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

JOIN ME FOR AN ALS WALK IN SLC, UTAH ON 27 SEPTEMBER TO BENEFIT FINDING A CURE FOR ALS. 

Below is my moms story and a blurb about ALS. 

My mom, Kathryn Marie Sargent was a beautiful person inside and out. She was a sweet, caring, generous person who's life's purpose was to make others happy. My mom lost her battle to ALS on September 12, 2011. My goal is to raise money in her honor, keeping her giving spirit alive and to help fund research to find a cure for this disgusting, heartless disease that is stealing away our moms, dads, sisters, brothers, and friends lives. This disease does not discriminate. It can affect anyone and everyone. Please take the time to read my mom's story of ALS and consider donating or joining me on September 27th in Salt Lake City, UT for a walk to help fund a cure for ALS.

My Mom's Story of ALS

In October 2010, my mom fell walking our dogs. Soon afterward her foot started dragging (a sign of ALS). We all thought she was just hurt from her fall and would recover. Months went by and she was getting worse. She would have to hold onto chairs, tables, anything to help her get around. She eventually graduated to pushing a mini shopping cart to get from place to place. Everyday my mom would ask me, "Am I going to be OK?" I would tell her, "Of course you will be OK, you are only 58! You'll be fine."

In January of 2011 my mom had a heart attack. Luckily she was OK. I was hoping this would at the very least be connected to why my mom was losing her ability to walk. We still are not sure if this had any connection to ALS. No answers were provided.

In February 2011, my mom called me at work crying. My mom never cried! She was growing restless and her condition worsened. My stepdad and I drove her to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. She stayed in the hospital for two weeks. Every test imaginable was performed. Still no answers.

My mom was then moved to a rehab center in New Hampshire where she stayed for a month before moving home. The reason she was sent to a rehab was because there was nothing else they could do for her at the hospital. Despite the best efforts of many gifted doctors, they had no answers.

My mom wanted to move home. She came back home in April 2011 where a hospital bed was set up for her. My stepdad, my aunts, nurses and myself cared for my mom. After every other disease was ruled out and many false diagnoses was given, my mom was informed she had ALS.

My heart broke into a million pieces. ALS is a death sentence. My mom was my best friend. I couldn’t imagine my life without her. My whole life my mom and I faced every challenge head on. We were determined women and could overcome anything life threw at us but not this time. I felt helpless. I watched my mom slowly lose EVERY single muscle. Each day when I would see her, she would show me what new muscle she couldn’t move. My mom stayed positive and made sure I never took the “mother role.” She still wanted to take care of me in her condition. Her only concern about passing away was how my brothers and I would handle it.

My mom was a strong women and decided she would not have life support. ALS is an agonizing, painful disease. You watch your body deteriorate while your brain is sharp as ever. My mom accepted her diagnoses and planned out her whole funeral. Through all of this she kept her sense of humor. She joked as she told me what her last wishes were...She even told me and I quote, "Not to F it up."

My mom lost her battle to ALS on September 12, 2011. Today I live my life without her but try and make all decisions with her in mind. I will always keep her spirit alive. She is a beautiful angel who belonged in heaven. She was much too good for this world. I want good to come out of her death by raising awareness of ALS. Below is more information in regards to specifics about ALS. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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.