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 on this very late date to ask for your help by joining us in this last virtual walk (we hope), and to reach 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, THANK YOU!
When I agreed to be team captain of Dawn's team, Angels Among Us, I really didn't understand nor ponder the meaning of the team name. Then the meaning hit me! I received an Instagram message (”And the creator said…..I will send them without wings so no one suspects they are angels" with a photo of what I thought was my Labrador puppy named Blue that I had just adopted….not him! lol) But what an angel he is! 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, and giving us hope and inspiration. We catch little glimpses of Angels every day.
As those dealing with ALS in some aspect of their life, we feel the angels. Angels that have ALS are bravely and positively taking life one day at a time, often inspiring and supporting their friends and family to be present each day with them. Their family and extended family are angels too, walking right beside them providing strength and courage to continue on and lead their best current 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 not only found within family and friend circles, but caregivers, researchers, support groups, clinic staff, doctors, home health providers, hospice, advocacy groups, equipment providers and others in the community. Look and listen, the Angels Among Us all give the message Never Give Up, together we will find a cure!
Your support by joining the virtual walk and/or 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 joining me by participating virtually on October 23rd, walking, dancing, enjoying time with your family or sponsoring a 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!
Have a memorable "walk" day, Margie
Why We Need Your Help
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 a person with ALS 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.
ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!
