WHY I WALK 

As most of you know, my family and I unfortunately lost my father back in 2018 to this horrible disease. Howard was an incredible man. You could tell Howard was in a room from his big, boisterous laugh. He was a healer. A helper. A doer. He was a big family man who made Sunday family dinners a priority and planned nonstop of activities for all of us to do, many of which included a great beer and burger somewhere along the way. He loved to joke around and tell stories. His kids were his whole life. And his dream was to grow old and bounce grandchildren on his knee and go take them to sports games and concerts. 

But life always has other plans. He was first diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease around the age of 50 after a hit-and-run triggered a strong neuromuscular response. After about a decade we noticed that his symptoms had become much worse. Drooping head, neck, and shoulders, and a pronounced limp.

After months of tests and a series of diagnoses from some of the top hospitals in California, it was confirmed... he had ALS. And sadly within a year of the diagnosis he passed - comfortably in his bed at home.

Since that day, I have made it a priority to spread awareness of ALS and help raise critical research funds to make sure we figure out better treatments, and maybe one day, a cure to this disease. My dream is to make sure that the next person who receives a diagnosis is able to continue to laugh with their family longer, stronger, and better than ever before. And that starts with your help. Please help the next victim of this disease be able to take their kids and grandkids to soccer games, concerts, and school.

No one should have to go through what my father went through. And no family should have to see their loved ones trapped inside a failing body. I hope you will join us in our cause and donate, even just a few dollars. Every penny helps. And we greatly appreciate the support of our friends!

What is ALS?  

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that slowly robs a person of their ability to walk, speak, swallow, and, eventually, to breathe. 

Why We Urgently 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, gender, or socioeconomic boundaries.

1. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from the time of diagnosis.
2. ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease. Someone you know or love may be diagnosed in their lifetime.
3. For unknown reasons, military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than the general public.
4. Caring for a loved one with ALS can cost an average of over $200,000 each year.

Your Impact

Everything the ALS Network does ensures access to essential care services, free of charge, and accelerates the search for effective prevention strategies, treatments and cures for ALS.  Fundraising and awareness are essential to fueling this progress. Every dollar and every message counts.

Please contribute today by clicking on the 'DONATE' button on the top right side of this page. If you prefer to mail in a check, click on the link for the "printable donation form" below.  Let's cure ALS together!