WHY I WALK

Last year's "why I walk" page told you Lou was diagnosed with ALS 3 years ago. Of course now it's 4 years and I have to say we are the lucky ones.

There are so many young people, young families with children who lose their fight againt ALS so much more quickly. Lou and I can look back on 56 years of marriage, world travel, beautiful grandchildren and a full life well lived.

This is not the case for so many. Among those with ALS there are so many young families with toddlers and young school age children, and those with teens looking to enjoy their senior year in high school, their first year away at college.Their lives will be spent catering to, and fighting this disease or feeling the pain of a loved one up against a losing battle with no road map and very few answers.

Lou's progression is still slow, but ALS eats away at his body, robbing him of even the smallest movements, a little more each day. 

I'm so proud of Lou. He meets ALS with an upbeat attitude and a smile on his face. He takes joy in each day and in his children and grandchildren. We live day to day facing each new challenge head on.

But we need to look to the future to find an end to this 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 a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure. 

A person with ALS becomes physically locked-in as the disease progressively paralyzes the body. The key to finding a cure begins with us. 

The past few years have brought incredible advancements in ALS research, 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. We can't stop now! It is only together that we will defeat ALS!  

I appreciate you helping me reach my Walk and Roll to Cure ALS fundraising goal! This walk is very important to me, as it raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find effective treatments and cures. 

Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. Tap on the photo to get to my page if you'd like to make a donation.

Thanks so much

Gale