Dear Family & Friends:

My family and I, along with some dear friends, are again teaming up to help raise awareness and funds for ALS.  This is our tenth year participating in this event, however some years we must do it as a virtual team instead of actually walking at the event due to family calendar challenges. In years when I can't attend, I commit to walking a mile and saying a prayer for anyone battling ALS. 

Our team name is TEAM HOPE - Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatment and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the Walk to Defeat ALS® or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause.

Bob Stoutt (my father) died at the age of 54 from complications of ALS in October 1991.  At the young ages of 22, 27 and 30, three daughters lost their father, a wife lost her husband, siblings lost a brother, co workers lost a coworker, and friends lost a friend.  Dad was an active member of his church, community, and an avid Oak Ridge Wildcats fan.  This disease is still crippling individuals and therefore causing pain and suffering to them and their families still today.  This is one way our family and friends can help.  Because as a family member of someone who lived with ALS for not even two years - every day was a battle.  We hope that by walking for ALS and raising funds for the ALS Association we can play a small part in helping individuals and their families. 

In addition, my Stepfather, James Gary, was diagnosed with ALS in Spring 2013.  He passed away in Fall 2014 due to complications of ALS. He and my mother enjoyed 18 years of marriage. They enjoyed church, family and travel including a special trip to the Holy Land just as Jim started to endure the difficulties of this disease. Our children called him "Po Po".  He's was the only grandfather on my side of the family for my children and he's been such a wonderful "Po Po" loving our children as his own.  

Through this effort, TEAM HOPE can raise funds to provide support to patients and their families as well as for the much needed research. 

So, I walk in fond memory of my Daddy and James Gary. 

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 yet it still costs loved ones 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.

Sincerely,

Annie Stoutt Cacheiro, TEAM HOPE Captain

annie_ron_cacheiro@att.net; 865/803-2394