Thank you for helping me reach my goal in the Ride to Defeat ALS!
My friend Colin Meagher has been gracefully battling ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) for three years now. ALS is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disease that slowly robs a person of their ability to walk, talk, swallow and breath.
Colin and I go back 15+ years. Early on he became one my favorite photographers. Partly because of his ability to deliver, but also because of his always positive spirit and his patience in explaining the process in capturing the mind-blowing imagery he’s been known for.
When I first started fiddling with cameras, and turning the settings from “auto” to “manual,” Colin was by far the most supportive of my new hobby. He’s been my go-to contact for any photo related questions for at least the past decade. Photography has become a meaningful part of my life. Often, when the stars align, and I get a shot that I’m proud of technically (but especially the ones that mean something to me emotionally), I think about Colin. I think about the lessons I’ve learned from Colin and, lately, I think about the fact that Colin and Nikki are still out there shooting commercially despite Colin’s dwindling dexterity and hand strength.
Colin rarely asks for anything, but he’s asking for us to donate not just for him but the thousands of others battling ALS.
I registered for the Ride for ALS in Mt. Angel Oregon this weekend, but I won’t be able to attend. So instead I’ll be riding for Colin in and around Santa Cruz this weekend (wearing my Colin “Junk Show” blue/yellow gloves like usual).
This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease in our local communities and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and ultimately, a cure.
Please consider supporting my efforts by giving a tax deductible donation towards my goal. Please know any amount helps and every dollar makes a difference.
With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease while also having a great time. I encourage you get your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers involved!
Why We Need Your Help
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs a person of their ability to walk, speak, swallow and eventually breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages only 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. In a very short period of time, the person and their family need a myriad of services and support The ALS Association is their one-stop-shop.
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.
The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter supports families living with ALS at each and every stage of the disease. Through local monthly support groups, medical equipment loan closets, caregiver support, partnerships with multi-disciplinary clinics, and so much more - services are provided at no cost to the person with ALS and their family. The local chapter receives no government or insurance funding, but is supported through events like the Ride to Defeat ALS.
Help create change in the ALS community. Support my efforts or join my team today!
Prefer to make a donation by check? Click here for a printable donation form!
