TEAM WENNEkAMP WALKERS: Established in 2009. In memory of RANDY WENNEKAMP

My dad, Randy, has never ceased to leave a happy presence in his absence. Happy memories of him abound with my family and friends, especially now that he is gone. He is always remembered. These are the memories I cling to when I start to look back at the melancholy memories of my dad's debilitating illness when he was alive. I know that if this sad reminiscing happens to me, it happens to others. So. Many. Others.

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. Many are still fighting the disease and it will leave an impact on not just the individual with the disease, but with their families as they live on after their loved one. That's the hardest part for me.  I know my dad is in a much better place now. He can bowl, bike, run, walk, and smile to his hearts content. But that doesn't evade the fact that there is an empty space in my family and an empty hole in my heart. This is a hole that cannot be filled, but that can be soothed with the hope that a cure may be found and that no other family will have to go through what my family did.

Only about 10% of cases are familial. This disease has run rampant in my family. My great-grandpa, grandma, great-uncle, and my dad. There is a possibility that my cousins, my siblings, or even I may get ALS in the future. This pushes me even harder to find a cure for this terrible disease. My dad’s life was cut short, at just 48 years old. I refuse to let that happen to me or the people I care about.

It's been about 9 years since his passing and not a day goes by that I don't miss him. And not a year goes by that I miss out on going to the ALS Walk. It gives me strength, hope, and lets me know that I am not alone.

Please consider joining my team and attending the Walk to walk for those who can't or donating online to find a cure. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected with ALS. These individuals are afflicted with a costly and fatal disease and your help is truly needed. It costs loved ones an average of $200,000 per year to provide the care ALS patients need. By becoming involved in the Walk this year, YOU are raising awareness for this disease that many people know nothing about. This leads to more funding, more opportunities for research, more chances to find a CURE.