As many of you know, Ted was officially diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in August of 2010. On March 9, 2011, Ted was patient number eleven in the stem cell clinical trial being conducted at Emory University. Then, on August 22, 2012, Ted became patient number 18 and had the stem-cell surgery repeated in the cervical area of his spine. The success of the trial and positive impact it had on Ted has been well documented. Whether through science, the power of prayer, or perhaps a combination of them both, Ted held steady and did well for 6 years. We adopted St. Padre Pio's mantra, 'Pray, Hope and Don't Worry.' 

Thanks to a combination of faith and science, Ted and our family was extremely blessed. The doctors were baffled and amazed by Ted's results and he continued to do whatever he could to help them understand how he was helped. As they told him numerous times, he was probably the most studied ALS patient in the world. 

Ted used his gift of time to continue to raise awareness for the disease and advocate for the ALS community. He served on the Board of Directors for the ALS Georgia where he served as Chair of the Public Policy / Advocacy committee as well as the Patient Services committee and was also a member of the ALS National Board of Trustees. Ted traveled to Washington, DC on multiple occasions to meet with Georgia's Senators and Representatives in order to secure funding for ALS research and ultimately a cure. Ted was the leader of the Georgia patients that travel to D.C. each May for National ALS Advocacy Day at the Capitol. 

In preparation for their hill visits Ted trained patients and care givers on the key legislative issues and how to share 'their story' and become an impactful advocate for the ALS community. He was also on the sounding board for the CDC's National ALS registry. In addition to his national efforts Ted was very active as an advocate at the local and state level. Ted organized and directed the 4th annual ALS awareness day at the state capitol and fervently worked with the General Assembly here in Georgia to secure funding for the state's three ALS clinics. Ted led the charge to have 'Right to Try' legislation passed here in Georgia. In February of 2015 Ted was invited and spoke as a patient advocate at UC Davis' Bioethics Conference. 

In March of 2016 we were dealt another tough diagnosis when we were told that Ted had Stage 4 Glioblastoma (brain cancer). He bravely faced radiation and chemotherapy, only to have the chemotherapy wreak havoc on his blood counts. We spent 3 days a week for many months getting lab work and transfusions. He lost his battle with cancer on October 17, 2016. We miss him terribly every single day but are determined to carry on his legacy. We approach each day as he did, saying 'Every Day is a Good Day'! 

Once again Walk ALS Georgia charity fundraiser is here. It will take place on Saturday, September 21st at Georgia State Stadium (old Turner Field). Last year the outpouring of support and generosity for the team was overwhelming. Everyone's personal selflessness and how they spread the word and were able to have their own family and friends support the ALS charity taught us all about the big-heartedness of the human spirit. 

This year we are hoping that as many people as possible will take part in the walk and hopefully find it in their heart to donate to the Tread for Ted team. It is not the amount of money you donate that is important, but rather the amount of people who get involved and not only support the ALS charity but also help spread the word and create the much needed awareness about ALS. The money you donate helps with patient equipment, advocacy, research, fund clinics and patient support groups. As a Board member Ted helped ensure that the money was being spent wisely to benefit patients and their families. 

This year I am honored to once again be the team Captain for Tread for Ted. I hope that we can count on all of you to personally support this fine charity, as well as the memory of Ted, the kids and me. We also hope that you will help spread the word about this little known yet very real disease and get your own family and friends involved. 100% of the money raised goes to supporting research for a cure and to helping families affected by this disease. 

I want to thank you all in advance for your love, support and friendship. If you have any questions or need help registering as a walker or making a donation please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. Blessing to you and your family.