Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS(R) fundraising goal!

I first signed up to walk in honor of my friend and brother Doug Larkin who had been battling ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease, for several years. Unfortunately, Doug passed away after giving his all against ALS. So now I am walking in honor of his battle against ALS and in memory of him.

When I first met Doug in college I called him DigDoug, like the video game DigDug, and it seemed to be a nickname between us that stuck. So when you donate you'll be part of Team DigDoug with me.

This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease 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 ALS patients, and enabled legislation that impacts the quality of life of patients 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

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 though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the mean time it costs 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.

Doug and his family received support from their local ALS chapter. It is my goal to raise funds to support things such as the adaptive equipment that the ALS Western PA chapter loans to families. Last year the local chapter loanded $80,000 worth of adaptive equipment to families.

Together, with your help, we can help many more families who are battling ALS.

Sincerely,

Dave

PS Again, thank you for making a gift to the ALS Society in Doug's memory.