Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS®
fundraising goal! This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to
support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease and to spread awareness of the
urgency to find treatments and a cure.
Our 2020 team for the Orlando ALS walk is called Hope In
Motion a Unique Journey. We are walking to raise money and ALS awareness
in honor of two very courageous men. Marty Kaufhold was first diagnosed
with ALS in 2017 while living in Charlotte NC. We were blessed to
receive so much from the ALS Association who literally opens the door to
all things ALS. They provide so much valuable information, direction and
advise not to much an unbelievable equipment loaner closet and access to
support groups and whatever is needed to all members of the ALS Warriors
family. For 2 years the team Marty Party of Hope in Motion raised more
than $30,000.00 for the annual walk in Charlotte. In May of 2019 Marty was
called Home and for him there is no more ALS. But for Team Marty Party of
Hope in Motion our mission to be marching warriors against ALS and our resolve
to work towards a cure lives on! This year thru the ALS Association Florida
Chapter volunteer program we were introduced to Tiekar "Unique"
Bennett. Unique is living his life day in and day out with ALS and all the
challenges the disease and it's limitations brings to your
life. Right there at the front of the line the ALS Association Florida
Chapter has been and continues to be the answer to all things ALS. Both of
these men are incredibly courageous souls who accepted their destiny with
unbelievable strength and humility and always, always with a
smile. To honor them our team motto is They Smile .... We Walk. We
pray for a cure and until there is a cure we walk for care.
Please consider walking with
me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in
the lives of people affected by this disease. I encourage you get your friends,
family, neighbors and coworkers involved!
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
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.
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.