Ride For Life

Jack Elwood, PALS

This will be my third trip on what I fondly refer to as the fellowship of the ride, for that is truly what it is. We share more than our common goal of a cure or effective treatment for ALS. We also share our humanity through our own stories, trying to put a face on this terrible disease.

This year, I will be joined on the ride by my brother Kevin, who will serve as my caregiver when my wife, Laura and daughter, Tricia can't be with us.

The disease continues to attack my body but not my spirit. i'm taking one day at a time, continuing to teach school and live my life. as chris is fond of saying i'm living with als not dying from it. I look forward to seeing all my pals and will miss those who will no longer be with us.

Love to all,
Jack Elwood, A.K.A."The Jersey Guy"

Keven Hulings, PALS

My name is Keven "Hugo" Hulings. I am at the ripe young age of 50. I am into my 14th year of being "Uncle Lou's" right hand man. Previous to getting Lou Gehrig's disease, I worked for a diesel engine manufacturer and as a bartender.

After getting ALS, I founded a fund to assist people who are less fortunate than I am. We have the "Friends of Hugo" as my job. We assist people who don't want to go into an institution or assist people who are institution bound come home. My job is the computer, family and friends work at fund-raisers to make the monies we need.

I have one hobby and they are the New York Yankees. This will be my first Ride and with any luck not my last.

Norma Steck Hess, PALS

I was diagnosed in 1999. I was a registered nurse for 30+ years working for the majority of the time in critical care areas. I'm married with two children and 3 grandchildren.

This is my fourth year on the Ride & each year gets better. Joining Ride For Life has afforded me the opportunity to meet some of the most incredible, dynamic, caring, determined and devoted people in the fight to cure ALS. The wonderful PALS,CALS, family, friends, students, volunteers and walkers make each day of the Ride special and memorable. They provide me with renewed strength to fight ALS and bring hope to finding a cure. It''s an event that truly enriches your life and puts it back in perspective.

Stan Silver, PALS

I consider myself as having two lives – before ALS and now having ALS. My previous active life involving travel along with working as a database consultant is over. But, as I have found out, life goes on. So my interests with the PC, numismatics (coin collecting), current events and friendships remain intact, as does my 36 year marriage to Phyllis.

Because of ALS, Phyllis and I have been forced to redirect our energy into something positive. Therefore, we are not going to just sit and let ALS happen, but rather take action as in participating in the RideForLife (4/28 – 5/7) and the 2006 National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC (5/15 – 5/17).

My interaction with others through the support groups as well as on the Internet has been a lifeline to me. It has enabled me to share thoughts and experiences with other ALS patients as well as their caregivers. I have learned to take one day at a time.