The City Council of Watsonville Honors The Golden West Chapter, Proclaims "Walk to Defeat ALS" Day - By Jenica Lancy, Director of Marketing and Communications
October 18, 2011 - Watsonville, California
It was a special night as representatives
of the city of
Watsonville, staff from The ALS Association Golden West Chapter, and
many people with ALS and their loved ones gathered at City Council chambers
on October 11, 2011 for an historic event to honor The ALS Association Golden West Chapter and raise awareness about ALS. It was a
well attended event, made possible through the efforts of our Chapter's
advisory trustee, Victorialei "Nohea"
Nakaahiki, with reporters and photographers from
the Watsonville Pajaronian and the Santa Cruz
Sentinel present. The proceedings were also televised to the local community. It was a great opportunity to
spread awareness about ALS, our Chapter's efforts to support those
living with the disease in the area, and to promote the annual Monterey
Walk to Defeat ALS.
Keith Kumada and his wife
Lenny Alvarez and his family
Ralph Razo with his family, saying the Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Daniel Dodge spoke about ALS and about the mission of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter. He expressed the community's appreciation for the John Gill Central Coast Support Group.
"Through the courage and strength of people with ALS and their families, whose willingness to be the face of this disease, and sharing their journey with the community... I declare the date of Saturday October 15, 2011 as 'Walk to Defeat ALS' day."
Julie Scurich, Care Manager and Support Group leader shared her personal
experiences with ALS and her work with The ALS Association Golden West
Chapter. A long time resident of Watsonville herself, Scurich has served people with ALS and their families in Watsonville, Freedom and Santa Cruz County for over fourteen years. She spoke
with great candor about the challenges of those living with the disease, which inspired her to create more support resources within the area.
In the time since Scurich began working with people with ALS, her efforts as well as The ALS Association's have helped to enable additional local opportunities, such as UCSF satelitte clinics and an equipment loan closet. These support services are a vital lifeline for people living with the disease and their families.
Recently, the City of Watsonville experienced an unusual event, when three
members of the Watsonville Class of 1981 were diagnosed with ALS.- Inez Nabor, Randy Green, and Ralph Razo. Scurich shared this with the meeting attendees and added, "Inez lost her battle in 2008. Randy, lost his
battle earlier in 2011, and Ralph is here this evening."
In attendance along with Razo were other people with ALS- Lenny Alvarez, Ernie Smith, Alfredo Tamayo, Keith Kumada, and Marty Krieg-
along with members of their families and friends. Many others who were unable to attend in person but were watching the telecast from their homes.
Mayor Dodge thanked everyone for their attendance and invited everyone to
gather for a group photos. Known for his sense of humor, Dodge told the group, "Look at the camera and say 'Queso!' and smile"
Councilman Manuel Quintero Bersamin spoke about his personal
connection to the disease. "The most important message tonight is for
the people with ALS and their families. You are not alone."
"My niece, Nohea, lost her husband Clarence "Bully" Nakaahiki to ALS." Bersamin continued, "So I know what this disease does to families. I will be there to walk with you on Saturday."
Watsonville Mayor Daniel Dodge with The ALS Assocation Golden West Chapter Regional Care Manager Julie Scurich
2011 Watsonville City Council along with representitives of the The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
"It
was powerful to have so many people with ALS attend especially at the evening
event since fatigue is such a huge part of living with the disease" said Leslie Kefer, Special Events Manager. "The City Council
Members really took a significant amount of time to explain the disease
and our Chapter’s mission. I’m so glad we were
able to attend the event."
Kenneth McElderry, Special Events Coordinator added, "Thank you on behalf of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter. We welcome you to join us for our Walk in Monterey."
It
was powerful to have so many patients attend especially at the evening
event since fatigue is such a huge part of ALS. The City Council
Members really took a significant amount of time to explain the disease
and our Chapter’s mission. Julie’s speech was quite powerful and I
liked how she shared the personal side regarding her journey with
working with people with ALS. I’m so glad Kenneth, you and me were
able to attend the event as well as receive the plaque.
The City Council of Watsonville Honors The Golden West Chapter, Proclaims "Walk to Defeat ALS" Day - By Jenica Lancy, Director of Marketing and Communications
October 18, 2011 - Watsonville, California
It was a special night as representatives
of the city of
Watsonville, staff from The ALS Association Golden West Chapter, and
many people with ALS and their loved ones gathered at City Council chambers
on October 11, 2011 for an historic event to honor The ALS Association Golden West Chapter and raise awareness about ALS. It was a
well attended event, made possible through the efforts of our Chapter's
advisory trustee, Victorialei "Nohea"
Nakaahiki, with reporters and photographers from
the Watsonville Pajaronian and the Santa Cruz
Sentinel present. The proceedings were also televised to the local community. It was a great opportunity to
spread awareness about ALS, our Chapter's efforts to support those
living with the disease in the area, and to promote the annual Monterey
Walk to Defeat ALS.
Keith Kumada and his wife
Lenny Alvarez and his family
Ralph Razo with his family, saying the Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Daniel Dodge spoke about ALS and about the mission of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter. He expressed the community's appreciation for the John Gill Central Coast Support Group.
"Through the courage and strength of people with ALS and their families, whose willingness to be the face of this disease, and sharing their journey with the community... I declare the date of Saturday October 15, 2011 as 'Walk to Defeat ALS' day."
Julie Scurich, Care Manager and Support Group leader shared her personal
experiences with ALS and her work with The ALS Association Golden West
Chapter. A long time resident of Watsonville herself, Scurich has served people with ALS and their families in Watsonville, Freedom and Santa Cruz County for over fourteen years. She spoke
with great candor about the challenges of those living with the disease, which inspired her to create more support resources within the area.
In the time since Scurich began working with people with ALS, her efforts as well as The ALS Association's have helped to enable additional local opportunities, such as UCSF satelitte clinics and an equipment loan closet. These support services are a vital lifeline for people living with the disease and their families.
Recently, the City of Watsonville experienced an unusual event, when three
members of the Watsonville Class of 1981 were diagnosed with ALS.- Inez Nabor, Randy Green, and Ralph Razo. Scurich shared this with the meeting attendees and added, "Inez lost her battle in 2008. Randy, lost his
battle earlier in 2011, and Ralph is here this evening."
In attendance along with Razo were other people with ALS- Lenny Alvarez, Ernie Smith, Alfredo Tamayo, Keith Kumada, and Marty Krieg-
along with members of their families and friends. Many others who were unable to attend in person but were watching the telecast from their homes.
Mayor Dodge thanked everyone for their attendance and invited everyone to
gather for a group photos. Known for his sense of humor, Dodge told the group, "Look at the camera and say 'Queso!' and smile"
Councilman Manuel Quintero Bersamin spoke about his personal
connection to the disease. "The most important message tonight is for
the people with ALS and their families. You are not alone."
"My niece, Nohea, lost her husband Clarence "Bully" Nakaahiki to ALS." Bersamin continued, "So I know what this disease does to families. I will be there to walk with you on Saturday."
Watsonville Mayor Daniel Dodge with The ALS Assocation Golden West Chapter Regional Care Manager Julie Scurich
2011 Watsonville City Council along with representitives of the The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
"It
was powerful to have so many people with ALS attend especially at the evening
event since fatigue is such a huge part of living with the disease" said Leslie Kefer, Special Events Manager. "The City Council
Members really took a significant amount of time to explain the disease
and our Chapter’s mission. I’m so glad we were
able to attend the event."
Kenneth McElderry, Special Events Coordinator added, "Thank you on behalf of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter. We welcome you to join us for our Walk in Monterey."
It
was powerful to have so many patients attend especially at the evening
event since fatigue is such a huge part of ALS. The City Council
Members really took a significant amount of time to explain the disease
and our Chapter’s mission. Julie’s speech was quite powerful and I
liked how she shared the personal side regarding her journey with
working with people with ALS. I’m so glad Kenneth, you and me were
able to attend the event as well as receive the plaque.
Watsonville Mayor Daniel Dodge with The ALS Assocation Golden West Chapter Regional Care Manager Julie Scurich
