Thank you for helping me reach my Walk ALS Denver fundraising goal! Walk ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

Most of you may know that my mom, Tere Buckstein, was diagnosed with ALS about a year and a half ago, and has been dealing with the progression of symptoms since then. The largest impact for her right now is the near-loss of her usual speaking voice and inability to eat most foods, along with her left leg weakened to the point she needs assistance walking even short distances and general loss of muscle strength overall. Her quality of life is already greatly impacted.

Through all of this, her loving family will support her, but it's discouraging to see the lack of understanding and treatment after all of this time--especially with the cancelling of funding by the current administration (but that's a whole separate rant). This makes raising funds independently for associations that can help people living with ALS all the more important. 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure.

That?s why I?m walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: ?You Have ALS? again.

The past two years have brought incredible advancements in ALS research, expanded access to care for people living with ALS, and enabled legislation that impacts the quality of life of people with ALS and their families.

But, we can?t stop now. The key to a cure begins with you.

Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.