Our family has been attending the Walk to DeFeat ALS in St. Louis since 2006 to honor David, who was diagnosed in 2004 and lost his battle against the disease in 2009. David was just 39 years old when he was diagnosed. So very young! Our kids were 9, 11 and 14.
The disease can strike any one at any time! It's extremely scary to endure. While these walks we participate in every year are very personal, attending the walks each year help keep the bigger picture in perspective. Nearly everyone attends the walk to honor the memory of someone they lost to the disease or walk to fight for someone who is living with the disease. But, when thousands of supporters and ALS patients gather in Forest Park each June, it becomes clear that we are part of a mission that is so much bigger! That mission is to not only support those that live with the disease, but also to change the odds so that one day it will no longer be fatal and we find a cure! Please join us or walk in spirit. Your support means a great deal to our family. We pray for all those patients and caregivers fighting the ALS battle. Please help us end it! Much love and gratitude! Your Abell's Angels!
ABOUT ALS
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. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!