Mike Poll, Des Moines, Iowa
Mike, Ruby and Kim Poll
Most young families usually encounter issues involving finding good schools for their children and job-related woes. They tend not to worry about something like a fatal, neurodegenerative disease like ALS. Yet Mike and Kim Poll and their two-year-old daughter Ruby are doing just that. In June 2009, doctors diagnosed Mike Poll with ALS, but he continues to live his life with zest and works with The ALS Association’s Iowa Chapter in educating his community about the disease.
For its annual “ALS Across America” campaign during May, which is ALS Awareness Month, the chapter is honoring Poll and his family.
“Mike and Kim have continually had a positive attitude and have chosen to fight this disease,” said chapter Executive Director Jason Lee. “We know they are facing daily challenges with ALS, but I don’t think I have ever seen them without smiles on their faces.”
This joy permeates the family’s interactions with the chapter and its constituents. Poll, 27, Kim and Ruby stay socially active and receive strong support from their family and friends. “They are also very willing and open to share their story to raise awareness about ALS and raise more funds to help fight ALS,” said Lee. The family spoke at the chapter’s Corporate Walk Breakfast in June 2011, where they inspired many companies to become corporate partners and teams.
The Poll’s have personally partook in the chapter’s annual Walk to Defeat ALSŪ in Des Moines since 2009. Lee said their Walk team “Mike: Mission Possible” has consisted of 100 members yearly and has collectively raised more than $42,000. In 2011, “Mike: Mission Possible” brought in $13,500, giving them “top family team” honors. Monies raised at the Walks go toward ALS research and care services.
Prior to his diagnosis, Poll worked on the turf grass management crew for the Iowa Cubs until ALS forced him to retire in March 2011. Aside from being his primary caregiver, Kim works as an elementary school teacher at Saydel High School.
Lee stresses the family and their story have inspired and touched many lives. “Overall, they are living life to the fullest with a positive and joyful spirit,” he said.
Lee said the Polls plan to attend the 2012 National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.
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