As most of you know, my cousin Matt lost his battle with ALS on Labor Day. He was the best son, brother, father, uncle, cousin and friend a person could ever know. He had a lot of influence on my life including my choice of colleges. I followed him to Catholic University.
Until the ice bucket challenge, there was very little progress made with treatments from when Lou Gehrig was diagnosed. While progress has been made, we are far from finding a cure.
That is why I am asking you to donate to my Walk to Defeat ALS fundraiser. The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.
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 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure. For Matt, it was a little over 2 years.
That’s why I’m walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. So that when people are diagnosed with ALS, they know there is hope. And that someday, ALS won't result in a terminal diagnosis.
The past two 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. It wasn't enough to save Matt, but let's hope it is for all others diagnosed with this retched disease.
The key to a cure begins with us. Please consider walking with me on Sunday, October 22nd, at De Anza Cove or sponsoring me with a donation or both. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. And we will be honoring Matt's memory by providing help for those diagnosed in the future.
I love you Matt and miss our long phone calls, our visits in Maryland and all the laughs!!
