Charitable Giving in 2014 and The ALSA

Did you know that every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS? That's more than 5,600 people a year. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS. And what's worse, there's no cure for this fatal disease. 

What is ALS? 
ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert. Eventually, they can't swallow, can't speak...and finally can't breathe. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from diagnosis. 

Help the ALSA
The ALSA is a wonderful organization that advocates for an ALS cure, and assists people with ALS and their families, helping them to get the care that they need to live a productive life. They will even provide home visits to identify solutions to issues that the individual and their family is facing, such as getting in and out of the bathtub/shower, and provide equipment loans free of charge, such as a walker or wheelchair. 

Please consider the ALSA in your 2014 charitable giving (many states have their own chapters).

Happy Birthday, Dad! You are missed.

Michael Lee Johnston

January 7, 1954 - January 19, 2013

Diagnosed with ALS July 2012

Sorry your Packers didn't make it beyond the wild card game this year. Maybe next year.