Sherry Westcom

Donate to me

Kelly Westcom 1958-2019: Our reason for walking for a cure. He loved his kids so much. Photo taken at our last trip together to the Grand Canyon (his choice).

$1,049.93

Raised

$800.00

Goal

Of Goal

Welcome to My Fundraising Page

Event:	Vermont Walk
Date:	Saturday, September 28, 2024
Team:	Kelly's Krusaders

On January 20, 2017, my world turned upside down when my husband and I received the devastating news that he had ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia. The doctor told us his life expectancy was 2-5 years. He was a workaholic who was told he had to stop working immediately. This was extremely hard for him but eventually accepted the fact that he couldn't work, but vowed to "beat this". He always kept a positive attitude with a smile on his face. I had to stop working to care for him in June of 2018 as he was losing the use of his hands and arms. He thanked me several times a day for taking care of him and we tried to spend days going for rides and traveling as much as possible, especially to Boston to see our grandson that he wouldn't see grow up. He lost his battle on February 24, 2019, the day after our grandson's third birthday and just two years and four days after diagnosis. That September, I did my first VT Walk to Defeat ALS. This will be Kelly's Krusaders' sixth year doing the walk. Due to many circumstances, my past team members are unable to join me this year. I actually contemplated not doing the walk this year, but it's so important that we find a cure for this horrific disease as it is affecting even younger victims as I write this. It warms my heart to participate in this most important fundraising event at the beautiful Oakledge Park in Burlington. Therefore, I have decided to continue my effort to help find a cure as much as possible. If you are able and would like to support me, please donate what you can. The walk is on Saturday, September 28th. You are welcome to walk with me if you wish and are able. Thank you and thank you to everyone who has supported me in past walks as well.

The past few years have brought incredible advancements in ALS research, expanded access to care for people living with ALS, and enabled legislation that impacts the quality of life of people with ALS and their families. There is another treatment program that has just been approved as well. WE CAN'T STOP NOW! We are still losing community members to this horrific disease. PLEASE HELP!!Please consider walking with me and collecting donations or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.

Why We Need Your Help

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 two to five 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.

ALS 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 $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to bring help and hope today!

If you think this page contains objectionable content, please inform the system administrator.