Tom Schindlbeck was my Brother, my Friend, my Hero. I have so many reasons for fundraising for the ALS Walk on June 5th of this year; the most important is my promise to Tom. In the matter of moments, Tom's life was turned upside down with a diagnosis of ALS. Being a nurse for his entire career, Tom knew he had been given a death sentence. I visited Tom and his beautiful family in Washington State several times. Each visit, you could clearly see the toll that was being taken on him as he quickly advanced through the many stages of ALS. I tried to express to him the admiration we all felt for him. Never to ask "Why me?" he said instead, "It is what it is." When I told him how brave he was he told me "I've got the easy part, I'm going to die. Everyone else has to suffer while they watch me." Where did Tom find the courage and peace to take this journey? Our last visit to Tom was just days before he left us. He was almost unrecognizable to us, by now ALS had totally devastated his body but we could still see his spirit and love in his eyes. I made him a promise that he would never be just a statistic. I would honor his memory and never let his death be in vain .I would continue his valiant battle against the cruelty of ALS by raising awareness and funds in his name. Tom fought the battle of his life but passed away after living (yes, I said living)a mere 22 months with ALS. His death on March 6th of 2013 is still an unbearable loss to everyone that knew and loved Tom. This is my ninth year to Walk to Defeat ALS. Please, won't you help me keep my promise to Tom. Thank-you......marie