Last October after months of doctors appointments and various testing my father decided to make a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in hopes of finding out what was going on. Over the course of 2019 he had lost significant weight and strength and was always struggling with fatigue. After spending 2 weeks in Rochester we got the news that none of us wanted to hear. He was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as ALS. 

My dad played college football at The University of Tennessee from 1971-1975 and was a captain his senior year on the 1975 team. Over the last year I have researched the disease and in particular former athletes who have been diagnosed with ALS. What I have found is the tremendous fight in people that have been diagnosed, young and old. With that I have decided to get involved and create this fundraiser as well as participate in the 1 mile Walk To Defeat ALS on Saturday October 3rd. 

Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS fundraising goal! The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

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 a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure.

That’s why I’m walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS” again. 

The past two years have brought incredible advancements in ALS research, expanded access to care for people living with ALS, and enabled legislation that impacts the quality of life of people with ALS and their families.

But, we can’t stop now. The key to a cure begins with you. 

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.