Walk to Defeat ALS: October 16, 2011 in Poughkeepsie

My mom and I a few months before her diagnosis.

It began in her left foot.  Her toes refused to lift toward the sky when she told them to.  Her doctor speculated that it was residual effects from a medication she was on and prescribed physical therapy.  As months passed and the symptoms worsened, he decided to take a closer look.  They tested for an array of diseases and disorders.  She went through CAT scans, biopsies, neurological exams, a spinal tap.  We're testing to rule things out, he said.  Then, a diagnosis -- the gravity of which, a woman who had devoted years of her life to medicine, was painfully aware of.

"Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's 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 an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis." (the ALS Association)

There is no known cause to this disease and there is no cure.  At present, there is only one treatment - a drug that has been found to improve survival only to a modest extent.

Since my mom was diagnosed with ALS this past spring, I've been doing a lot of hoping.  I hope that my mom will be provided with the best medical equipment available as the disease progresses and I hope that the incredible doctors and scientists who specialize in ALS will make great strides that will improve her prognosis and I hope that more people start taking an interest in defeating this disease.

On October 16th at the Hudson Valley's Walk to Defeat ALS event, I'll be walking to raise money for the ALS Association in honor of the woman who taught me how to walk, and your support would mean the world to me.

Walk. Donate. Spread the word.

"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.

This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the mean time it costs an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today." (the ALS Association)

A mother's day post about my first encounter with ALS and why my mom rocks.

My page on the ALS Association - more information or to make a donation.