All around us everyday we see struggle. The struggle to pay bills, the struggle of trying to always do the right thing, the struggle to be who everyone wants us to be, and struggle at times to face our individual realities. What if your struggle was against your own body, and it was a struggle unlike exercise etc., that you are going to inevitably lose. It would be heart breaking, devastating and "giving up" would probably be the response 99% of us would have to a situation like this.
We have a friend in our close community of friends gained from the many years of playing music. His name Tim LaFollette and he, at a young age, has ALS. ALS for those that do not know is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease) is a form of motor neuron disease. ALS is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. In other words his ability to control his body is fleeting.
While most of us would give up, Tim and his family are fighting tooth and nail against his ALS, and most of all raising awareness of this disease in the hopes of one day finding a cure. He is an inspiration and someone who should be admired for his courage in the face of the upmost adversity.
Another good friend in our community has started a charity driven by artwork. You can purchase posters and 100% of profits go to Tim and his family. I am not affiliated with this charity or Tim's charity, "Often Awesome" but as a runner and friend, I felt the desire to discuss this. Below is an image of the poster you can buy to help out if you choose, or you can visit Tim's Often Awesome website to find out more about how you can help.
Thanks for taking the to listen to my ramblings once again. Tim's life is truly an inspiration, and reminds us not to take lives for granted. Until next time. Run Happy!
Link for Poster Cause: http://shop.thepostercauseproject.com/products/often-awesome-poster-designed-by-ant-sanders
Link to Tim's Page: http://www.oftenawesome.org/
