Standing proudly with dad, just like I’ll be standing with him at the Walk

Walking for Dad, Walking for Hope

by Ava Jacobson

On Sunday, November 6th, I am walking to defeat ALS for my dad, who was diagnosed with the disease three years ago during my freshman year of high school. Fortunately, his progression has been slower than most, but he has lost a lot of ability in his upper body. For example, he has trouble getting dressed and difficulty eating.

I put together an ALS Fundraising Club at Radnor High School so a few of my classmates are joining us on the walk. In addition, some of my dad’s coworkers will also be walking. As of right now, we have 21 people signed up to walk for Team PJ. I am anticipating a few more of my friends joining us, so it might be somewhere around 25 people in total. We appreciate everybody who joins us.

I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. To be successful, I’ve reached out to my classmates, my family, and my dad’s coworkers to share our family’s ALS story. Obviously, I have been able to use my ALS Fundraising Club at my school as a way to reach out to my peers.

Our family is working together to find a cure for ALS.

To get ready for the walk, we are preparing to have a tent and continuing to encourage people to join our team or donate.

ALS is a devastating disease, and I hope to bring more awareness to the cause. Not many people really know about ALS — in fact, one of my good friends had to ask me what the disease was when I told her about my dad. Also, I have been very adamant about raising as much money as possible for The ALS Association, as I hope to help people with this disease as we work toward finding a cure. In total, my team has raised over $25,000 already. I really hope this money, along with the money raised by other teams, can help make a difference in the fight against ALS. We are all in this together.

Thank you to everybody who is joining us to support my dad in this fight.

This disease is so tough on all those affected — the person who is diagnosed and their loved ones. My main goal is to someday find a cure to prevent any family from going through the physical and mental turmoil this disease creates.

People who wish to help in Team PJ’s efforts can either join us at the Walk to Defeat ALS on November 6th or donate! Or start your own Walk team at www.greaterphiladelphiawalktodefeatals.org We can’t wait to see you there.