I have started this Team Coin of Thanks letter a number of different ways, but none of them seems to truly capture what I am trying to convey. That is because one of our beloved team members, a dear friend and close to our hearts like a brother, has recently gone on hospice. In one sense, it solidifies the reason we ride as a team each year to fight ALS, but when it’s one of your own, the stinging reality reminds all of us that we just aren’t there yet! We need to do more to stop this disease!

This year when I registered for the Beers to Gears ALS Northwest Ride, there was a prompt asking me who I was riding for; “In Memory” of someone or “In Honor” of someone. I decided at that moment that I will always click the box “In Honor of Cory Fox” because memories fade, but honor lives on forever! Cory, Lacey, Olivia and Kennedy, we love you! We are proud to ride for your beautiful family in honor of Cory! 

What is ALS?

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. 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. 

ALS Northwest:

Everything ALS Northwest does advances the search for effective treatments and an end to ALS. ALS Northwest leads the way in global research, provides critical assistance for people with living ALS, coordinates multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fosters government partnerships. All of these efforts must happen in an effort to end ALS! 

• On-staff Care Services Coordinators who offer individual support and home visits to assess needs, suggest equipment, connect with local resources and help families plan.

• ALS Northwest Certified Centers of Excellence and Clinic partnerships with Providence Brain & Spine Institute, Portland VA Health System, OHSU, Kaiser Permanente, St. Charles Health System, The Center and Asante Health System.

• Medical Equipment Program in partnership with Numotion and Norco Medical to loan equipment to aid in daily living activities and with mobility.

• Grant Program that funds a myriad of reimbursable, ALS-related expenses such as respite care, counseling, co-pays for healthcare costs, home modifications, and more.

• Monthly Support Group Program for people living with ALS, family members, and friends.

• Support and resources for children, in partnership with The Dougy Center, who have ALS in their families.

Help create change in the ALS community and support our efforts by donating!