Taking a swing

 

With help from Michael over the past few years, I’ve taken on a new hobby: golf! It’s definitely been a learning experience but I love that it’s something we can do together. This sport takes patience, practice and more patience! But most of all it's just fun to get out and play with friends. 

It's one of our favorite summer past times, so it was no question we would bring our clubs with us to Chicago. One of our friends is a PGM major and is doing an internship at a course in a Chicago suburb, so we've been able to golf on some pretty snazzy courses out here. What are your favorite hobbies to do in the summer months?

My best friend (one of them :)

Having fun trying to take a picture. This is typical!

ALS in the Heartland Golf Classic

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