I had a blast helping out at the ALS in the Heartland Golf Classic at the Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha.
But now on to the important stuff! Please take the time to read on and learn about this disease and organization, once you have I promise it will touch your heart. You may be wondering what ALS is? ALS is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is an insidious disease that strikes the nerves we need to manipulate the muscles we use daily. Roughly 30,000 people nationwide have ALZ, more than 5,000 are diagnosed each year. Almost 2 times more men than women, and 1.5 times more military service members than the general population are affected by ALS.
Symptoms can range from muscle twitching, to difficulties in walking and holding items, to slurred speech and poor breathing. It affects the major muscle groups: legs, arms, diaphram and the bulbar region (speaking, chewing and swallowing). ALS does not affect our sense of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch; it generally does not affect the intellect, bladder and bowel functions, or sexual functions.
Helping with raffles.
The age of people diagnosed can range from 20's through the 70's and 80's. The average lifespan from the date of diagnosis is 2-5 years. Most cases are sporadic. This is a lengthy and challenging disease that not only affects the individual diagnosed, but also the entire family and circle of friends.
ALS in the Heartland is a nonprofit organization that needs awareness in Nebraska. This organization serves patients, caregivers and families. They aim to enhance the quality of life of all people affected by ALS. ALS help to heighten community awareness of this devestating disesase, and to strengthen public and legislative support in the fight against ALS. Their services include in-home consultants, support groups, community resources and referrals, an equipment program and a respite care voucher program.
With one of the golfers.
There is no known prevention measure, and no known cure at this time or definitive explanation of the cause. This means ALS can affect any of us. That is what makes this organization so special. It is an honor to help spread their message and bring awareness. Check out their website by clicking
here.
With an ALS in the Heartland volunteer.
Hope everyone is having a great summer!
Belinda
It was great to be asked back on the Omaha Morning Blend at CBS. The first time I was on I was promoting and talking about my preparations for Miss USA. Today I was welcomed back and talked about my experience at Miss USA and what I was up to this summer. We discussed my upcoming events like ALS in the Heartland Sizzle Under the Stars on July 17th where I will auction off a date package to raise money for ALS patients. Mary and I joked about competing against each other in Youth Emergency Services Dance for a Chance 2010, where Mary and I will be local celebrities dancing to raise money for the Youth Emergency Services in August. 
