One month ago, I received a devastating text from a treasured friend. A text that I still can’t fathom is real, even a month later. The message that hit me like a sledgehammer that day was from a lifelong friend that I have known literally since we were newborns. Our families were neighbors and my mom and his mom would take us on walks together. More than once, my mom has told me what a perfect little boy Mike was, while I on the other hand, just seemed to cry all the time. From there, we went to grade school together, were football, basketball and baseball teammates all through middle school and high school. No matter the team, Mike was always our undisputed leader. A ferocious competitor and a guy that could ALWAYS be counted on, no matter what the need or how high the stakes. He always made me want to try harder and be better. We then went on to be college roommates and shared so many of life’s ups and downs together. After college, we moved apart geographically but still had that special bond and were Best Man for one another at our weddings. The text that I received that day stopped me cold. I couldn’t comprehend the words.  My lifelong friend and confidante, devoted husband to Kristine, awesome dad to Matt, always solid brother to Angie and Lisa and proud son of Ed and Gloria, was reaching out to tell me he had ALS. 

For those of you who don’t know, 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, and presently there is no known cause or cure.

That’s why I’m walking. I’m also walking in memory of, and to honor my Grandma Waite, who died of this disease when I was a teenager more than 40 years ago. I want to help change the statistics. To bring aid and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS” again. 

The past two years have brought incredible advancements in ALS research, expanded access to care for people living with ALS, and enabled legislation that impacts the quality of life of people with ALS and their families.

But, we can’t stop now. The key to a cure begins with you. 

Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this terrible disease.  

If you have already contributed to Mike’s sister, Angie, or to his wife, Kristine, thank you so much. If you have not contributed yet, but would like to support my walk, I would be so very grateful. 

One love, Randy