Thank you so much for supporting my team for the Walk for ALS -- your contribution to ALS of Nevada allows families in Northern Nevada to receive the support and care they need in their fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,) also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

ALS is a neurological disease that affects the neurons in the brain that send messages through the nerves to the muscles. Eventually, the neurons stop sending messages and die, causing the muscles to atrophy from lack of stimulation or use. It impacts the patient's limbs, as well as speech, eating, breathing and talking. 

My dad, Roger Kadz, was an active and lively man! He enjoyed classic cars, hiking, sports, and most dear to his heart was playing the organ and piano. He was diagnosed in August 2021 and passed away 9 months later in May 2022. It was difficult to watch him lose his abilities little by little every day. I remember the most emotional loss was his ability to play music, which had always been a way for him to express the feelings of his soul. I'm grateful he didn't have to live with ALS for too long, but I miss him every day!

I am walking to remember all of the things that made him so special and to support other ALS patients who are living with this disease today. There is NO CURE for ALS -- when someone receives this diagnosis, it's terminal. Having a loving and supportive community to surround them is essential to their quality of life after diagnosis.