Hello,
My name is Margie Petrakis. I have been an ALS care manager with the ALS Association Golden West Chapter for about 20 years, and was asked to walk in Dawn White's footsteps as Care Manager for Contra Costa County. I am writing at this very late date to ask for your help in reaching a Walk to Defeat ALS fundraising goal! The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.
Many of you have a walk team or are walking with a team already, so THANK YOU!
When I agreed to fundraise for Dawn's team, Angels Among Us, I really didn't understand nor ponder the meaning of the team name. Then I thought of an the instant message I received, after I got a Labrador puppy named Blue. What an angel he is! (Though he is mischievous, as puppies are) I understand he is one of my Angels. And that we all have angels in our walk through life, people and animals living with us and around us and though some live at a distance, are gone or are strangers, they are still angels who enter in and out of our lives showing kindness or happy memories when we need a lift. We catch little glimpses of Angels everyday.
As those dealing with ALS in some aspect of their life, we feel the angels....those with the disease that is an incurable progressive, neuromuscular disease. These angels are bravely and positively taking life one day at a time, often inspiring and supporting their friends and family to accept what can't be changed. Their family and extended family of angels walking right beside them providing strength and courage to continue on and lead their best current life as an important part of their lives....then of course there's the family pets who love and support everyone in the family in their silent caring way.
Angels continue to fight this disease on all levels, they are found within family and friend circles, caregivers, researchers, support groups, clinic staff, home health providers, hospice, advocacy groups, outreach coordinators, local and state agencies. Look and listen, Angels among us all give the message Never Give Up! Together we will find a cure!
Your support by donating to the ALS Association has brought about some incredible advancements in ALS research and treatment, expanded access to care for people living with ALS, and enabled legislation that impacts the quality of life of people with ALS and their families.
But, we can’t stop now. The key to a cure begins with you.
Please consider walking with me or sponsoring our team. With a donation of any amount, we will collectively be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. You are the Angels Among us!
