Felipe's 2023 Marathon Run for ALS

I'm running my first full marathon this fall to raise funds for the Amyotraphic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association. Less than 18 months ago, my uncle, Xavier, received an ALS diagnosis, and in May 2023, he passed away. To me, it was shocking that despite the high-quality medical team one can find (and all the support a family can provide), this disease quickly attacks motor neurons, and the patient's symptoms rapidly become apparent. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms vary, but ALS typically affects patients' motor abilities, including their ability to eat, speak, more, or breathe.

Xavier always had a big, adventurous heart - he brought the humour to almost every situation, and he extended his kindness to his family members, near and far, his co-workers, friends, and those around him. For me, I won't forget the way he would make fun of how often I cried when I was 4-5 years old, dubbing that my first email address should be lagrimon.com (or crybaby.com). It may have made me upset at the time, but he did it in good spirits. It was his way of bringing comedic relief to family or friend gatherings, thus forcing us to be less serious and enjoy life.

Please consider making a donation for ALS research so that a cure and treatment can be found within our lifetimes.

More information about The ALS Association - DC/MD/VA Chapter: Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.