No, it's not my birthday, Facebook didn't prompt me to do this. I wasn't nominated for an "ice bucket challenge". 

This is personal.

My friend Joe was recently diagnosed with ALS, so I'm participating in ALS United Greater New York?s Walk ALS as a show of support. Joe is an amazing guy who has spent countless hours serving others through Veterans Out of the Rough and at our church. In my opinion, he deserves a long healthy life more than a lot of people, but here we are with this diagnosis. There is currently not much resembling a cure or even treatment, and that needs to change.

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 regardless of age, gender, nationality, or ethnicity, although it is primarily an adult-onset disease. Currently there is no known cause or cure.

Being a part of ALS United Greater New York?s WALK ALS is the number one way to unite and fundraise for those living with ALS. Please consider supporting my efforts by donating through my fundraising page.

Your donation today will help fund resources and services to the local ALS community, help find new ALS treatments, and move us closer to a world without the disease.

Please feel free to send this page to any friend or family member who might be interested in donating!

Thank you.