I'm Shaun, Katy's boyfriend and #1 Klomper. One day at the dinner table, Katy poured herself a glass of orange juice. She didn't stop pouring in time, and the juice overfilled the glass, spilling onto the table. I chuckled and teased her a bit, asking why she kept pouring. She laughed and said she didn't know. "Fair enough", I thought, and shrugged it off as I helped her clean up.

Fast forward a few months to May of 2023, and Katy and I were both shocked to learn of her ALS diagnosis. She had been having some trouble with her right foot and leg, and some weakness in her hands, but we never could have guessed it was something so serious. ALS is a cruel disease: week by week, simple tasks that you or I might take for granted become more difficult, if not impossible. Caregivers are also impacted, as they are often not able to juggle a full time job and taking care of their loved one. In this regard I consider myself fortunate, since my line of work can be done remotely and with flexible hours, but many are not so lucky.

There is no cure for ALS, and treatment options are limited, costly if not covered by insurance, and only somewhat effective. 40% of the money raised by the Walk To End ALS will go directly towards research for a cure. The other 60% goes towards community programs, one of which is the Equipment Program. We have first-hand experience with this excellent program, that provides medical equipment loans at no cost to the patient, and generally with a quick turn around. Please consider donating to support these important causes.

Thank you!