On June 1, 2024, The Basso Brigade will again participate in the Westchester Walk to Defeat ALS. We encourage you to join our team or choose a team member from the list and donate to help us achieve our fundraising goal. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Our family has TWICE been touched by this devastating disease. Helen Yacabowich Basso (wife of Vincent; mother to Brenda, Pat, and Vince; Granny of Jeanette, Jason, Amanda, Emily, Kaitlyn, and Rebecca) passed away on August 7, 1977 (her 51st birthday). Helen lost her battle with ALS before getting the chance to meet any of her grandchildren, whom she undoubtedly would have doted upon. Her eldest daughter, Brenda Basso McConnell, would be diagnosed almost 30 years later with ALS. Brenda was active in her community and worked hard every day of her life. She was known for her fierce love of her family and friends as well as her commitment to helping anyone in need in any way that she could. While she became physically weaker she never lost the strength of her mind and soul. Brenda fought hard and expressed her love every day until her passing on June 12, 2008. We walk in memory of these courageous and loving women. 

The Basso Brigade is committed to raising money to support people with ALS and their loved ones and caregivers, as well as spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, 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 an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. 

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. 

This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease. It costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help us make a difference.