One year ago, this was us. My mom was in the center of the picture, and was the center of our universe. She was diagnosed with ALS in early 2016 and passed away in December of 2019, just a month and a half after the The ALS Association​ Westport Walk 2019, pictured here. She was graciously honored at the start of the walk and tearfully cut the ribbon to kick off the event. It was as if she knew... this would be her last walk. This would be her last time with this amazing group of friends and family pictured (on our team page), as well as several others who had to leave before the picture was taken.

I've learned quite a bit about the experiences and challenges of others who have been diagnosed with ALS. This disease is not fair and not discriminating. Children, young adults, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, wives and husbands, extremely healthy people and people with underlying conditions... they can all be diagnosed with ALS. The disease takes over your body, one muscle, nerve, and organ at a time, until the only thing that is functioning is your brain. There is no treatment. And then you die.

There is nothing to sugar coat here. Patients and their families do truly suffer. Attempting to function through what's left of life is hard, but you do your best to keep your head up, and hope and pray there is a cure, or at least something to ease the pain.

However, I can speak for hours about the support that we received from the ALS Association of CT. I can attest that any donations given to this organization go to help ALS patients and their families. From support groups, to medical supplies, to transportation, to wheelchairs and walkers and hospital beds, to consulting with doctors on your behalf (they actually went to doctors appointment WITH us), to general guidance on how to navigate this debilitating disease, this organization (and most importantly the amazing individuals who run this chapter) helps. Personally, they gave us Thanksgiving with my mom through transportation and a ramp to get her into our house, which was so important as she passed away just a few days after.

In these very difficult times, please help us reach our fundraising goal, so the ALS Association can continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. 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.

If money is tight right now, I 100% get it. As much as we would like to reach our fundraising goal, just a simple share online or having a conversation with your place of employment about supporting our team would be amazing, and it's free. Or, simply join our team and do your own virtual walk on the morning of October 17th in memory of my mom. She would be honored.

Thank you for your continuous support of our family.

With Love,

Rachel