Friends:

It's that time of year again when I ask for your support of the ALS Association in memory of my friend Craig Thomas.

The Ice Bucket Challenge did wonders for our cause, but the need for your support is greater than ever. Thanks to Ice Bucket funds, we have one new treatment coming to market in August and several others on the immediate horizon. This means people with ALS will be living longer, dramatically increasing the patient population over the next several years. With more patients to care for, more resources are needed. 

Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages between two and five 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. This crippling disease can strike anyone. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.

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. The ALS Association provides services that help ease the financial and other burdens on ALS paitents and their families. You can support the agency's efforts by donating to, or joining, my walk team today. 

Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Josh