In Loving Memory of Richard

Team RiZe Up was formed to further the cause of improving the lives of persons living with ALS and to support the work of researchers dedicated to finding a cure for ALS.  

Thanks to your support, Team RiZeUp has raised over $170,000 in the past six years and have become a loud voice for ALS advocacy and awareness.  In 2017, Richard was awarded with the Los Angeles County Walk Hero Award for selflessly raising ALS awareness and funds in support of all people affected by ALS.

Richard participated in two clinical trials during his ALS journey.  He knew that neither trial would add days to his life and was aware that these studies might not provide the answer to a cure.  However, Richard was a passionate believer in the need for clinical trials and he was keenly aware that it is crucial that persons with ALS participate in clinical trials.

I ask you once again to support team RiZe Up and if possible also join us for the Los Angeles County Virtual Walk to defeat ALS.  It was Richard's fervent wish that we continue to support the work of researchers seeking to find a cure for ALS.  Please donate in his memory and in the memory of my dear friend David Shapiro.

Our lives of friendship and heartbreak are so intertwined that our arms cannot distinguish burden from embrace.

With gratitude and love,

Nan Zaitlen

We RiZeUp together to defeat ALS!