Prior to October 2011, my father, Jarrett Dickens, was an active, and appeared to be a relatively healthy 84-year old man. At that time, he began having noticeably strange muscle control problems and was diagnosed with ALS in December 2011. Each day we watched his muscles become weaker and his care requirements increase. By January, he had to start using a walker. His speech and mobility continued to rapidly deteriorate and by May he was confined to a wheelchair, and had lost the ability to speak and swallow. He had a feeding tube inserted in May. By the end of June, he was bedridden and began having great difficulty breathing. At that time he began using a Bipap breathing mask as he did not wish to be on a ventilator. He died on August 6, 2012 from respiratory failure resulting from ALS.
Thank you in advance for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS® fundraising goal! This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.
Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me with a donation. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.
Why We Need Your Help
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that 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 of any age. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the meantime it costs an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Please help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.
