This year I am honored and excited to be running the Boston Marathon for Compassionate Care ALS in memory of my brother in-law Eric Johnson. Eric passed away at age 47 in March of 2017 after a 4 ½ year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was able to remain in the timber framed house he built with his wife Heide in New Hampshire. This is due to the support provided to him by his family, friends and Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS).
CCALS is based in Falmouth and is an organization that works directly with individuals in the community to help them and their families work through this disease with logistical and emotional support. The support my extended family also received from CCALS, made a big difference and I felt inspired and motivated to contribute in any way I could. It has now become a tradition to annually run the Falmouth Road race in support of CCALS (all are welcome to join us – race is August 18!).
As most of you know, I lost 135 lbs when I was 40 years old (12 years ago). However, by September of 2017 I had gained back almost 40 lbs. It was at that point I decided to hit the reset button and take on two challenges, which were completing an Ironman Triathlon and running the Boston Marathon. On November 4, 2018, I stood in line just before sunrise at Ironman Florida having lost 67 lbs and 14 hours later I became an Ironman. Now I’m asking your support to complete the second challenge, which is to run the Boston Marathon.
My reset and taking on these challenges has been dedicated in memory of Eric. Eric was an inspiration to all of us. His positive attitude, generosity of spirit and strength did not waiver. I saw him take on ALS with the grit, grace and determination he lived his life with and realized we all need to do the same. Let’s rally around his spirit and contribute to the ALS community and this amazing organization.
Thank You for Your Support,
– Bill Roth
Checks can be sent to:
CCALS – Roth Marathon
PO Box 1052
West Falmouth, MA 02574
Total
$9,798.00
