Dear friends,

Team RiZe Up will walk this year to honor the memory of Richard Zaitlen.  Although we feel his loss profoundly, his optimistic spirit is woven into the fabric of our lives.  He inspires us to redouble our efforts to bring both treatments and cures for 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 met my best friend Dayle in 7th grade in South Bend, Indiana.  Our deep friendship of the heart continues to this day, surviving moves to different cities, different countries and eventually opposite coasts. I made my life with my husband Richard in Los Angeles and Dayle and her husband David Shapiro settled in New York City.  We were fortunate that our husbands became friends.  We not only visited cross country, we travelled together to Aspen, Las Vegas, Montreal, Argentina, Brazil and Hawaii.

In February,  2016, Richard was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS.  In December. 2016 David was diagnosed with ALS.  This seemingly impossible turn of events led to both heartbreak and resolve.  We decided to make time together to absorb this terrible news and strengthen one another by spending time together in Hawaii.  With walkers, rented electric scooters we explored the island and talked about what we were facing.  We shared both tears and laughter.  The heartbreak gave way to even stronger bonds of friendship.

As time passed their disease progressed.  Richard and David became closer friends.  Dayle and David were able to visit us in Los Angeles as we travelled using electric scooters and then our extra electric wheelchair.  I was a able to purchase a wheelchair van that accomodated two electric wheelchairs.  Our friends welcomed Dayle and David to our warm circle of friendship.  Our home was filled with food, fun and laughter.

Dayle and David made their last visit to our home 2 weeks before Richard died in early January, 2019.  David was worried that Richard might be upset because he had more mobility.  Richard was concerned that David would see his marked deterioration and envision his own future.  These were their loving concerns for one another.  The time we shared was a gift, allowing us to witness Richard and David, men we adored. remain open to giving and receiving love themselves.

Richard died January 23, 2019 surrounded by friends and family.  David Shapiro died September 17, 2020 in the loving arms of his wife Dayle

May their memories strengthen our resolve to find a cure for ALS and find ways to make those persons living with ALS live in comfort, dignity and with full access to the care they deserve.

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

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.
With gratitude,

Nan Zaitlen