I'll take a few minutes to explain why we choose the name Randy's Mountaineers for our team name.

For those of you who are not aware, my dad - Randy - was a diesel mechanic with John Deere for 22 years. He has a way of understanding machinery that is rarely found in others and he had always used that gift to help other people whenever - and however - he could. The farming communities of Muleshoe, Lazbuddie, and the surrounding areas could always count on him to get their equipment back up and running. His caring, selfless, and ornery personality led him to build relationships with all types of people.

In 2018, he went in for what should have been a routine Peg Tube (feeding tube) placement procedure. But because of the nature of this disease, any and all complications make the road back to "normal" a mountainous journey.

There were complications that led to a the peg tube's removal, which led to placement of a J Tube instead. Additionally, the severity of the muscle weakness in his throat and chest, caused by ALS, increased so rapidly from the distress his body was experiencing, that doctors strongly encouraged us to consider a tracheostomy as well. My dad decided it was in his best interest, for long-term care, to have the trach placed.

Because of all these mountainous obstacles he had to overcome just to go home, he was in the hospital for over 45 days.

The outpouring of support that followed the news of his hospitalization was unbelievable. Unbeknownst to us, his gifts and his passion for helping others had made such a lasting impression, that people from all over come out to show support any way they could. My family and I were - and still are - deeply touched and incredibly blessed. Little did we know that one of the most comforting things we would experience would be because of this outpouring.

It was words delivered by the Lord though a group of Mennonites that gave my parents the comfort they needed during this time. A group of men and women from a Mennonite community that my dad had worked with for years came and sang to my parents while my dad struggled to climb over these obstacles. Of the hymns they sang that day, one rang loud and clear.

This Isn't Your Mountain

I went to the Lord in prayer with a mountain on my mind.

I knelt in prayer saying, this mountain is much too high for me.

And then I heard Him say,

This isn't your mountain.

It's much too high for you to climb, that is true.

I never meant for you to scale these heights alone.

I'll take your hand and climb this mountain with you.

Since that day, this hymn and its words are a daily reminder to let Him handle the situation. To trust in Him. To have faith in Him. For we were never to meant to go through this alone.

I firmly believe that the support my parents received was divinely intended. Because of God, and you, my dad didn't climb that mountain alone.

In honor of that inspired message, we will call ourselves Randy's Mountaineers, because he was never meant to climb the mountain that is ALS alone.

As most are aware, my dad passed in 2021 and is free from this disease. So now we walk in honor of Randy Smith in hopes that some day someone else's father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, aunt, or uncle can know what it's like to DEFEAT ALS.

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.

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.