For those of you who do not know, my father, Brian Dillon (age 46), was recently diagnosed with Bulbar ALS (also known as Lou GehrigÂ’s disease) in April of 2010. ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a 100% fatal neuromuscular disease. It kills nerve cells and deteriorates muscle tissue, which makes simple tasks such as walking and eating become increasingly difficult and then impossible as the bodyÂ’s muscles waste away. Through all this, the mind is unaffected. There is no known cure. As you could guess, financial burdens to families of personÂ’s with ALS can be pretty difficult, but the emotional cost is indescribably worse.
My family and I are participating in a huge fundraiser called the “Walk to Defeat ALS ™”. This year the walk is held in New Britain, Connecticut on September 25, 2010. The walk raises funds, creates awareness and gives us all a sense of hope. This is where we need your help! If you can, we’d appreciate it if you could donate and/or talk to your parents, children, friends, co-workers, neighbors or anyone who would be interested in donating to our cause. All donations go to the ALSA organization. The programs and research funded by the ALSA are the best hope for families affected by ALS.
Also, if you would like to walk with my family and friends on our team, called ‘Team Dillon’, just let us know. It’s another way to show your support.