ALS DoubleDay 2006

Dear friends,

As most of you know, we have been riding the ALS DoubleDay bike ride for the past 4 years. Even though this year may look a little different for us, we will still be riding the 6th Annual DoubleDay on July 29-30, 2006 in the beautiful Skagit Valley of Washington State.

We began to get involved with the ALS Association in 2001 through Mark Reiman, father to our dear friend Josh. Mark started the ride in 2000 and rode each year until he past away in 2003. We took over the ride in 2004 and this year, Josh has led the organizing committee. Mark's story and his drive to fight ALS continue to be an inspiration to us and we will continue to be a part of this event until we find a cure for ALS. Sadly, this year will be even more meaningful as our dear friend and very important committee member Aaron McNulty passed away in January.

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive, neuromuscular disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons are among the largest of all nerve cells, reaching from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to muscles throughout the body with connections to the brain. When the neurons die, as with ALS, the ability of the brain to start and control muscle movement dies with them. With all voluntary muscle action affected, patients in the later stages can be totally paralyzed. In most cases, mental faculties are not affected.

Nearly 30,000 Americans now have ALS, with an average of 15 new cases diagnosed daily. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages only two to five years after diagnosis. There is no known cause, prevention or cure for ALS at this time.

ALS is not rare. ALS can strike anyone. Ninety percent of the cases strike people with no family history of the disease. For more information about ALS, you can go to the ALS Association Website.

We need to raise $500 (as a pair) this year to ride and we would be grateful if you could help us out with a donation. You can donate online at Network for Good

Click on the link above and then put "DoubleDay - Team Rhino - Alex and Kristina Walker" in the space labeled "Designation (Optional). If you do not want to donate online, we can collect your donation when we return to Washington. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email.

Thank you in advance,
Lots of love,
Kristina and Alex

Nothing Less, Cure ALS!