Why We Need Your Help
Help make a difference and donate or join my team today. I need help spreading awareness of ALS to educate what the hell it is.
Hey Y'all,
As most of y'all know, I pulled my back out at work on April 12, 2012. After PT and a lot of going back and forth between workers comp and disability, they couldn't decide if it was my back or something neurological. This continued after my case was settled, but I wasn't any better, I was worse off. After 6 months of physical therapy, going for all new testing to check my reflexes, answering the same questions on different appointments to see if my story strayed, MRIs, body scans, 18 vials of blood at one visit, being poked and prodded, electrocuted, all the brain scans and so many different tests to rule out any other causes or diseases; it took a year and a half to rule out, all but one. With the dr holding my hand, I was diagnosed with ALS with Early Onset Dementia. Besides the physical side of ALS, it also messes with my head with spelling, using the right words, finding the words, confusion, and a feeling of being very misunderstood. Not many people understand and support is hard to come by, on so many levels. I have a handful, but if my depression were to get too bad, I don't know who to call. I am lost!
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. Here are some sobering facts: ALS strikes without discrimination and there is no known cause or cure. More than 30,000 people across the country are diagnosed with this disease that slowly robs their bodies of the ability to move and even breathe, but they aren’t the only ones affected – their families are, too. Patient care costs are an ASTOUNDING — $250,000+ a year -- which is why the money raised through the Walk is so crucial. Thankfully VA pays for most of my needs, but not all.
That's why I’m rolling – for those who can’t walk anymore. Please make a donation today and/or support my efforts to make a difference for people living with this disease, especially my brothers and sisters in arms who are giving their lives because of toxins and contamination. My unit already lost one, and have two more with MS. Another one is having neurological issues, similar to mine but hasn't lost mobility yet. Hopefully, his will stay intact. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will be put to impactful use. Together, we can realize a world without ALS and have the old Kristi back.
Please show some love and support. Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. You can also visit my page on facebook page, ALS Ruck Up for The Road March Home.
