In November 2021, our lives forever changed when my mom got diagnosed with ALS. At the time, it was tough to imagine the unstoppable, full of life, woman we all adore being slowed down by anything.
As we sat in the room at the doctor’s office that day, waiting to hear what we do next, we were sent on our way with a long list of medical professionals that would be coming by our home…that was basically it! No potential treatments…nothing to try…not even suggestions as to how to best help her. It was the most discouraging and hopeless feeling, beyond anything I ever could’ve imagined.
What is ALS? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease which very quickly (in our experience) robs the body of basically everything…the ability to walk, speak, eat, swallow, move, and breathe.
While life expectancy of a person, once diagnosed, averages 2 to 5 years—my mom had a very aggressive form, known as Bulbar ALS.
…and now, I will continue her fight…our fight.
I will passionately and wholeheartedly continue this fight until there is a cure, and furthermore, until there is finally hope for families coping with this horrendous disease.
Why is it so important to me?
I have watched and experienced, firsthand, how brutally relentless this disease is and how quickly and drastically everything changes for the pALS (person with ALS) and the cALS (caregivers of ALS)—and the entire family.
My mom fought harder than I ever could have…she fought every second of every day.
But to watch a superhero, like my mom, get stripped of everything one by one…was truly cruel and devastating…and seemed exceptionally cruel for someone like her.
…That’s why I’m walking: to help those living with ALS, their families, and their children (regardless of age).
I am walking to bring help and hope to those living with this monster and to ensure that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS” again.
And I will continue this fight until that is achieved.
The key to a cure begins with awareness…and your help!
Please consider walking with me or donating to our team.
With your help, we WILL make a difference in the lives of everyone affected by this disease.
With an abundance of ❤ and gratitude 🙏,
Elizabeth Swarzman .
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
•It costs an average of $250,000 per year to care for a loved one with ALS—and that is WITH insurance.
•ALS occurs throughout the world with NO racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
•There is no known cause of the disease.
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease.
That’s why we’re participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. To help unlock the mystery of ALS and find the key to treatments a cure. Will you join us?