DAD'S STORY

After mild symptoms over the summer 2013, my dad, a retired DC firefighter, quickly began to have more difficulty breathing in September and was admitted to the hospital. After stumping the doctors for weeks, he was finally diagnosed with ALS in late October. Dad came home on November 11, 2013. He was on a ventilator and spent most of his time in bed, except for brief periods when he could be up in a chair.

Dad quietly passed away early on Thursday, June 4, 2015. We're so glad he could spend the time since his diagnosis at home with family and friends.

http://www.adventfuneral.com/services/harold-benny-ashby-self-jr.htm

OUR TEAM

2014, was our first year participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS and we were initially given a team goal of $1750, but ended raising over $16,000, which was the 4th most in the biggest walk The ALS Association has ever had. We also won the award for Best Shirt Design!

I'm starting with a modest personal goal of just $500. Thank you for helping me to defeat ALS! 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.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Please consider helping to sponsor 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! If you can't join us on the walk, but would like to join the team as a "virtual walker", you'll have your own fundraiser page to share with your own friends and family.

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.