Kelsey Thedford

Donate to me Join my team

$2,050.00

Raised

$5,000.00

Goal

Of Goal

Thank you for fighting with me to END ALS!

Event:	Fort Worth Walk
Date:	Saturday, October 21, 2023
Team:	Legacy

I want to share my story with you so you can understand better what your support means to me.

My dad was diagnosed with ALS in 2016. ALS is a fatal disease that takes away your ability to speak, move, eat, and breathe. Normal, everyday tasks, that to many of us are thoughtless, have become nearly impossible for him - speaking, eating, using his arms to pick up his grandchildren, using his hands to open jars, button his shirt, write. These things are effortless for many of us, and we take them for granted every day. Unfortunately, the grave reality is, it is only going to get worse for him.

My family and I have participated in The Fort Worth Walk to Defeat ALS every year since he was diagnosed. A big part of the Walk is bringing awareness to this disease of which so little is known, so that better help is accessible. Another huge purpose for the Walk is to raise funds for The ALS Association who directly helps our local community suffering with this horrific disease and leads in the world’s research for a cure.

One of the many ways the money you donate to my team helps my dad and hundreds of others in our area is through local clinics where many different doctors and specialists work with and evaluate him on a regular basis. Because this disease affects so many different parts of the body in so many different ways, they have medical doctors, dietitians, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, equipment specialists, etc. that keep track of the progression and offer assistance based on each individual's needs. Outrageously expensive, yet vitally necessary equipment is made available for him and others at no cost through this organization.

Though my dad isn't at Stephen Hawking level yet, he very well may get there before too long, so he has already begun the process of voice banking and getting equipment that will enable him to continue communicating after his ability to speak is taken from him completely. A big part of that is thanks to this organization.

My team, Legacy, is trying to raise $5,000 this year to help in this feat. Donations from people like you and me help make these things possible and give us hope for finding a cure one day. The more support we gain, the more hope we can give to those living with ALS and their families. I implore you to consider joining me in this fight. You can donate as much or as "little" as you're able in just a few short minutes from where you are right now. No amount is "little" to any of us. Everything means a great deal to us. So don't let that stop you!

Thank you for fighting with me to make a difference.

Kels