The ALS Association's St. Louis Regiona Chapter Honors
Central Illinois Ntive for His Efforts in Fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease

Decatur, IL. (April 15, 2009)-A former trumpeter and bus driver, 59-year-old Doug Scherer refuses to let the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) deter his positive outlook on life or his faith in a higher power.  Scherer has familial ALS as his mother and aunt passed away from the disease.  People commonly refer to ALS as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The ALS Association's St. Louis Regional Chapter has proclaimed Scherer and his 54-year-old wife and caregiver Viki the family that best exemplifies the spirit of "ALS Across America" for the chapter during ALS Awareness Month in May.  Viki has held several jobs.  She has worked as a newspaper reporter at the Decature Tribune and as a substitute teacher.  She quit the latter job last year due to her cargiving duties.  Occasionally, she works at her sister Cheri Bassana's business Before U-Print, as a copywriter/editor/proofreader.  In addition, she also serves on staff on an as-needed basis as a writing instructor at Decatur's Life Central Bible Institute.

The "ALS Across America" national campaign recognizes courageous individuals with ALS and their caregivers who are role models to people with Lou Gehrig's Disease.  These special individuals reflect the spirit of the organziation as they make a positive difference in their community by expanding awareness of ALS and embodying the spirit of living life to the fullest.   ALS usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis.

Doug Scherer drove a city bus in Dacatur for 31 years.  During this job, he took only one sick day.  He received his ALS diagnosis in November 2007.  Despite relying on a motorized wheelchair, Scherer and his wife are active residents in their church community, Harvest Christian Center in Decatur,  They also frequently educate their neighbors and others about Lou Gehrig's Disease and work closely with the chapter.

"Doug and Viki are important to the chapter because Doug is a patient.  Also, they give us the energy, determination, and motivation to face the challenges of managing ALS and finding a treatment or cure," said Sharon Gacki, the chapter's education, awareness and advocacy director.  "Doug reminds us that it is not just Lou's disease, it is everyone's disease."

Both family and friends laud Scherer for his calm determination and faith.  "Doug has always been the person behind the scenes to quietly help others-he has a true servant's heart." Gacki said. "It has sometimes been overwhelming for our chapter to be on the receiving end."

"When Doug was officially disagnosed with ALS on Nov 8, 2007, I was devastated." Viki Scherer said.  "I remember wondering how in the world we were going to make it financially since Doug's last day of work was November 12, 2007, and we have a daughter in college.  A scripture verse came to my mind, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Over and over again we have seen God provide for our needs.  So many times He has kept us one step ahead of the disease's progression."

The Scherers have two children, Michael, 23, who works at his own musical production company, DreamVizion Productions, and Sarah, 20, a marketing major at Northern Illinois University who is studying in Costa Rica this semester.  Scherer was also third cousin to 1950s matinee idol Roy Scherer.  "Our daughter Sarah is left-handed," said Viki Scherer, "and one year for Christmas, I gave her a left-handed calendar.  It mentioned Roy Scherer as being left-handed and that he changed his name to Rock Hudson."

Scherer was a music education major in college with trumpet as his main instrument.  Although he never went into the teaching profession, he continued playing the trumpet.  Many of the doctors and medical staff in Decatur and Springfield, IL and St. Louis believe his breathing has been good because he played the trumpet for 48 years, causing his lungs and diaphragm to be well developed.

"He has not played his trumpet since December 2007 because he could no longer hold it." Viki Scherer said.  "his inability to play the trumpet made him cry, made me cry and made others in our church cry."

Throughout May, The Association and its nationwide network of 42 chapters will reach out to communities across the country to educate the publiic about Lou Gehrig's Disease and urge people to join The Association in the fight to make ALS a disease of the past.

The Associaton's National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference, which has grown to be the single largest gathering of the ALS community, and is part of ALS Awareness Month, will be held this year on May 10-12 in Washington, D.C.  The chapter selected Scherer and Viki to go to the nation's captial for this event.

The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on every front.  By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating mutidisciplinary care though certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships.  The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.