My dad lost his fight with ALS July 2013. He fought for 3 years. He made it to my wedding in June 2013, my sisters sweet sixteen just days later, and then to my 21st birthday in July 2013. After that he was done fighting. He was a rancher is whole life and the hardest working most amazing man I have ever known. My mom, sister, fiance, and I along with my best friend and a wonderful woman named Kelly took care of him. THere is nothing more devistating than watching a cowboy that had done everything himself for 35+ years loose everything he loved. His balance was first so he was soon in a power chair. Then he lost his speech soon after which I think was the hardest part. This disease did however bring out family closer together. I miss him every single day, and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. My husband and I are here trying to make my dad pround by running his ranch now joined by our 3 year old son. My sister just graduated from Resperaitory Therapy school May 2017 and had been a licensed RRT in her field since working at both Monument in Rapid City and in Sioux Falls. She was inspired through going to all dads appointments in Sioux Falls and has decided to help others now. My family is passionate about finding a cure and fighting this disease so no more families have to go through what we did.
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 yet it still costs loved ones 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.
