Dan frequently told people that he was "the luckiest man in the world". He had a great family, a great job as a union labor leader for the IUPAT, and lived in "God's country"-Forest Lake, MN. He was a big, strong, handsome guy who enjoyed people and life. Ironically and tragically, he ended up with ALS just like the other luckiest man in the world- Lou Gehrig.
He liked to remind us that there were three great baseball players who had ALS- Lou Gehrig, Catfish Hunter, and of course Dan Fleischhacker.
Dan started noticing minor right foot symptoms in the summer of 2005. He was eventually diagnosed at the U of M in Jan. 2006. He died July 12, 2006 at the age of 50. Dan was a devoted husband, father of 5 treasured children and friend to all.
Dan's faith, optimistic nature, and wonderful sense of humor throughout this devastating ordeal were a source of inspiration and comfort to his family and friends.
Thank you for helping us reach our fund raising goal! Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Lou Gehrig?s Disease. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatment and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the Walk to Defeat ALSŪ or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause.
Why We Need Your Help
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.
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. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease yet it still costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.