Welcome to my page. This is my first time doing the Walk to Defeat ALS fundraiser. For those who don't know, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes the body to lose its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. It was nick-named "Lou Gehrig's disease" after the famous Yankee player who had the disease. Another famous person to have it was Stephen Hawking.
This disease personally impacted my life a year ago when a loved one was diagnosed at the young age of 41. Currently, the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with ALS averages 2 to 5 years. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause, prevention or cure. It is a medical mystery.
That’s why I’m walking this September. To raise awareness, to raise much-needed funds for research, and to change the outcome. I want to find a way that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS” and thinks its a death sentence. I know this is possible.
Although there have been great advances in the past few years in ALS research and care-giving arenas, we can't stop here. There is still no cure or understanding of cause. Medications leave much to be desired. I believe a key to the cure requires funding for research, political advocacy and general public awareness.
Please consider sponsoring me or joining me for this walk. With your help, I know we'll make a difference in the outcome of this disease.
Thank you,
Elsa Churchill