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Climbing in the footsteps of Louis Stur

gordys — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:51:30 -0800

Update From Rick

2175forALS.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:45:00 -0800

Hello ALS community and Supporters of ALS, We are so excited to be 5 days away from the finish on Springer Mt. in Georgia, Monday November, 24th in the very late PM hours! Ben has been pushing extra hard through the very difficult Tennessee and North Carolina sections of the trail. The ending 300 miles seems to be just as difficult as the first 300 miles through Maine and New Hampshire. What a way to end such an epic trek. Today Ben starts the very difficult 2 day section of The Great Smoky Mountains.

Today's Hero: Stephen Heywood

2175forALS.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:47:00 -0800

Today, November 20th, we celebrate Stephen Heywood - and the Heywood family. Stephen was diagnosed with ALS when he was 29 and set off a chain of events that spurred his brother to create the ALS Therapy Development Institute. Please take a moment to follow the links provided at the end of the article to learn about the ALS-TDI, meet the Heywood family, and watch the videos from So Much, So Fast - a PBS Documentary filmed between 2000-2004. You will want to visit the website created by the Heywoods (and the ALS registry on the site, spearheaded by Bobby Brannigan) -- called PatientslikeMe.com - an incredible resource for the ALS community & pALS. Stephen died in 2006 at the age of 37 - and we are honored to bring his story - and that of his family to you today.*Be Well,Team 2175 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction from the PBS Documentary, So Much, So FastApril 3, 2007 To access this original article, please click here. What would you do if you were 29 years old and found out that you only had a few years to live? Stephen Heywood chose to get married, have a child and rebuild two houses while he was slowly losing control of his body's movement from a crippling disease. In So Much So Fast, Academy Award-nominated directors Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan capture the remarkable events set in motion when Stephen Heywood discovers he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Staff’s Favorite Gear of 2008

GreatOutdoors.com Staff — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:24:18 -0800

One of the best aspects of working in the outdoor industry is living the life: climbing, hiking, and adventure travel through some of the most fascinating landscapes on earth. Staff members here at GreatOutdoors.com (and our parent company, Altrec.com) spend as much time as possible pursuing outdoor adventure, so they take their outdoor equipment seriously. As we roll into the busy fourth quarter, a great time to pick up deals on the best in outdoor gear, here are some favorite pieces of equipment we found useful in 2008.

Today's Hero: Jim Culveyhouse

2175forALS.com — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:10:00 -0800

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Today's Hero: Ryan Van Praet

2175forALS.com — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:41:00 -0800

Today - November 18th - our Hero is Ryan Van Praet. We discovered Ryan's story through that of the Ironman competitor Jon Blais and the Blazeman Foundation. Ryan wore Blais' bib # 179 in honor of Blais in the Lake Placid Ironman last year - and was also named the Ford Every Day Hero at that competition. The the newsletter published by the Blazeman Foundation explains:"Ryan knows ALS in a very personal way. His father, Adelard was diagnosed with ALS the same year that the Blazeman log-rolled over the finish line in Kona [Hawaii]. After seeing Brian Breen [Ironman competitor] race for Jon in 2006, Ryan had this to share with Kevin Mackinnon from Ironmanlive, Jon's story and Brian's story, and Team Blazeman in general, gave me a new focus. To honor my dad, to show the world that he is a true Ironman because of the kind of determined person he is in life. To show the world that he gave me what I have, he treated me like any other boy, let me fall, and pick myself up, try things most thought he shouldn't let me try because I could hurt myself, or get embarrassed or embarrass him - I am now going to race as a member of team Blazeman if I can, to raise awareness for ALS. The perspective I have gained says that: "Yes I may go blind, but I will still be able to move, swim, bike, run, live! ALS doesn't give you that chance, so now I know where my priorities lie.I race for my dad, because if it weren't for him, I'd most likely always be one step behind and on the outside looking in. He gave me inclusion, he gave me courage, he gave me pride, now it's my turn to try and give back."Click here to access original newsletter

Today's Hero: Ken Patterson Sr.

2175forALS.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:42:00 -0800

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } Good Morning Team, today is Monday, November 17th and we introduce you to Ken Patterson Sr. On April of this year, Ken took off from Orlando, Florida - on his wheelchair - and rode to Washington DC. He did this so that others might take notice of ALS and be inspired into action. Ken's tenacity is extraordinarily impressive - thank you Ken & Glenda! *Be Well, Team 2175 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rolling Over ALS: Orlando to D.C. ... by Wheelchair Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Sunday, 18 May 2008, 11:13 PM EDT Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Final Trail Mail!

2175forALS.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:29:00 -0800

Please feel free to send Ben and Rick a congratulatory letter or note via the final trail mail stop in Helen, Georgia. *** The letter must be received by Saturday, November 22nd***, just 2 days from the finish, in Georgia! Please do not send any goods, just a simple letter or note congratulating the boys for completing such an epic journey for ALS. Thank You to all who have sent Ben and Rick cookies, letters, and other goods via trail mail along the 2,175 mile journey. How To Send A Congratulatory Letter To Ben And Rick Via Trail Mail... ******************************************************************************************************************************Address the Envelope: ***The letter must be received by Saturday, November 22nd***, just 2 days from the finish. The label must say... TO: BEN DAVIS "General Delivery" Please hold for Thru-Hiker Helen, GA 30545****************************************************************************************************************************** That's it! Have a blast...

Today's Hero: Eric Lowen

2175forALS.com — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:09:00 -0800

Today's Hero: Jack Orchard

2175forALS.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:57:00 -0800

Happy Saturday! Today, November 15th, we celebrate Hero Jack Orchard. Jack began Extra Hands for ALS, an organization that connects high school and college volunteers to people with ALS. This is a fascinating /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} organization and we admire Jack's work in building these bridges. *Be Well!Team 2175------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jack's Bio:Jack Orchard is the Founder and Chairman of Extra Hands for ALS and the Jack Orchard ALS Foundation. Prior to his work in the fight against ALS, he was the founder and Managing Director of various companies including iSpringboard, a venture capital firm, Red Square Software, a software development company, and United Financial Group, now Russia's largest independent investment bank. He serves on Advisory Boards of the ALS Center at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center and the NeuroRestoration Research Initiative affiliated with the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. In 2005 Jack was named as one of nine finalists in Volvo of North America's Volvo For Life Award which recognizes ordinary people who go above and beyond the call of duty to help others. He has an A.B. in economics from Harvard and an MBA from Stanford. Jack's experience with ALS and the creation of Extra Hands for ALS:

Today's Hero: Mervin Cale

2175forALS.com — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:54:00 -0800

Good Morning to the 2175 for ALS community! It is Friday, November 14th and we will be celebrating Mervin Cale today. Thank you, Ginny for sending us this amazing story and tribute - and for introducing us to Mervin's selfless spirit. Here's to you both!*Be Well,Team 2175 -----------------------------------------------

Trail ReCap: The Davis Crew

2175forALS.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:36:00 -0800

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Today's Hero: Tim Formigan

2175forALS.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:24:00 -0800

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Good Morning to All! It is Thursday, November 13th and we are celebrating Tim Formigan as our Hero today. Tim was an instructor of martial arts - and it seems clear that he had the gift of teaching, passing on a love of the art to his students and friends. The article below was written in 2006, Tim recently passed away from ALS. Thank you, Will for your words of encouragement and for bringing your friend to our attention. We are honored to be able to share his story. Wishing you a wonderful day ahead, *Team 2175 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was originally published in The Journal Group online in Aug. 2006. To access, please click here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today's Hero-dad

2175forALS.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:49:00 -0800

Today, Wednesday, November 12th - we celebrate a Hero-dad. It was clearly submitted with love - and we thank you for allowing us to share it with the 2175 for ALS Team. Embrace the day - it is ours to celebrate today, *Team 2175 ---------------------------------------- Hero-Dad | (submitted w/o name) Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} My story begins January of this year. I received a call from my sister saying "Dads in the hospital. He has been having trouble with his blood pressure and, remember a few months ago when he said he had been feeling weak". I reply " Oh, yes. I remember." In my mind thinking, 'well your parents are getting older and unlike no other this happens all the time, he'll get pills and he's fine but, when he gets home we'll have to cut out all his red meat. Boy, won't that be an obstacle'.

Today's Hero: Brett Snyder

2175forALS.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:59:00 -0800

Today is Tuesday, November 11th and our Hero today is Brett Snyder. We had the opportunity to meet Brett at an earlier stage along the journey and learning about the TackleALS Foundation, Inc., of which he is president. Brett, thanks for all the amazing work you are doing!*Be Well,Team 2175--------------------------------------------- This biography can be found on the TacklsALS website - and by clicking here.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Letter From the President of Tackle ALS Foundation, Inc. -- Brett Snyder In this day and age it is hard to believe that an illness exists without a cure. Yet every year 5,000 new people are diagnosed with ALS and thousands more die. I for one find this totally unacceptable. More attention needs to be focused on this disease for a cure to be found. We can no longer afford for ALS to hide in obscurity.

Jon "Blazeman" Blais

2175forALS.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:15:00 -0800

Today - November 10th - meet Jon Blais. This is one of the men who prompted Ben to create 2175 for ALS and the reason he is out doing what he is doing, right this minute. Let's learn from Jon today - and do on thing today for someone we love. *Be Well,Team 2175 Watch Videos on Jon Blais

Jon Blais - The Blazeman - YouTube

The Meaning of Life - YouTube

Everyday Hero

Born and raised in southern New England, Jonathan S. Blais had always been an elite athlete and multi-sport competitor. Given a death sentence in the form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease) in May of 2005, at the age of 33, Jon accepted his diagnosis and decided to do incredible things with it. He began waging a War on ALS from the beginning. This was his way of dealing with it; this is how he lived out his days... fighting for research and raising awareness.

Where's Waldo?

2175forALS.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:10:00 -0800

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Dan Wright inspires Ben and Rick!!!

2175forALS.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:27:00 -0800

Today was the best day of our journey thus far. We were able to meet up with Dan Wright, a marathoner who has had ALS for quite some time now. We visited Dan in his hospital room today around 6pm. When we arrived to the room, we were instantly greated by 12 people. There were 14 of us total. The room was filled with electricity. We chatted and laughed with Dan. He told us about his marathoning and mentioned some of his favorite races. Dan has some very cool, high tech computer equipment provided by The ALS Association. Dan enjoyes sending and recieving e-mail and is currently coaching a runner training for his first marathon. The money that we raise from this project will be used to provide equipment like this to other people with ALS. A great reason to donate $1 today! The room was full of energy. An electric vibe was present the entire visit. Looking around the room, everyone seemed to have a big smile on their faces. The room was buzzing. It was such an amazing expierience, the highlight of our trip thus far. We took many pictures and visited for what seemed like, not even close to, long enough. We will remember Dan and his lively spirit for the remainder of our journey. Our journey has just began. We beleive that this journey we have taken on to spotlight ALS has just begun and will continue for many years to come.Thank you Dan for being such a positive influence on so many peoples lives. -Rick and Ben-

Today's Hero: Chris Pendergast

2175forALS.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:16:00 -0800

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Today - Sunday, November 9th - we celebrate Chris Pendergast. Chris created the Ride for Life campaign in 1998 in which wheelchair-bound participants ride to raise money and awareness for ALS. This is an incredible story - here's to you Chris! *Embrace the Day, Team 2175 ALS patient Chris Pendergast Rides for Research -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Irish Echo (This story appeared in the issue of May 7-13, 2003) By Sarah Freeman. Posted May 11, 2003 in ALS News / Reprinted on Ride for Life online.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click to View "Ride for Life" video on You Tube Chris Pendergast celebrated his 54th birthday last week. It was a milestone against the odds -- one that he thought he'd never see. Pendergast was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, when he was 44 years old.

Learn More: ALS in the News, Sunday Nov. 9

2175forALS.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:42:00 -0800

Media Update from the ALS AssociationTo access original page, please click here. CNN Focuses on ALS Beginning This Weekend; NBC To Air Documentary on Paralympian with ALS

Today's Hero: Dan Wright

2175forALS.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:31:00 -0800

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Good Morning! It is Saturday, November 8th - and we introduce you to Dan Wright, our Hero today. Ben and Rick are eagerly looking forward to meeting Dan, Roanoker and former marathoner, as well as a group of his friends and family - after the day on the Trail. Stephanie, Dan's daughter, along with Rick and Amy of the Star City Striders were kind enough to invite our Team to meet Dan on their way through VA - and we've taken them up on the offer. Stephanie mentioned in her note to our Team that not only does her father continue to coach runners through email, he has also been keeping tabs on Ben's progress since kick-off. We're grateful to have Dan and "crew" as part of our extended 2175 Team - and have been taken aback by the open-armed hospitality and support they have offered to us. They've left us with no choice today - but to have a GREAT one, start to finish. We impart the same demand upon those reading this today...:) Ben's aiming for 39 miles - while some of Dan's friends head to the Lexington, VA for the oldest road race in Virginia. Stay tuned for an update on the days' events. Dan - thank you so much, we are honored to get the chance to learn from you - and to feature you as our Hero on this beautiful morning,

Hiking Newfoundland’s Long Range Traverse

peterp — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:28:45 -0800

Keith and I scramble up the steep, muddy slope using roots and tree limbs for purchase. Overspray from the big waterfall just to our left settles on us like a light rain. It’s tough going here in the thick vegetation of lower elevations. But I was forewarned: there is no trail through the Long Range Mountains in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park. If you want to do this route, it’s all map and compass work, so pay attention.

An Eclectic Take on Our Natural World

GreatOutdoors.com Staff — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:00:36 -0800

Deborah Harrington is a photographer for whom the great outdoors encompasses much more than the pursuit of adventure. “In the natural world,” she told GreatOutdoors.com, “I look for beauty that moves me. That can be in a butterfly’s wing, or the way sunlight falls on a mountain range, or the vibrant colors of a newly emerged flower. I can also find beauty in a sunset from Puget Sound, or in an ancient city in Italy clinging to a cliff. These things are all part of our natural heritage. As a photographer, I try to capture those ephemeral moments when light and subject and composition combine to create an image with staying power.”

Skiing with the Master - Dick Barrymore

gordys — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:46:46 -0700

Before we left the Zermatt Heli-pad Barrymore gave us our only instructions for the day, "Don't lose a ski". "If you do the day will be lost." As I wait my turn at a run before the camera his words reverberate in my ears. My anxiety about skiing these high glaciers of the Monte Rosa (Europe's second highest, 15,203 ft (4,634 m)) is particularly peaked. I've never traversed in this realm of massive seracs and bottomless crevasses before, and I don't want to screw up now for a number of reasons. Dick and his camera second, Kenny, have positioned themselves out of view around the corner of a huge angular block. My job is simple, blast into sight kicking up snow everywhere for effect, find their location, and ski right at the camera. I get the call and I let 'em rip. As I round the serac I spot the powder stash between us and make the most of it. However, glaciers are ice and a hidden chunk heat-seeks my ski, suddenly launching me sideways. Geez!! In an instant it's chaos! All I can think about is please don't let it end here, as I stare bug-eyed into the black abyss of an impending crevasse. Back pedaling, I hate to admit; I close my eyes and wait for my fate. After what seems like an eternity I open them slowly. Lying on my back in a medium size wind scoop, I stare up at Barrymore and the others in disbelief. Dick shrugs a shoulder and directs me, "Can you do that again, but just don't cut the serac so close" "I lost you in the shot". Yeah, right! At least I didn't lose a ski.

Josh Thompson

2175forALS.com — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:17:00 -0700

Today, October 29th, we share with you a recent story about the Thompson family - that assembled a Walk to Defeat ALS team totaling 7,000- 8,000 and raised over $500,000 for the local ALS Chapter. We celebrate Josh Thompson and his family today. Thank you for your impact on the community and showing us not to ever limit our sense of possibility... *Team 2175 ______________________________________________ Major Virginia Developer Honors Son by Creating Largest Walk to Defeat ALS Team on Record By Gary Wosk, Staff Writer Records were meant to be broken and in the case of The ALS Association’s national signature fundraising event, The Walk to Defeat ALS™, two were shattered on Sunday, October 19 at the Virginia Beach boardwalk for “largest team” and “most money raised.” Josh Thompson, a world class surfer and all around athlete, was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 at the age of 33. In his honor his father, major Virginia Beach developer Bruce Thompson, the CEO of Gold Key/PHR Hotels and Resorts, and his network of family, friends and business associates, including Josh’s mother, Kathy Thompson, wife, Joy, and brother, Chris, assembled the amazing “JT Walk” team. The team Thompson, the owner of hotels, resorts and restaurants including the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and the network created was “amazing” for several reasons. It was the largest Walk team in the eight-year history of the event ─ between 7,000 to 8,000 people participated. And the team raised more than $500,000. The money the JT Walk team raised was donated to The Association’s DC/MD/VA Chapter for services and programs provided to people living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Thompson, the captain of the team, also raised money for the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Mark Reiman

2175forALS.com — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:54:00 -0700

Today is Tuesday, October 28th and we feature an interview with Mark Reiman. His discussion of "purpose" merits a second and third reading. We celebrate Mark today - and are grateful that we are able to learn from his reflections on living with ALS. *Team 2175_________________________________________________ " I believe with all my heart and soul that our greatest value on this earth has very little to do with arms and legs and has everything to do with a positive attitude and a loving spirit." - Mark Reiman _________________________________________________ An interview with Mark Reiman, 45, who was diagnosed with ALS in 1991 and died in 2003. November, 1999 Do you feel that with each day you are better able or equipped to cope with ALS? There are two parts to coping with the challenge of ALS. The financial/physical/mechanical aspects of successfully dealing with disability which include living on a fixed income while dealing with ever increasing medical costs along with continually adapting to the loss of physical abilities present tremendous challenges and concerns for the entire family. Thankfully, I don't have to reinvent the wheel. Many expert PALS (people with ALS) and their families have already faced these problems and have found great solutions and outside resources who can help me and my family. Technology is constantly providing new and improved ways to communicate, stay informed, and be purpose filled. Our local ALS support group, God bless them, have been a tremendous help to us. They are an invaluable resource. ALS also presents a mighty challenge to our attitude and spirit, both to PALS and their families. Scientific research has proven conclusively that our attitude directly effects our immune system and our entire physical well being.

Will Hubben

2175forALS.com — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 04:28:00 -0700

Today – October 27, we celebrate Will Hubben. Will Hubben was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in July 1998 and died in May 2004. In November 2000, Will created The ALS Research Digest, an electronic newsletter designed to provide information about the disease to the ALS community. Shortly before he passed away, Will provided ALSA with a number of coping devices he used that helped him immeasurably. In his tips for newly diagnosed ALS patients, Will shared what helped him along the way and some advice that he wished he had followed sooner rather than later. 1. Be compassionate to yourself. If you are like me, your first reaction to being told you may have ALS is shock and fear. We all go through wild emotional swings when we hear such dreadful news. Allow yourself to go through denial, grief, anger, and whatever else you feel without criticizing yourself for it. It's natural and necessary for you to experience powerful emotions. Many feelings will arise again and again as ALS progresses. This will pass, and being gentle with yourself is a big help. 2. Reach out to family and friends. Many people may want to help and not know how. Talking openly to a family member or friend about your situation will help both of you cope. Ask for assistance with preparing meals, running errands, doing household chores, or ask to be taken to the movies. Building a support network will help you and your primary caregiver. Also, this allows family and friends to get involved. 3. Learn about ALS. Knowledge is power. ALS tends to make people feel powerless. Learning all you can about the disease, about supplements and drugs that might slow progression, and about current research, can help empower you. Sharing what you learn will help raise awareness about ALS and the need for more research money. 4.

Bob Nadir and Cindy Tewes

2175forALS.com — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:46:00 -0700

Today, Sunday, October 26, we post an interview with Cindy Tewes, caregiver to her husband Bob Nadir who was diagnosed with ALS in 1998. This article offers insight into their lives and how they find balance amidst the demanding day-to-day. We can all draw from this! Have a wonderful day.* Team 2175 _________________________________________________ This article first appeared on the ALS Association's website as part of the "Stories of Courage" series. To view the original article, please click here. _________________________________________________ November, 1999 Do you feel healthcare has changed since Bob's diagnosis? I didn't have any real prior knowledge, so I can't say. I do know that the insurance part of the problem is huge and without the help of a friend who comes over monthly and helps Bob file for all the insurance benefits and fights our insurance battles for us, we would be lost in paperwork and money hassles and less able to enjoy what time we do have together. Through ALSA's television and print awareness campaigns, you and Bob have made a significant impact on raising the national level of ALS awareness and have touched the lives of many. What does that mean to you? We have been in the position to ask for and receive a great deal of help from others, friends and strangers. It is rare when we get a chance to give back in a tangible form - a true expression of our gratitude. Creating the awareness commercials was an opportunity for us to respond with our talents (we are both actors) in a format that in turn can, and has, helped many others. We appreciated the opportunity to DO something instead of just react to our situation. You and Bob continue to enjoy vacations. What kind of preparation is needed before, during and after travel with your husband? Travel requires a lot of planning to be successful.

Bob Dennis

2175forALS.com — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:40:00 -0700

Today – Saturday, October 25th – we highlight Bob Dennis, who participated in the San Diego marathon with the help of friends and strangers as part of the "On a Roll for A Cure" fund raising event. Marathoner Won't Let ALS Stop Him February 2, 2004 Bob Dennis, of Valley Center, didn't take extra vitamins, practice running, stretching or other such common steps of preparation for competition in the San Diego Marathon that was held January 18. He wasn't even running in the 26-mile race. Yet, it was the race of his life. You see, Dennis has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that took Lou Gehrig's life and then his name. By competing in the marathon, Dennis was helping to raise money to provide hope to thousands of Americans living with ALS. Joining more than 8500 athletes at the starting line, Dennis made his way through the 26 mile course with the help and encouragement of family, friends and even total strangers who were caught up in the excitement. This event, called "On A Roll for A Cure", was created by The ALS Association's Greater San Diego chapter as a fundraiser for its patients, programs and to continue the mission of The ALS Association to improve living with ALS. Teams of people signed up to raise funds by pushing Bob in his wheelchair for one mile of the race. Some of them weren't even acquainted with Bob before the marathon. Dennis' nurses took a mile at the halfway point to check on his health, his friends took the second to last mile, and his family the last. The entire staff of the marathon gathered at the finish line as Dennis crossed it, and gave him a special presentation. It didn't matter to anyone that the 49-year-old Californian finished the race 1589 out of a field of 1658 contestants. Dennis triumphed with his courage and determination to participate in the grueling race.

Update-Nancy Bucci , Deb, and Rinky visit the boys!

2175forALS.com — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:25:00 -0700

Rick and Ben were so excited to meet Nancy Bucci, Deb, and Rinky at the end of Ben's 32 mile day yesterday. They brought the boys home made soup that tasted "oh so yummy", jalepeno bread, cookies, fresh apples, and much needed money for gas. "We had such a blast hanging out with the girls" The girls were there to cheer Ben on as he finished another epic day. Ben's last 4 days have been unreal. 32, 33, 40, and 32 miles. Ben has kicked it up a notch and seeing these 3 wonderful people at the end of yesterdays 32 mile day was such great inspiration for him to continue on with his journey. Rick and Ben were able to visit with Nancy, who has had ALS since May, and will be participating in a national ALS study that could change the way ALS is treated. Nancy is excited to be a pioneer in ALS research! Such warm people have been involved with this project and we are so thankful for that. Today, Ben heads out to Lee, MA on a 29 mile journey. The boys slept inside of a church last night and are still recieving blessing after blessing. Life is amazing and we are so happy that so many people have gotten involved thus far!The 2175 for ALS crewBe Well