ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The disease robs people of the ability to walk, talk and even blink an eye. It traps them inside a body they no longer can control and ultimately prevents them from breathing as it takes their life. People with ALS lose the power to use their legs, hold someone close, and say, “I love you,” before their bodies gradually shut down. . From onset to diagnosis, life expectancy is 2 – 5 years.
Every year, skiers on Team ALS go to the American Birkebeiner (the premier cross-country ski race in North America) in honor of John Jaeckel, who is living with ALS, and all other Wisconsin residents battling the disease.
There is no cost for skiers to participate, we request that Team ALS members raise at least $1000 toward the cause.