Hello!
You may be wondering why I’m involved in this walk and why I’m asking you to make a donation. So here’s my story...

July 21, 2011 I lost my grandmother to ALS. It was the day I lost one of my best friends, my shopping buddy and my favorite chef! Being Italian and owning a restaurant you better believe she made some YUMMY food! My favorite memories with her was watching her laugh with customers when she was at work. The quirky things she’d say and do. Sunday’s with her were my most favorite.... my mom and I would go to her house we’d help her make lunch and whoever was there with us would laugh with her eat and help clean up. After that it was clean the house then go shopping... Macy’s and Kohl’s... those were her favorites! The number 1 memory I miss the MOST was on my birthday with her special phone call... as soon as I would see her name pop up on my phone I knew the sound on the other side would be her voice singing “I just called to say I love you!” Originally sang by Stevie Wonder.

The hardest memories I wish I didn’t have to remember... watching such a strong active woman not be able to run around her restaurant taking orders and socializing with her customers all of which adored her! Watching her struggle to do day to day tasks that we take advantage of even as simple as brushing your own teeth. The saddest one for me was when she no longer could talk (that was something she lost early in this horrible battle). Not hearing her voice say my name in only the way she did or my son and husbands names. Not hearing her sing her Stevie Wonder song on birthdays.

I walk in memory of my Nonna. I fundraiser to help earn money for the scientists who study and research ways to help find cures or ways to help slow down the progression of this horrible disease. To help the association help those with ALS that need medical equipment so they can move around when their muscles and bodies can no longer carry them through their own house. To help the families out there caring for their loved ones who are going through what my family already has.

Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS(R) fundraising goal! This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

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. WE CAN'T STOP NOW!

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.

Why We Need Your Help

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 two to five 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.

ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the meantime it costs an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to bring help and hope today!

I know times get tough on all of us and we can’t alway lend a helping hand or donate but just keep in mind even small amounts add up! I do have until the end of January to collect donations so please don’t feel obligated now if you just can’t. Thank you! ð