RUN4ALS - Chicago Marathon

A few weeks ago at work I received this email:

Emails like this one don't come around too often, but that doesn't make it any less reverent. We're a small company with young employees, so to have an event like this occur is both unfortunate and jarring. Recently Kevin, our Director of Communications, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. 

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is an upper and lower motor neuron disease, which not only affects the actual muscles but the coordination of those muscles. This means the patients can't do something because he or she doesn't have the strength, or because they're lacking the coordination. Daily tasks like buttoning shirts or cutting food can be very tough.

Fortunately for Kevin, he is very early in the disease and is still living very normally. He does some things a little differently and has lost a lot of upper body strength, but is adamant that while he may have ALS, ALS does not have him. You're probably thinking, "That's impossible, Kevin's huge! A machine! Terminator-like!" but even Terminators may need some help from time to time. =)  Don't worry about offering your assistance; Kevin said he will gladly take it and even welcomes it.

As you can imagine this has been a very difficult couple of months for Kevin and his family, but knowing a definitive diagnosis actually provides a bit of relief. After months of tests and appointments there's finally a solid prognosis. There are definitely good days and bad days, but for the most part his spirits remain extremely high as ever. He said, "If you see me wearing a track suit and drinking a smoothie, it was probably a rough morning. ;o)" 

Kevin's decision to have me alert all of you is an example of his courage, optimism and drive. I'm incredibly proud of him for having the strength to be open about this disease and his experience. It's probably not surprising, but the more you talk about the disease the easier it becomes to deal with. Both Kevin and I completely understand how difficult it is to come up with a response when someone drops this kind of news in your lap. Trust me folks, there is no script for this kind of stuff, and if there were I'd include it in this e-mail. Promise. 

However, I would ask that you do not respond directly to this e-mail to offer condolences; a Reply All stream is not appropriate in this situation. Kevin welcomes any questions, concerns and words of encouragement, either in person or via e-mail, but doesn't want to pressure anyone into saying anything if you're not comfortable. This is pretty heavy stuff but it's really important to Kevin that everyone know the facts. "After all," he said, "I spend more time during the week with you guys than I do my family."

Please join me in congratulating Kevin on his courage and positivity during this rough time. He's a trooper and we're glad to have him as part of the company.

Already knowing that I was going to be running the Chicago Marathon this year, and already knowing that I wanted to run for a charity... my decision on which charity became much easier once I learned this.  My entire company is joining together to help Kevin in his battle.  The owners recently donated $7,500 towards ALS.

In wanting to do my part as well, I just signed up to run for RUN4ALS in this years marathon on October 7.  Please help me help Kevin by donating as much or as little as you wish at: http://run4als.kintera.org/chicago2012/rachliberty

Thank you all so very much.

Best,
Rachel