Friendship can be an evasive thing for some of us.  We get wrapped up in our careers, families and hobbies and have no time to develop meaningful relationships but we are not made to go through life alone.  We all need a team of supporters to journey through life.  It may be a team of one in the form of a good friend or spouse, or it may be a team of hundreds.  Regardless, this team is a source of encouragement, wisdom, comfort and security during those times when we are confronted by a situation that is too big for us to handle alone.  At some point, we will all face something in our lives that is bigger than us and we will need that team of supporters.  

I was the kind of person who thought I could endure anything alone and then ALS showed up!  I have had the opportunity to learn many lessons during this time of trial.  One lesson is that life is a whole lot easier when we don't go through it alone.  Also, in times of trial, God gives us blessings but sometimes we must look for them.  Fortunately, I didn't have to look hard to recognize God's gift in all the wonderful people placed in our lives to help us through this time.  It is an amazing feeling to be surrounded by supporters wherever we turn.  We would never have had the opportunity to feel so feel so loved and supported were it not for this awful disease.  This journey has shown me that one's success should not be measured by career, position or financial status but, rather, by the depth of the relationships one has cultivated over the course of a lifetime.  

“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” 
                                                              ― Amy Carmichael

“Do you love me?  Do you really love me?”  Those are questions we all want answered in our lifetime.  I would like Akhil to know that he is loved through our generous giving.  We have formed a team, Akhil’s Angels, to walk in the Walk to Defeat ALS on September 21st.  Our team has an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 so we need everyone’s help!  I know if we reach this goal, it will bring tears to Akhil’s eyes as he realizes how many of us are standing by him in this fight against ALS.

If you would like to donate or join our team, please go to http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/OregonandSWWashington?px=3236413&pg=personal&fr_id=9237#.UdOOnPkzU40

Please know that your donation goes to support research and programs that our family directly benefits from.  The ALS Association has provided us with respite care (in-home help).  They have also loaned us equipment to save us the expense of having to purchase everything we need to make Akhil’s life more comfortable.  I assure you that you can feel good about giving generously to this cause.

There is a lot of exciting research going on regarding ALS, especially related to stem cells (not from aborted fetuses).  This research could lead to a breakthrough in the next couple of years to offer hope to those facing a diagnosis of ALS.

I hope you will show your support at whatever level you are able.  Individually, we may only make a small impact, but together we can make a big difference!