Why I'm Participating...
Update: After a 6 1/2 year battle, Niall lost his life to ALS. He passed December 20, 2021. I am heart broken and even more determined to help find a cure. I want the day to come where no person loses a loved one to ALS.
April 17, 2015 changed our lives. Niall had been noticing weakness in his right hand for some time. We had gone to the doctor for several appointments. They performed tests, and he passed all of them. The neurologist says, "It looks like ALS, but not presenting like ALS. If anything changes, come back." After 3 years of hearing this, the doctor at a follow up appointment, says, "Yes, it is ALS. Get your affairs in order." That's all they say to you. "Get your affairs in order." You see, there is no cure for this devastating and fatal disease.
So we traveled and created many memories, and then we started to bring awareness to this rare disease. But I don't think it's so rare, as of now I have met many others who are fighting this disease. If you know one person with ALS, that's one person too many. We need funding for research, legislative support and family services. We need to find a cure!
I will be participating in the ALS Network's 9th SoCal Ride, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS. I ride to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease and to spread awareness for the urgency to find treatments and cures.
What is ALS?
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.
Why We Need Your Help
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.
1. The average life expectancy of an ALS patient is two to five years from the time of diagnosis.
2. Every 90 minutes someone in this country is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease.
3. ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease. Someone you know or love may die from ALS unless a cure is found.
4. Caring for a loved one with ALS costs on average of $200,000 each year.
