Five for Fighting Against ALS

In 1980, Tim Walbridge and his wife, Cecelia, moved to Kalamazoo, MI.  Immediately, they enrolled their boys in hockey.  Tim dedicated his weekends as a KOHA coach for his boys and 100's of youths for over 15 years.  He too continued to play hockey for 40 years in various adult leagues satisfying his love of the game.  He enjoyed the camaraderie and competitiveness.  There hasn’t been a winter that’s passed without playing pond hockey at the cabin unless the weather didn't cooperate, like last winter when it was too warm.  There is nothing he enjoys more than spending time with his family and friends! 

In June 2016, Tim was diagnosed with terminal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).   Currently, there is no cure for ALS but Tim is determined to do what ever it takes to battle this horrible disease.   

Five for Fighting Against ALS - In October 2016, Tim incorporated his love of hockey, his family, his friends, and his determination to battle ALS.  The event helped raise awareness and raised over $20,000 to assist Tim in the cost of treatments.  Over 100 friends and family gathered to honor Tim and show support of his fight against ALS.

ALS is a progressive neurogenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language. "A" means no. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment – "No muscle nourishment." When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. "Lateral" identifies the areas in a person's spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located. As this area degenerates it leads to scarring or hardening ("sclerosis") in the region.  ALS is a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles. Based on U.S. population studies, a little over 6,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. (That's 15 new cases a day.)

For more information about ALS visit... 

ALS.Net

The ALS Association

The Susan Mast ALS Foundation

Thank you to:
 Graydon H. Coon, DDS 
Team Sheridan
 Arlene Bruno Campbell
The Tunney Family
Beth Stewart & Del Eldridge
Bosch Killman VanderWal, PC
Donald & Cindy Hill
James Walbridge & Family
Tim & Jen Walbridge
Willie & Mary Bush
Ken Grabowski & Staff
Alan & Cynthia Fox
David & Amy Fowle
Jan Reinstein & Family
Robert & Suzanna Friedmann
Matt & Jen Augustyn
Mike Olech & Family
 Andy & Alicia Walbridge
Barry & Alexandra Sims
Bill Nitz
Brendon Galich
Chrissy Call
Christine Walbridge
Colin Walbridge
Corey Oberthaler
Dana Bennett
Darlene Frederick
Erin McGee
Jeanne Herol
Joe & Krista Goethals
John Cronley
Jose Van Horn
Larry & Mary Ellen McGee
M Hojnacki
Marietherese Walbridge
Matt & Aimee Pienta
Patrick Walbridge
Patrick Zant & Family
Ryan Friedmann
Sean Walbridge
Steve Humphrey
Terry Morrow
Tim & Carla Turcott/Kelly
Tim & Julia Kelly
Tony, Natasha, and girls
Vincent Walbridge
William & Rachel Jameson
Adam Garrett
Alexis Klassen
Bill Jaconette
Emily Roschek
Jen Bentley
Jenn Jacques
Julie & Pete Moss
Liliana Walbridge
Lucy Conklin
Katherine Mingle
Madonna Ball
Manuel Salazar
Maura Bart
Michael McCarron
Michelle Russell
The Therkalsens
Jodie & Jaxon Ritesema
Zae Smith

Also, special thanks to...

ALS.Net
BJ Sports
KOHA
Old Burdick's
Wings West
St. Monica Catholic Church
Airway Fun Center