Why We Walk!
We are walking in honor of the late Michael "Mike" Ward. Mike was an overwhelmingly beloved individual from Springfield, Ohio who sadly lost his courageous battle with ALS in January of 2014. His pre-diagnosis symptoms including leg weakness and muscle spasms became apparent in 2010. Following back surgery in 2011, these symptoms did not improve--Mike began having difficulty performing everyday tasks including using eating utensils, buttoning his shirt, and even writing his name. Following visits to the neurology departments at Columbia University and the Mayo Clinic in late 2012, Mike and his family's worst fears were confirmed--he had developed ALS. By early 2013, he was no longer walking without assitance from a walker. By June 2013, he was regulary using a power wheelchair and by November 2013, he was laboring to swallow and breathe. Finally, this despicable disease claimed another undeserving individual on January 23rd, 2014.
Mike lived life to the fullest with his passions including family, friends, and sports. With these passions in mind, his family and friends formed the chartiable organization deemed the Michael Ward Legacy in 2013. The Michael Ward Legacy's primary fundraising event is a golf tournament on Father's Day each year. The first two years of this tournament have raised over $25,000. These funds are utilized to assist Dayton/Springfield area ALS affected individuals with specific items including:
- eye recognition speech software equipped iPads
- medical devices and supplies
- improved home accessibility items
- modified eating utensils
- tickets to Cincinnati Reds ALS Awareness Day
- gift cards for personal specific needs
In addition, the Michael Ward Legacy is a Silver Sponsor of the Central & Southern Ohio Chapter Walk to Defeat ALS.
Why Your Donations Are So Critical
WE NEED A CURE!!! No one is immune to this debilitating, severly cruel disease that currently has no treatment. We are acutely aware of the devestating effects that the victim and his/her family, and friends endure. Our hope is that with enough awareness, energy, effort, and most importantly, funding, this disease will be an afterthought for all future generations.
ALS Statistics/Information
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.
