What a great celebration this morning at Victory Plaza in Dallas. Over a thousand walkers honored people who contracted Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and raised money for medical research. Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a progress neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. There is no cure for the disease at this time. But we're hopeful. You can learn more about ALS here.
Paula and I walked the 3 mile course and were awed by the teams of people who honored those who are living with ALS and those who have passed away. In spite of the seriousness of the disease, each team carried its own character. One team had an Elvis impersonator. Another team, composed of students from an area high school, had 22 walkers that came because one teenage girl said "My aunt has this disease. Come join me." She made a big impression, but there's another team I want to tell you about: Lady Di's Team.
Diane has worked for 35 years at an Allstate Insurance service center. Dozens of her co-workers joined her today to walk the three miles. I said joined her. I spoke with Diane--her speech is significantly impacted by ALS, but her determination is more than full speed--before she walked the 3 miles. In addition to Diane and her co-workers, Diane's father and mother (in a wheelchair) joined Diane on this walk.
Diane's resolve moves me. The support of her co-workers move me. And that makes me think: Who are each of us moving today?
