Steppin to End ALS

The granddad I knew took me fishing on weekends. I still don?t know how I managed to catch fish and play with tadpoles along the Pee Dee River (I?m way too squeamish for that now). The man I knew was gentle and loving. He helped me get my first four-wheeler and my first basketball goal. He?s a big part of why I?m proud of my country roots.

The man who left this world was one I watched lose the ability to move his muscles. That memory still hurts to think about. ALS is a progressive disease that slowly takes away the body?s ability to function. Most people live only two to five years after being diagnosed. It can happen to anyone, at any age, and right now there is still no known cause or cure.

To support the cause, I want to challenge you: walk 1.7 miles or donate this weekend in support of ALS and in honor of my granddad?s story. If you?re in the Charlotte area, I?d love for you to join me at the walk. Families, friends, neighbors, and even pets all come together.

I?ll share some pictures on Monday of my family and me participating in the ALS United North Carolina walk. Hopefully, you?ll take a few too to share!