To Help click the 5K Walk/Fun Run sponsored by Aquesta Bank. There is information on our Gala on Thursday Oct 8 and the Walk/Run on Saturday.
Dennis is a 57 year old white male that began experiencing a loss of coordination in his right-hand and then in his right foot or peripheral neuropathy which is commonly called drop foot on his right side about two years ago. It took five neurologist to finally reach the conclusion that Dennis was suffering from ALS.
Dennis could not imagine how this disease would affect not only himself but his family friends and customers who have become friends. Task that we take for granted such as getting dressed can now take 25 to 45 minutes if not longer. The simple task of rising from a seated position now requires much forethought and planning so he does not fall.
Why should you care? There are many diseases that are affecting your friends and neighbors right now. ALS attacks without warning and does not discriminate on any race, gender, nationality or age. It is fair to say that cancer should be funded based on the sheer number of people being affected everyday. Because of this funding a majority of the cancer patients will have an effective cure or the very least hope for survival.
ALS patients cannot look towards the future with the same hope. Because ALS does not receive a proportionate percentage of funding progress has been slow. Now that scientist can move forward with stem cell research there is renewed optimism for all ALS patients.
ALS is an insidious disease that destroys the patients ability to control voluntary muscles. This progressive neurodegenerative disease attacks motor neurons in the brain (upper motor neurons) and spinal cord (lower motor neurons). Once the neuron dies the muscle no longer receives signals from the brain or spinal cord so the muscle dies.
Symptoms of ALS include twitching and cramping of muscles (called fasciculation), loss of motor control in hands and arms, impaired use of the arms and legs, weakness and fatigue, tripping and falling, dropping things, slurred or thick speech and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Since nerve endings die muscles do not receive the necessary blood to sustain life. ALS patients condition will deteriorate everyday.
This is the harsh reality family members must realize and learn to cope with until a cure is found for this insidious disease.
PLEASE Help us Find a CURE for ALS. Donate Today. Thank You.
Main Branch
19510 Jetton Road
Cornelius, NC 28031
Call Us
(704) 439-4343
1(877) BANK LKN
Telephone Banking
Mooresville Branch Location
Opening Fall 2009
