Army Veteran with ALS Will Travel to the Nation’s Capital by Wheelchair to
Help The ALS Association’s Florida Chapter During National ALS Awareness Month

By Gary Wosk, Staff Writer 

 

Ken Patterson

Wheelchair-bound Ken Patterson, a man living despite having ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, will embark on a 20-day trek traveling by wheelchair to deliver a message to Congress: Veterans are two times more likely to be diagnosed with the progressive, neurodegenerative muscular disease than those with no history of military service. 

On April 19, Ken will begin the 940-mile journey at Orlando, Florida’s Blue Jacket Park.   

The journey will commence immediately following The ALS Association Florida Chapter’s Annual Walk to Defeat ALS™. The Walk will raise money for research and patient services for people living with ALS in Florida. Ken will cover nearly 1,000 miles beginning on April 19 and will conclude at the nation’s capital on May 11. May is National ALS Awareness Month.

A U.S. Army veteran who specialized in safety training, Ken, 39, will attend The Association’s National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., where he will visit his elected officials and advocate for issues directly affecting ALS patients. Although ALS can strike anyone regardless of age, sex or origin, those who have served in the military are at a greater risk of developing the disease.

The fatal neurodegenerative disease is striking at our nation’s heroes the hardest (ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service); however, the reasons are not known at this time.

Ken Patterson

The chapter has proclaimed Ken Patterson and his caregiver, Glenda Patterson, the two people in Florida who best exemplify the spirit of “ALS Across America” during ALS Awareness Month. The national campaign recognizes courageous individuals with ALS and their caregivers who are role models to people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. These special individuals reflect the spirit of the organization as they make a positive difference in their community by expanding awareness of ALS and embodying the spirit of living life to the fullest.  

The 20 days of travel will take Ken through cities and military installations between Orlando and Washington D.C., as he educates others about ALS. Ken also plans to meet other patients living with ALS along the way and carry their messages to Capitol Hill. 

Ken plans to film the journey and use the footage to inform and educate people about the disease. “The tour is not a fundraising event: it is strictly intended to raise awareness for people with ALS,” Ken said. “However, we realize that we need financial assistance to make it happen and have collaborated with The ALS Association Florida Chapter to establish a research grant with any monies remaining after the tour.”

For more information about The ALS Association Florida Chapter, visit http://www.alsafl.org/.