Many of you know that I have chosen to make a career at The ALS Association Nothern Ohio Chapter. Many of you don't know that my connection to ALS goes back to my maternal grandfather, Oscar, who was diagnosed with ALS in 1943 at Fairview Hospital. At the time, they told my grandmother to "take him home, he has Lou Gehrig's Disease, there is nothing we can do." They also told her NOT to tell him his diagnosis.
My grandfather was a strong, tall, thin man. By day, he worked with his hands as a wood pattern maker and by nights and time off from work, he worked to renovate and convert an old brick school house to a home for his family. He had just moved his wife and 3 young children from the east side of Cleveland to Avon, a huge culture shock and a very long drive in those days without an expressway, and was soon unable to use his hands. My grandmother cared for her husband at home along with 3 children without any government assistance or Chapter programs.
While we have better care and programs to assist people fighting ALS these days, we still do not have a treatment or a cure. Please consider walking or sponsoring me so that we can create a world without ALS.
With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. I encourage you get your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers involved!
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.
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