Hi! This is Ellen. As you all know, I was diagnosed with ALS in September of 2024. Luckily, my disease progression has been slow, but it is progressing. My speech is slow and sometimes hard to understand. I have difficulty swallowing. My hands don’t work very well, and walking is becoming more tiring. I never in a million years thought I would contract ALS. I have been healthy and athletic my whole life. It is amazing to me that there are still no treatments or cure for this disease. I am fighting as hard as I can, and all of you have been amazingly supportive. I swim five days a week. Diane Colwill at the Tucson Raquet and Fitness Club has developed a strength training regimen for me to maintain my strength as long as possible. I do Pilates ( thanks Liz.) I walk my dogs as much as I can. In the end, it won’t matter. For now, these things help me improve my quality of life.

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. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To support the caregivers who help their loved one fight this disease.  To ensure that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS” again!  

The past few 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 starts with all of US. Please consider walking with me or making a donation to my team. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.