ALS can strike anyone.  And it's a shock and very painful when someone you love gets struck. 

For over three years, my father, Scott Massengill, courageously fought ALS. While the disease robbed him of his ability to talk, eat, drink, and walk, he never lost his sense of humor, his smile or the twinkle in his eyes.  Incredibly, he never once complained about his condition, even when he needed a ventilator to help him breathe.  One of my dad's friends uses the phrase “Scott Up” to remind himself to not complain when faced with adversity; my family and many others now embrace the phrase. 

When debating whether to run the 2024 NYC marathon, I emailed my dad the Team ALS Commitment Form.  He replied, “Does this mean you have decided to run?  I am certainly supportive if you do.”  That was the last email I will ever receive from my dad.   I did not get a chance to tell him, but my reply is, “Yes,  I have decided to run.”  

I planned to run with Team ALS in honor of my dad, but because he passed away in May, I am now running in his memory.  Team ALS is raising funds to support those affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease." ALS is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Presently, there is no known cure for ALS and there are very few treatments available that might slow its progression. 

My pace may not match the speed of my dad’s power wheelchair, lovingly referred to as “Scott’s Wheels,” but my father’s steadfast love and adventuresome spirit are motivating me to continue his battle by running 26.2 miles and fundraising for Team ALS.  Your donation will help us “Scott Up” and make strides towards a cure, ensuring my dad’s spirit lives on in every step we take.