All Hands on Deck for Jim Allen

During the summer of 2014, Redondo Beach Harbor Facilities Manager Jim Allen underwent a barrage of medical tests that resulted in a recent diagnosis of ALS -- (ALS is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or “Lou Gehrig’s disease”). ALS attacks the nerve cells that are used in voluntary muscle actions; actions that we can control such as those in the legs, face and arms. As ALS progresses, nerve cells degenerate and die, ceasing to send messages to muscles, which in turn causes them to weaken and waste away. As there is no known cure for ALS, life for Jim and his family changed overnight with this diagnosis. Jim is now fighting through the effects of this disease. He is at work, continuing his 25-year career of public service, and taking things one day at a time.

We know Jim as a hard-working, loyal and genuinely nice person who does not shy away from a challenge. He is a devoted husband to his wonderful wife, Vicky, and a loving dad to Sarah (17), Jimmy (15), Kaitlyn (15) and Ethan (10).  Jim’s wife and children, along with his extended family and friends, provide him with tremendous emotional support.

While Jim is one of the mentally-toughest men you will ever meet, he is unaccustomed to having the spotlight shown on him. This page was created with Jim’s permission, and he acknowledges that outside financial support will be needed for him and his family in the years ahead to provide an accessible home and to purchase medical devices.

Please consider this a call for “all hands on deck” to help fund future costs for Jim and his family as they battle this horrible disease and plan for their future. No amount is too small and *ALL* contributions are gratefully & humbly received. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for responding to this call for assistance.