ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), is a nervous system disease that causes muscle weakness and the loss of the ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe. There is no cure for ALS. Patients eventually die from the disease, having an average life expectancy of 3-5 years from the onset of symptoms. There are significant challenges that ALS patients constantly face that require special assistance and equipment. These include, but are not limited to, using a wheelchair for mobility, getting in and out of bed, finding comfort due to immobility, and assisted breathing.

My Mom, Cheryl Hoog, affectionately called Nana by her grandchildren, was diagnosed with ALS in January 2016 and less than 9 months later lost her battle with ALS. Nana's struggle with this debilitating disease led to her need for special assistance and equipment. She had an incredible network of friends and family that helped alleviate some of the suffering, but unfortunately, friends and family did not always have the answers for the unique challenges that Nana faced. Fortunately, the ALS Association exists to provide care and support for ALS patients like Nana, to support research to find a cure for ALS, and to advocate for awareness for the disease. During Nana's 9 months of fighting ALS, the ALS Association delivered a wheelchair, including a brand new custom one, an adjustable bed, a shower chair, and transfer boards to Nana to make her and Dad's life easier. Nana, and her family, have decided to help give back to the ALS Association by participating in their benefit walk on Saturday, June 22nd at 10am in Forest Park. We hope you can join us!