In 2016, our seemingly simple lives changed forever. My husband Ryan, a healthy, active 36-year-old father of two, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He passed away in February 2020 at age 40.

The diagnosis was absolutely devastating. Our family learned very quickly the true meaning of living life to the fullest. And every day since, we have been focused on how to best make family fun outpace the progression of ALS.

Ryan began his journey with a limp and had to accept many changes in mobility, using a cane and then a walker, and eventually moving around in his wheelchair full-time. In his last month, he was bedridden and the window of time that he was awake and able to enjoy our rambunctious kids grew smaller and smaller.

Together with The RAT Pack,* I'm on a serious mission to raise as much money as possible every year in his honor, to make all of our heartache and pain have purpose. And to carry on his legacy!

Please consider the need for a cure urgent and help make a difference!

*The RAT Pack (coined after Ryan’s initials) is our ALS Walk team.