved!
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Why We Need Your Help

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, 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 an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.

This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the meantime, it costs an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.

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