Please Support Me...

Welcome to my Pesonal Page and the update on our Family!  Our experiences shape who we are.  Linda's brain hemorrhage 6 hours prior to our flight to San Diego for my ALS Clinical Trial Injection in September turned our lives upside down. Every plan, problem, and goal I had was tossed out the window.  I no longer was a person living with ALS, I was a caregiver for a person with a brain injury.  Linda doesn't remember much from those first few weeks, but after 100+ rehab appointments, I am happy to report that she is close to her normal self. I stepped out of my regular life, the organizations I served on, and staying up-to-date with all of you.  However, I know that many of you have sufferred from deaths of loved ones because of COVID-19, accidents, and other causes.  Other medical burdens among you include: Congestive Heart Failure, Multiple Sclerosis, and Stage 4 Cancer. These are just a few and we pray for each of you.  One of you connected me to someone recently diagnosed with ALS, which quickly turned into a friendship, and motivated me to resume battling ALS through the many organizations I joined.   

As co-chair of the Advocacy Committee of the ALS Association, I want to thank Senator Tomasonni and all leaders of the MN Legislature for the largest single state grant of $25 million for ALS Research and Caregiving Support.  On the Community Review Team for I AM ALS, I get to use some of my commercial insurance review skills to analyze new ideas and treatments for ALS Patients.  As a  Research Ambassador for  NEALS (Northeast ALS Consortium), I'm exposed to many new reseach ideas across the country.  And as a fundraiser for Never Surrender, I am amazed by all of your support over the years to help us fund new treatments and I get to learn new fishing techniques from great friends who participate in this event!  And, I just completed my 55th trip to San Diego since May of 2018 for the Biogen SOD1 Clinical Trial.   You have helped in so many ways!   When I was first diagnosed, it seems like there were only a few clinical trials.  On my last check, I counted 64 Interventional Clinical Trials in the U.S. plus a great deal more of Observational Trials to build our data base.  

Terminal Diseases are complex and overwhelming.  Where do you turn?  In the past you may have spent most of your time thinking or worrying about your family, grandchildren, career, goals, vacations, or sports, but now the disease overshadows every decision you make.  Someone recently reminded me that over these past 14 years I've navigated through research, clinical trials, medical products, medical theories, finanical planning, home choices, insurance, and personal safety, and that experience is what I can offer to others.  There are so many things that come up at different times, and if I can help any of you with consequential affects of health issues, please reach out to me.  

So, will you help me again and raise money for the ALS Community this year and let me fish with my life time friend Nick Demuth?   After fishing in this tournament for many years, Derek and his wife Kenzy are committed to another event on Saturday, but will be helping at the check-in on Friday night.  Our daughter Laura will continue as my Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Tourney from her home in Scottsdale, AZ.  

Why We Need Your Help...

I have witnessed this disease take control of families that became friends, watched how they battle as hard as they can, only to lose and see their loved one die. Your gift will help fund programs designed to help individuals living with ALS and their families. Your gift will also go towards research to find a cause and cure for ALS.     

What Do You Do Next...

You can help simply by making a charitable contribution. It's as easy as a click of the mouse. Know that you are helping people with ALS live with as much dignity as possible. Know that you are making a difference in so many lives.

Company Match Opportunities...

Check to see if your employer will match your donation. We have links on our website that make this process very easy!

A special thanks to Linda'a employer Old National Bank and All of our sponsors - plese support them!