Dr. Mahipal Shah (Team Bhopa)
Thanks for visiting our team page. The Shah and Vakil families ask you to join us in our quest to finding a cure for ALS. We are participating in this run/walk on June 3rd in San Diego, California and ask you all to join if able or make a donation (see below for directions to donate). 100% of all donations collected will go to help make a difference to those impacted by ALS and hopefully find a cure.
What is ALS? ALS is a progressive nerodegenerative disease that affects and ultimately destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that are needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. Doctors and scientists aren't sure what the root or cause is, but that it strikes people between the age of 40 - 70. There are 6,000 new cases of ALS in the US every year - every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed and another dies. There is no cure nor any treatment that halts or reverses ALS - it is 100% fatal. Average life expectancy for ALS patients is three - five years.
Why it matters to us? Dr. Mahipal Shah (affectionately known as Bhopa by his family and friends since childhood) was diagnosed with ALS a few months ago. He was forced into retirement in December, after serving the southern California and Gujarat, India community as an Orthopedic Surgeon for almost 50 years. He is a loving father, devoted husband, dotting grandfather, caring brother, generous uncle and a loyal friend. He has spent his entire life giving and providing care, including free healthcare, to those less fortunate. No matter who they are or how little he knows them, Dr. Mahipal Shah has treated all his patients like family. In an effort to continue his work and legacy we are asking all of you to now give back for him.
Please help us reach our goal and make a generous donation To make a donation, please select a name of a team participant on the top right. Once you click on a name you will be taken to their respective individual page where you will see a "Donate Now" button. Simply click on the button and follow the instructions through. All the money donated from each team members page will support our team's overall goal.
We'd love to have you join the team You can sign up for a 5k, 10k, half marathon or full marathon! Each team member is responsible for raising or donating a minimum of $450 (per ALS organization rules). Dr. Mahipal Shah along with many other family and friends will be at the finish line to thank you and cheer you on.
Look forward to seeing you all in San Diego! Thank you in advance for all the support!
