Walk this Way

This coming Saturday is an anniversary for me, almost exactly one year ago I heard those words that no one ever wants to hear, "Kevin, it is ALS".  As the reality of the situation sank in, we realized quickly that we had to find a way to move forward and get on with living the rest of our lives. Also we knew that we would need help in adjusting to changes that were already occurring and in those that were sure to come in the future. We found that help in the ALS Association and an amazing woman named Dora,whose advice and help and friendship have made such a huge difference this past year.

Saturday will also mark our second participation in the Associations  Walk to Defeat ALS  annual fundraiser put on  by Association chapters across the country. Last year's event was one of the highlight events of the year for me. Held  not long after my diagnosis, I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support  we received from so many friends, family members, coworkers and former class mates.  We formed our team and  decided on the name KC's  Family  Band, and set out to make a difference for the Association.  If  you know me even a little bit, you have probably seen the competitive streak  on display prominently in one way or another. When the walk  day arrived, more than 30 members from  KC's Family Band hit the trail in bright yellow T-shirts  as the  number one fundraising team. We were so excited and delighted to have raised  almost six  thousand dollars!

As KC's Family Band gets ready to hit the trail again Saturday at 9 AM in Girard Park in Lafayette and again the following Saturday at Zephyr Field in Metairie, we are looking forward  to making a significant contribution to the ALS Association. Once again we've got great themed T-shirts,  enthusiastic walkers and me leading the way. However,  the difficult economic trials of the past year have really hampered our fundraising efforts. Currently in second place in Lafayette,  we have raised about $1600 so far. While I recognize the difficult times, I am also aware that the number of  PALS  and the needs of  PALS served by the Louisiana Mississippi chapter of the Association continues to grow. They provide loaner equipment such as power chairs, wheelchairs, communication devices, bathroom equipment and also sponsor support groups and the  Louisiana ALS clinic.  I have personally benefited from all of the services they provide - Jazz Festival and Nolan's wedding would not have been possible without the use of the  power wheelchair, you know how much  these  outings meant to me. So I am taking this opportunity to ask each of you  to please consider making a donation to this incredible organization, large or small every dollar donated will make a difference in the life of a local  PALS. Please use the link below to donate online and from the bottom of my heart, thank you so very much! We are looking forward to celebrating my anniversary with so many friends and amazing members of the ALS community that we've come to know over the past year. Also, if you're reading this and you are able to join us either in Lafayette on Saturday or in Metairie on October -1st, join our team, we would love to have you walk with us!

LAFAYETTE WALK TO DEFEAT ALS