Liz was diagnosed with ALS in the fall of 2009 and in September of 2010 Team Panning held its inaugural Walk to Defeat ALS with over 100 walkers at Lake Harriet. We raised over $10,000 in the first year and have raised approximately $83,000 for ALS in 11 years. This year the Walk will be held on Saturday, September 16 at the Mall of America in Bloomington, BUT....
We are rebelling again! As a family , we have decided to not participate in the indoor walk and would prefer to be outdoors, but on an alternate date. Therefore we are going more low key this year. We plan to meet at 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 8 at Lake Phalen Park and we will have an informal walk around the lake (3 miles). You should be able to park near the picnic shelter.
We know this is short notice, but we would welcome you in joining is to remember Liz and support the ALS Association. Please join us in person or by becoming a virtual supporter and donating to this worthwhile cause. We will gather at 1:00 pm. start the walk at 1:30 and remain for a picnic. We will have a number of picnic tables near the pavilion. There is no other event at the park that day, so parking should be easy. After the walk (approx. pm) please join us for a picnic at the park. If you plan to stay please bring a snack or dish to share. We will provide hot dogs and brats, buns, condiments, plates, utensils, glasses and beverages. It would be helpful for our planning if you could RSVP to Rick at panning4@comcast.net to let us know if you are attending the walk and/or the get together after.
If you plan to join us you can wear your Walking for Liz red T-shirt, or your baseball cap or just wearing some red or just showing up. I do have more caps and a few T-shirts.
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 mean time 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.
Thank you!
Rick and Kate Panning, Shane Barton AND Allison, David and Elsie and Henry (our newest stroller rider) Frey.
