Hello visitors and potential team members!
My name is Jessy Ybarra and I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2017 at the age of 53. ALS is a progressive, 100% fatal neuromuscular disease which is slowly robbing me of my upper body strength and ability to use my hands. My voice is weakening along with my ability to speak clearly. As the disease progresses, I will lose my ability to talk, walk, eat and care for myself without a dedicated caregiver(s). There are currently only three FDA approved drugs available to help slow down the progression but eventually, I'll lose my ability to breath without a ventilator and I'll die. I do not want to die like this!
I am a USAF Veteran, a Son, Brother, Uncle, Dad and a Pop-pops. I’m also a fighter and I will not go down without a fight! This is why I choose to spend my time as an ALS advocate, fundraiser and why I serve as a Trustee for the ALS Association.
I’m also a research nerd so I read anything to do with ALS research and current drug trials. There are many promising drugs in early stages but it takes MILLIONS of dollars and several years to move the best candidates through the multiple trial phases before they can be FDA approved. Meanwhile, people are dying while waiting as the average lifespan is 2 to 5 years after being diagnosed. I’m very grateful to be going on 7 years!
Please consider joining our Walk to Defeat ALS team and become one of my "Jessy's Angels" or, choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause. ANY amount would be appreciated! The money raised will support people in our local community with ALS, fund research and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. Even if you can’t donate, please join my team and come walk with us!!! It’s free to everyone.
Please share my team page on your socials!!
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
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.
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 to make it a livable disease until we can cure it. Will you join us?
ABOUT ALS
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!
