ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Progress
The ALS Association Golden West Chapter participated for the first time as a charity partner in the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon. The small, but mighty group of two runners made up Team Challenge ALS and covered 26.2 miles from stadium to sea to raise funds and awareness for the ALS community. Our amazing runners, Michael Branca and Lourdes Serrano, have raised over $12,000 by race time and are very close to reaching their goal of $15,000!
The Los Angeles Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for marathon runners. Participants from all 50 states and more than 55 countries set out from Dodger Stadium to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the Finish Line in Santa Monica.
For Michael Branca, this was his 16th marathon and he had one special person in mind to get him through every mile he ran: his mom.
 |
“In April 2015 my mom was diagnosed with ALS. I couldn't believe it, and definitely didn't immediately accept it. I spent the next month reading everything I could about ALS, still mostly in denial, but trying desperately to find something that might provide some hope for a misdiagnosis or an immediate cure.What I learned is that there is currently no cure for ALS. Life expectancy is 2 to 5 years from diagnosis. There is no genetic disposition towards ALS - it can impact any family, any time.
My mom is the strongest person I have ever known. She raised 3 crazy boys, worked full time, always made a family dinner every night, attended every sporting event for me and my brothers and taught 3 boys how to eventually become men. Everything I know about work ethic, compassion and kindness comes from my mom . ALS has impacted our family in ways that I cannot describe. Although there is currently no cure, we never lose hope for that miracle. In the meantime, our family is focused on helping to make my mom as comfortable as possible, and trying to enjoy every moment we can with her today.
I [joined Team Challenge ALS] because I want to make a difference. I'm inspired by the work of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter and wanted to support them by raising money as part of my participation in 2016 LA Marathon. This will be my 16th marathon. and running 26.2 miles is never easy, but I know my mom's strength will help me get through it - regardless of my lack of training this time.”
 |
Michael’s teammate, Lourdes Serrano, has also been touched by ALS. As she describes it, “This will be my first marathon and I want it to mean something more. I am raising money for ALS because of my uncle who has ALS.”
The ALS Association Golden West Chapter is appreciative of our runnign store partner, Fleet Feet Burbank, for helping to fundraise and spread the word about Team Challenge ALS.
Lourdes and Michael’s strength to run 26.2 miles for those who are losing their strength can be an inspiration to us all. Congratulations to these two amazing runners!
To learn more about their stories, or to donate to their pages, please visit:
Lourdes’ page: https://2016-la-marathon.everydayhero.com/us/1-mile-at-a-time-for-als
Michael’s page: https://2016-la-marathon.everydayhero.com/us/michael-2
To learn more about upcoming Team Challenge ALS events, please contact teamchallengeals@alsagoldenwest.org. 
The ALS Association Golden West Chapter participated for the first time as a charity partner in the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon. The small, but mighty group of two runners made up Team Challenge ALS and covered 26.2 miles from stadium to sea to raise funds and awareness for the ALS community. Our amazing runners, Michael Branca and Lourdes Serrano, have raised over $12,000 by race time and are very close to reaching their goal of $15,000!
The Los Angeles Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for marathon runners. Participants from all 50 states and more than 55 countries set out from Dodger Stadium to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the Finish Line in Santa Monica.
For Michael Branca, this was his 16th marathon and he had one special person in mind to get him through every mile he ran: his mom.
|
“In April 2015 my mom was diagnosed with ALS. I couldn't believe it, and definitely didn't immediately accept it. I spent the next month reading everything I could about ALS, still mostly in denial, but trying desperately to find something that might provide some hope for a misdiagnosis or an immediate cure.What I learned is that there is currently no cure for ALS. Life expectancy is 2 to 5 years from diagnosis. There is no genetic disposition towards ALS - it can impact any family, any time.
My mom is the strongest person I have ever known. She raised 3 crazy boys, worked full time, always made a family dinner every night, attended every sporting event for me and my brothers and taught 3 boys how to eventually become men. Everything I know about work ethic, compassion and kindness comes from my mom . ALS has impacted our family in ways that I cannot describe. Although there is currently no cure, we never lose hope for that miracle. In the meantime, our family is focused on helping to make my mom as comfortable as possible, and trying to enjoy every moment we can with her today.
I [joined Team Challenge ALS] because I want to make a difference. I'm inspired by the work of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter and wanted to support them by raising money as part of my participation in 2016 LA Marathon. This will be my 16th marathon. and running 26.2 miles is never easy, but I know my mom's strength will help me get through it - regardless of my lack of training this time.”
| |
Michael’s teammate, Lourdes Serrano, has also been touched by ALS. As she describes it, “This will be my first marathon and I want it to mean something more. I am raising money for ALS because of my uncle who has ALS.”
The ALS Association Golden West Chapter is appreciative of our runnign store partner, Fleet Feet Burbank, for helping to fundraise and spread the word about Team Challenge ALS.
Lourdes and Michael’s strength to run 26.2 miles for those who are losing their strength can be an inspiration to us all. Congratulations to these two amazing runners!
To learn more about their stories, or to donate to their pages, please visit:
Lourdes’ page: https://2016-la-marathon.everydayhero.com/us/1-mile-at-a-time-for-als
Michael’s page: https://2016-la-marathon.everydayhero.com/us/michael-2
To learn more about upcoming Team Challenge ALS events, please contact teamchallengeals@alsagoldenwest.org.
