In response to the letter “ALS awareness needs boost” written by Ronda Ross from St Joe (Aug. 9),

I couldn’t agree more.

My family has also unfortunately been touched by ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease as it took my father from us on Dec 23, 2007, one year after his diagnosis. It truly is a disease with no cause and no cure. Every 90 minutes, someone in America is diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, and another loses the battle against this devastating illness, reports The ALS Association.

In honor of my dad, Edward Bauman, my team and I will be participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS Sept. 22 in Indianapolis. It is a two-mile walk in the White River State Park. We want to make a difference so that other families won’t have to watch a loved one live with this terrible disease – a disease that robs you of being able to walk, talk, eat, write, button your shirt, tie your shoes, mow your lawn and, finally, breathe.

My dad lived a very active life until his final year. He was in the Navy, married for almost 60 years, father of six, grandfather and great-grandfather to many. He loved the water and spent his retirement years living at the lake in northern Indiana. He was a remarkable man.

My team and I are so excited to participate in the Walk to Defeat ALS. Perhaps you could form a team and join the walk as well. Your participation will raise awareness of this terrible disease as well as raise much-needed money for research, clinics (located in Indianapolis!) and help for those affected by ALS. For more information go to www.alsa.org and click on “Walk to Defeat ALS.” Together we can make a difference!

JULIE KONGER

Pittsboro