[Mintwood-place] ALS Walk - October 19, 2003

[Monica Hays]

Dear Mintwood Friends and Neighbors,

Please let me begin by apologizing for using our mailing list for personal use.  I do not wish to detract from its original purpose but to use this technology for a greater purpose as well.  The ALS Association is a worthwhile, charitable organization that helps those with ALS by providing support and supplies to those in need.  I am proud to be a part of this year's walk and hope you will find it in your heart to help my friend and others in his condition.

I am only 23 years old and one of my friends is dying.  I met Andy Bolton, this amazing person, five years ago.  That same time, at the age of 35, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.  He is one of the youngest people in Washington, DC to have ALS.  I've watched this disease destroy one of the brightest, funniest and smartest people I know.  He was so active and adventurous - full of life.  Now, he is in a wheelchair, cannot move his arms or legs and has great difficulty eating or talking.  ALS affects nearly 300,000 people in the world.  There is no known cause or cure.  Most people only live 2-5 years after its onset.

I have been a walker for this important cause for the past three years.  This year, my sister Christina is joining me.  On October 19, 2003, we will participate in the annual Walk to D'Feet ALS.  This purpose is to raise funds and awareness for this horrible disease.  Christina and I, along with several friends, will walk in honor of Andy as Andy's Gang.  We are hoping you will sponsor us in our effort.  Last year, I surpassed my goal of $300.  Together, Christina and I have a goal of reaching $700.  Your tax-deductible contribution of any amount - large or small - will be used to support ALS research and patient services.  Please make your check payable to The ALS Association with Andy's Gang referenced in the memo portion, and mail it to us at the address listed below.  You may also donate online with a credit card.  Go to http://www.ALSinfo.org , click on the WALK logo and then click on Donation Form.  On the donation form, it will ask you to note the name of the walker your donation is supporting.  Please fill in Monica and Christina Hays as the walker name and Andy's Gang as the team name.  If you donate online, we will be notified by the ALS Association that you have made a contribution in support of this walk on our behalf.  We thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering a tax-deductible donation.  We appreciate any support you are able to provide.

Thank you again for your generosity,

Monica and Christina Hays
Walkers for Andy's Gang
1861 Mintwood Place NW
Apt. 2A
Washington, DC  20009

PS - If you know anyone else who might be able to donate, please forward this message on.  Also, we would love a company sponsorship as well.  Remember, it is tax-deductible.  Thanks.

**Henry Louis (Lou) Gehrig was born in NYC on June 19, 1903.  This year, America and the world celebrated what would have been Lou Gehrig's 100th birthday, honoring his magnificent baseball career and his unwavering courage as he faced the deadly disease that claims some 5600 lives each year in the US.  We hope that a cure can be found very soon.  This walk is one of 103 walks scheduled this year around the country.  The Walks are important in raising funds to help ALS patients and to support in the research for a cure.
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