Today, we are excited to celebrate as our Erie Walk teams gather and host their own mini-walks for the first annual Walk to Defeat ALS® in Erie, PA!
In keeping with tradition, our Unlock ALS lanyards are a tangible way to recognize the real reasons why we all Walk to Defeat this terrible disease we call ALS.
Each of our four Erie Unlock Representatives have joined our cause because they have ALS, have lost someone to ALS, are honoring someone currently living with ALS, or simply because they support any and all efforts to eradicate this disease.
Read their stories below as we honor them today:
If you followed Lou Gehrig day, you might recognize Dan as our special on field guest. Dan received a brand new power wheelchair that day and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Now Dan has the freedom to explore his beautiful country property, visit his kennel dogs and hunting camp, and enjoy the serene parks along the Erie peninsula. Dan wears the gold lanyard to represent and inspire those living with ALS.
Judy is not just a sister of a loved one living with ALS, she is a dedicated caregiver and support person for her brother, Dan. She is the team captain of Team Dan Tastic and led her team in their first year walking to an incredible fundraising goal. Judy planned a fun event for Dan, their friends, and family. On top of a great Walk day, she helped to raise over $5,000 and connected with WJET in Erie to encourage others to join the fight against ALS at the Erie Walk. Judy is a loyal sister, leader, and advocate. Today, Judy joins all those wearing a blue lanyard in honor of those living and battling ALS daily.
Karen and Team Bond walk in memory of their beloved husband, father, and friend Michael, who passed from ALS in 2018. Karen was an incredible wife and caregiver to Michael and continues to be a guardian to our community through her generous contributions and commitment to connecting with others that know this battle all too well. Karen is a trusted confidant to so many families and carries their stories to our state and national law makers to advocate for a cure for ALS and the support of the ALS community. Today, Karen joins all those who wear the white lanyard to remember their loved one they have lost to ALS.
Interim HealthCare has always been a strong supporter of our ALS community and a big part of that is due to the leadership and dedication of our friend, Mary Beth Lombardi, Regional Sales Manager at Interim HealthCare. Whether it is braving the cold at the annual All in for ALS football game at Mercyhurst, finding caregivers for ALS families, or partnering for fundraisers in the Erie area, Mary Beth is always willing to do what she can to help. Today, Mary Beth wears the red lanyard to support the fight against ALS and to do whatever it takes to help our community.
Erie! Are you ready to Walk to Defeat ALS®? It’s as easy as 1…2…3!
- Watch our Opening Ceremonies below at 10AM!
- Share your photos with the community by tagging the Chapter on social or uploading your special Walk day moments to the Walk Google Drive
- Check out our Spotify playlist for Walk day tunes
Don’t forget to donate below to support our Erie ALS Community and their first Walk to Defeat ALS®!
Thank you to our corporate partner:
The ALS Association - Western Pennsylvania Blog 