Thank you for helping us reach our fundraising goal! Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community diagnosed with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

Included below is more information:

• About ALS
• Nancy’s Story
• Whiffle Golf Fundraiser
• Bumper Sticker Fundraiser

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ABOUT ALS 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease as it ended that professional baseball player’s career and life. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. 

ALS can strike anyone, just like a lightning strike. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!  UNLOCK ALS!

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NANCY’S STORY

She was a loved and loving wife, sister, mother of two, grandmother of three, aunt of three and friend to many. She retired as a dental hygienist having worked in private practice and in dental research until just a few years before her diagnosis.

Nancy began her journey following a hiking trip to the Great Smokey Mountains in September, 2018. She complained about a weakness in one leg. After fighting thru a whole series of tests, we were given the diagnosis of ALS in mid-January, 2019 and confirmed shortly after that. It was a journey we traveled together but we both knew only one of us would get past the finish line. As with most patients with ALS (pALS) we realized that the disease would work itself inward from her periphery.  

Our introduction to the local ALS United chapter began in February and we could not ask for a more helpful group. The ALS lending closet lent us various types of equipment to determine if any of it could help us as we transitioned from one level of the disease to another; lifts, wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and even some personal items were available to us at no charge. The non-personal equipment was simply returned for the next pALS to use. We also attended numerous meetings that offered support to patients and caregivers.  There is also a group whose family members have passed from ALS. Experiences are shared, lives and memories are celebrated, problems and solutions are discussed in these gatherings; the support from each other is tremendous. 

Nancy celebrated two Christmases that last year.  Her family and friends organized a ‘Christmas in July’ party for her and she received more than 200 Christmas cards from across the country.  She also was able to celebrate everyone’s birthday one last time.  She celebrated Fourth of July (her mom’s birthday), Halloween, Thanksgiving, her birthday and the real Christmas in 2020 with all of her family. Sadly, she was with us for only a few days beyond that.

Then, one evening, she simply went to sleep and never woke up.

Even though it was expected, it was still the hardest thing I have ever had to experience.  Watching your life’s partner wither away with ALS is indescribable.

Slowly losing the use of your feet, hands, legs and then arms is unimaginable.  Becoming more dependent on your caregivers is unbelievable. Many of you who knew Nancy knew that she was claustrophobic so being unable to move was a hell unto itself.  At least she has a relief from that now.

As the Beatles wrote in one of her favorite songs:

“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be."

Without the ALS lending closet and the ALS Association, the journey would have been much more difficult and lonely. For both of us. Please support their efforts.

We must unlock the mysteries of ALS so no one else hears:

“You have ALS.”

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Whiffle Golf Fundraiser

The annual Whiffle Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, April 7, between 9am and 3pm.  It will be hosted by El Coyote Restaurant located at 7404 State Road in Anderson Township.  The course is in the field adjacent to the restaurant.

The tournament consists of an 18-hole course with tee boxes and greens, out-of-bounds areas, water hazards, wind, etc.  Clubs are limited to 9-irons and wedges only; whiffle golf balls will be provided.  Regular golf balls ARE NOT ALLOWED. 

Suggested donation is $25/Adult and $20/teen. Kids under 13 are required to be accompanied by a paying adult. To make a contribution by credit card, please go to 

http://secure.alsohio.org/goto/WhiffleGolf

and use the Donate Now button located on the team page.

Two holes will be designated as hole-in-one challenges with prizes to everyone meeting the challenge.  Low score in your group will be eligible to select from a grab bag of prizes.   

Food and beverages will be available thru the restaurant. We anticipate your being able to play the course in about an hour.   

For more information and/or request a tee time, send your requested time to hmendejann@zoomtown.com and use the subject TEE TIME. 

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Bumper Sticker Fundraiser

Would you like to show your support of the ALS community for everyone to see?  You might be a pALS, a caregiver, a survivor, a relative or a friend of someone diagnosed with ALS.  Put this sticker where the world can see.  This is one way to show you are committed to unlocking the mysteries behind ALS.

Designed as a bumper sticker, it can be placed on nearly any surface. The sticker is 3”x11”, printed on paper backed, and removable vinyl material with: Car bumpers (metal or plastic!), windows, bulletin boards, laptop covers, etc. 

The cost for a single sticker is $10 and $9 apiece for more than one.  Proceeds will go to the ALS United Central & Southern Ohio.   

To order one or more stickers, please follow this link:

http://secure.alsohio.org/goto/ALSbumpersticker

Please send an email to als.bumper.stickers@gmail.com should you have any questions.