Hi Everyone!
As some of you know, my brother, Joe, was diagnosed in November 2010 with ALS. I'm at a loss to describe how it has affected our family. The best I can do is say that, for us, it's brought us even closer together and given me a different percspective on life and what really matters.
This disease is costly: physically, mentally, and monetarily. Not all of the money raised goes towards research. A portion goes to help families in monetary crisis due to this disease. A few years ago my father met a woman in the parking lot of an ALS clinic that broke down in tears from him simply helping her move her husband from his wheelchair into their car and putting the wheelchair in the trunk. They had no one to help, she said. She had to quit her job to care for her husband and they had nothing. I think about this couple a lot and the difficulties they must be facing every.single.day.
Why We Need Your Help
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, 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 an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
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.
This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the mean time it costs an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.
