Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS fundraising goal! 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.
A few years ago I met a man named Lou at my mother's retirement community. We were in the dining room with a table full of her friends when Lou stopped by to flirt with the ladies. Obviously charming, with a sense of humor and smile on his face, Lou got out his tablet and began his visit. Mom said to me "Lou has ALS". Lou had lost his ability to speak and was in a rollator wheelchair because he could no longer walk, but had not lost his "spark" as he made his way around the dining room visiting with friends and acquaintances. This made an impression on me. How awful to lose all of your ability to move, speak, talk, and eat! Now, a few years later, I work for the ALS Association of Texas and see up close how devastating this disease is for patients and their families and friends who love them. This is a horrible disease and I hope you will help me raise the funds to someday make this a world without ALS!
That’s why I’m walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS” again.
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.
But, we can’t stop now. The key to a cure begins with you.
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.