A MESSAGE FROM JIM
First and foremost our sincerest thanks for your continued support of our family, Team Magnum JF and the Columbus Walk to Defeat ALS. Without the love and personal support we've received from friends and family over the past several years, this devastating diagnosis would be far more difficult to endure. While luck is a contributing factor I truly believe that my ability to continue to "beat the odds" is a direct result of this support from the Magnum JF Community.
2020 has been quite a challenge for all of us - beyond our wildest expectations. We've all had to adjust to a new and evolving normal. Flexibility and adaptability are key in dealing with the tremendous levels of uncertainty. Interestingly enough those same two skills are also critical for those of us dealing with ALS - PALS (People with ALS), caregivers, families, friends...
One of the many things that I miss right now is the monthly ALS Support Group meetings and all of the personal support my family receives there. They've done a great job in response to the crisis and continue to re-engineer many of the programs and services available to PALS.
Not-for-Profits that depend on fundraising to provide vital services to the communities they serve are facing extreme challenges this year and the ALS Association is no different. More than 80% of their annual operating budgets are funded by donations from the annual Walk to Defeat ALS. This year's walk is virtual which presents a unique set of challenges. With challenges come opportunities though. We can be creative with our fundraising efforts. I ask that you think about how you can contribute in a virtual environment through Social Media Fundraisers, Ice Bucket Challenges, etc.
THANK YOU again - be safe, stay healthy.
Jim
2020 WALK
Team Magnum JF invites you to take a 1 mile walk in your neighborhood the weekend of September 19-20. We created a team email address in hopes that our virtual walkers will share any thoughts, stories, photos or videos from your walk. Each of the last three years our team has shown up in greater force than any other team from the Central and Southern Ohio Chapter. If we can't see you in person this would be the next best thing. Our family will all be able to access these at at teammagnumjf@gmail.com
OUR TEAM
We chose this team name because Jim's personal brand is best defined by his mustache. Jim's children have never seen him without it. It is a symbol of strength that was made popular in the 70's and 80's, probably even before. The strength and power and sophistication of a man rocking a serious mustache also translated into quite the sex symbol from this time period i.e. MAGNUM PI and one of the most famous generational mustaches owned by Tom Selleck.
What is ALS?
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, 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 an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 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. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease yet it still costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.
