As most y'all know, I lost my dad almost one year ago to ALS. He was the strongest and healthiest person I knew before this unforgiving neuromuscular disease took over his body and ultimately took his life.

I remember vividly sitting with my dad, my mom, and Dr. Callerame during an appointment at the end of April 2021 that we had finally secured to hopefully begin to have answers for my dad's symptoms that he had been having for the last 6 months. Our worst fear was confirmed through diagnosis that day - my dad had ALS. And he was not just diagnosed with any form of ALS, he had Bulbar ALS...in which the symptoms start in the throat first, rather and the limbs, and is more aggressive. We sat in silence and my dad cried. The Bulbar region of your brain can mess with a lot of emotions, but I knew those were real tears.

He said to Dr. Callerame that he knew he was "old" and would die from this disease but he wanted to offer his body up for any experimental things in order to help find a cure (that man was always helping others even in his time of need). Unfortunately, those types of trials are done out of state. But I know my dad never let that thought leave his mind as he took on every brunt that the disease gave him. He didn't want to stay and suffer and be a burden...but I know that he always wanted there to be a cure so that others after him did not have to go through what he had to endure. He was the true definition of a fighter and his strength mentally never wavered in the short time we had with him after his diagnosis. We lost him on September 17, 2022.

So with that, I promised my dad that I would try and do everything I could to keep his legacy and name alive and help fight for a cure for this unforgiving disease. This year I decided to make a team in his honor for the Walk to Defeat ALS here in Baton Rouge. It's on Bama game day morning...just how he would have wanted us to gather for him. Our team name is “Two Steppin' for Herb”- just how he would have wanted it. If you feel inclined to donate to our fundraiser to help find a cure, please do. You also have the option to register under our team name and join us in the walk on that November Bama game day morning - the more the merrier.. as my dad would have had it no other way. Invite ya mom and 'em and come two steppin' with us. Make sure you register to join our team if you'd like to walk!

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.

That's why we are 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' again.

Please consider walking with us or sponsoring us. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.

The Walk to Defeat ALS Louisiana is in Baton Rouge on November 4, 2023 - Check In is at 9am and the walk starts at 10am 🫶🏻