Almost 2 years ago, on February 7, my dad, Vince, was diagnosed with ALS. It had taken us about 2 months of tests to figure out what was wrong; blood draws, MRIs, CT scans, multiple doctors, nerve conduction tests, and more. Everything came back normal, so with the test results and his symptoms, the conclusion is the least fair of all possibilities- ALS.
Then almost 1 year ago, on February 24, 2020, we lost my dad to ALS. In the year and 17 days that he lived after being diagnosed, we watched him slowly lose all independence. My dad went from being the caretaker of my mom and our family, to being taken care of by my mom and our family. He lost his ability to feed himself, walk, talk and eventually breath. He was strong and brave, and kept his great smile until the very end.
This is why I will continue to fight to help find a cure. This is why we will continue to keep raising funds to support research. My family and I have decided to help by walking in the ALS St Louis Walk. I am asking for your help- consider joining our team, Papa's Power Walkers, contribute to my fundraising, and/or keep my dad in your prayers. We need to raise awareness and find a cure for this horrible disease.
With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.Thank you for helping us reach our fundraising goal! Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the Walk to Defeat ALS® or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause.
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.
That’s why we’re participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. To help unlock the mystery of ALS and find the key to treatments a cure. Will you join us?
ABOUT ALS
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. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!
