It's hard to believe that it has been a year since we gathered together to participate in last year's Walk to Defeat ALS.  With YOUR help Guys & GALS (Gang of Awesome Loving Supporters) for John was the Top NEW Fundraising Team bringing in over $7500 with 50+ registered walkers.

The setting along the Des Moines River near Principal Park was a wonderful place for a morning stroll, and feeling your loving support, surrounded by our team was truly overwhelming.  Another of the blessings we've been given that accompanies the challenges of this ALS journey.  

Since last year John has learned to accept some of the newer limitations that have occurred.  He wears a neck and leg brace to support the muscles that have "tired out".  And he uses a communication device to help with understanding his speech.  By walk time John will have a feeding tube (all prayers for procedure without complications are appreciated) since eating is also becoming a challenge.  He does enjoy the use of his candy apple red scooter to transport him about, so no options this year for "pushing John around" the course.  :)  You'll have to run to keep pace with him perhaps. 

On October 10, 2009 we invite you to join the rest of Guys & GALS for John on the Walk to Defeat ALS.  During registration we'll greet you with Harvest Blend tea and homemade biscotti, and plans have been discussed for after the walk tailgating to continue the party, weather permitting.  So looking forward to a fun filled morning and hope you can join us.  

 Please consider walking with us or sponsoring John. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. We encourage you get your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers involved too!.  You are helping give us the BEST POSSIBLE GIFT WE SEEK--  that being a cure for ALS.  Our collective efforts to raise funds are being made with hopes of supporting research that will prevent this crippling and eventually terminal illness from causing any family to have to learn to cope, accommodate to the challenges, or learn to live with ALS.  Someone's $ will ultimately be part of the funding that DOES find the CURE.  Perhaps it will be YOURS!

Thank you so much for your donations, support, and always -- your prayers!

Love and blessings,

John and Jo Kay Boyle