Walk for ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gherig's Disease)

ALS causes nerve cells to degenerate. The voluntary muscles weaken and become immobile. ALS leaves the senses unimpaired and the intellect unaffected.

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this is ALS:

the man above has two children about 12 and 14 - a beautiful wife - and a medical attendant - a portable respirator - a tube for feeding - a bag for urine - maybe one for feces as a matter of convenience for those who have to care for him - what he doesn't have is control of anything except his mind

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Breanna's maternal grandmother had ALS in her early 40's - grandmother, mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, school teacher, coworker, friend - a bright light with an indomitable spirit - ALS is an anyone illness - anytime

step by gradual step this unrelenting illness took it's toll

some numbness some loss of function - starting with the voluntary muscles in the limbs - from cane to wheelchair to motorized chair to bed - along the way - loss of bowel and bladder, the muscles associated with swallowing, chewing, coughing, talking and finally breathing

an ALS victim has no recourse but to watch their independence and dignity erode as they lose the ability to do the most menial and ultimately the most essential tasks by themselves

walking becomes nothing more than a memory

completely bed ridden on a respirator is the inevitable reality

the common cold becomes a potential killer

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