Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative and fatal neuromuscular disease that affects more than 30,000 Americans. There is currently no known cure for it. While developments in medical technology and pharmacological research have lengthened the life expectancy of those diagnosed, the financial and emotional burdens faced by families dealing with this disease are daunting. My uncle Wayne and my aunt Eileen were blessed to have the support of CCALS, which supported them throughout his battle with ALS, providing medical equipment, emotional support, and the means to fight this terrible disease under his own terms and in his own home.
Wayne’s compassion, his unwavering attitude, and outgoing nature was (and still is) inspiration to his friends and family. Having worked as an occupational therapist for over 15 years, Wayne understood that people with diseases or illnesses often require a specific course of care to remedy or alleviate symptoms associated with their ailments. While he was battling ALS, he told me stories about the (often wild) lengths to which he used to have to go just to obtain basic equipment for his patients. Wayne chose this profession because it was incredibly fulfilling to assist and interact with those in need, and he was the perfect fit for it. It was the one place where his abilities and his passions came together perfectly. There was nobody he was scared to confront, and nobody he would accept “no” from if it meant preventing him from getting his job done.
We are honored to give back to the organization that helped our family so much for the past several years, CCALS. Ron Hoffman and the CCALS team have been there for Wayne’s family every step of the way, and the very least I can do is “pay it forward.” Not everyone has the amazing network of family and friends that Wayne has, but everyone afflicted with this terrible disease needs a level of care and assistance that CCALS in uniquely prepared to deliver.
Checks can be sent to:
CCALS – MacKenzie Marathon
PO Box 1052
West Falmouth, MA 02574
Total Amount Donated:
$3,245
Contributors
Mark Lank
Crystal Christian
Randy Ellis
Linda Cottreau
Kathleen Thompson
David Harris
Martin Glynn
Sonny Zhao
Brooks Foley
Jeffrey Schriesheim
Scott Bempkins
Alampu Maakaru
Everyone who participated in the NCAA Bracket Challenge and the Cityside Fundraiser!!!
Edwin G. Mackenzie, Jr.
Eileen Harris
Nancy Babcock
Steven Pepin
Susan McMahon
Akayla Barnett
Cheryl Vaidya
Kelsey Quinlan
Maggie Bender
Zachary Eagan
Megan Lincoln-Hilberg
Clare & Edward Monac
Tom Delmar
Lenna Lam
Jerome Trupiano
Bill Judge
Walter Bentson
Mary Trubiano
John Powell
Kenneth Sances
Ann Kerouac
Daniel Gorman
Denise Mastrovito
Elizabeth Finch
Joan Gentile
Comments
Good Luck Andrew!
Linda Cottreau
Love You Andrew. Thank you for running for ALS. Your Uncle Wayne will be guiding you to the finish!
Aunt Eileen
See you out there buddy, let’s do this!
Matt Birnie
