I'll take a few minutes to explain why we choose the name Randy's Mountaineers for our team name.

For those of you who are not aware, my dad - Randy - was a diesel mechanic with John Deere for 22 years. He has a way of understanding machinery that is rarely found in others and he has always used that gift to help other people whenever - and however - he could. The farming communities of Muleshoe, Lazbuddie, and the surrounding areas could always count on him to get their equipment back up and running. His caring, selfless, and ornery personality led him to build relationships with all types of people.

A little over a year ago, he went in for what should have been a routine Peg Tube (feeding tube) placement procedure. But because of the nature of this disease, any and all complications make the road back to a mountainous journey.

There were complications that led to a the peg tube's removal, which led to placement of a J Tube instead. Additionally, the severity of the muscle weakness in his throat and chest, caused by ALS, increased so rapidly from the distress his body was experiencing, that doctors strongly encouraged us to consider a tracheostomy as well. My dad decided it was in his best interest for long-term care to have the trach placed.

Because of all these mountainous obstacles he had to overcome just to go home, he was in the hospital for 45 days.

The outpouring of support that followed the news of his hospitalization was unbelievable. Unbeknownst to us, his gifts and his passion for helping others had made such a lasting impression, that people from all over come out to show support any way they could. My family and I were - and still are - deeply touched and incredibly blessed. Little did we know that one of the most comforting things we would experience would be because of this outpouring.

It was words delivered by the Lord though a group of Mennonites that gave my parents the comfort they needed during this time. A group of men and women from a Mennonite community that my dad had worked with for years came and sang to my parents while my dad struggled to climb over these obstacles. Of the hymns they sang that day, one rang loud and clear.

This Isn't Your Mountain

I went to the Lord in prayer with a mountain on my mind.

I knelt in prayer saying, this mountain is much too high for me.

And then I heard Him say,

This isn't your mountain.

It's much too high for you to climb, that is true.

I never meant for you to scale these heights alone.

I'll take your hand and climb this mountain with you.

Since that day, this hymn and its words are a daily reminder to let Him handle our situation. To trust in Him. To have faith in Him. For we were never to meant to go through this alone.

I firmly believe that the support my parents have received was divinely intended. Because of God, and you, my dad doesn't have to climb this mountain alone.

In honor of that inspired message, we will call ourselves Randy's Mountaineers, because he was never meant to climb the mountain that is ALS alone.

Thank you for your support.

God bless you.

-Rochelle

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(R) or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause.

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

Every 90minutes 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

Amyotrophiclateral 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!