Help David in His Fight (ALS)
If you know David Bernardinelli, you know what a kind, loyal, and giving person he is. Now this guy who would help anyone in a heartbeat needs our help. On September 20th, David was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In addition to the physical toll this disease takes, the expenses associated with it can be overwhelming. From treatment to therapy to care-giving (and that’s just scratching the surface), the costs associated with ALS can be staggering.
As an Ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the past six years, David has dedicated himself to this cause, rallying his fellow colleagues at DXL Group to raise over 8 million dollars in the fight against childhood cancer. This past April, David decided to take his passion for the kids at St. Jude to the next level by signing up to run in the St. Jude Half Marathon in Memphis. A month into his training, David began experiencing extreme leg cramps and spasms. He tried different stretching techniques, new running shoes, and giving his body a rest. Still, nothing alleviated the pain. Finally, after undergoing a series of medical tests, David received the news we were all dreading.
David is a husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, coworker. He is sensitive, empathetic, charitable. He has an unforgettable and quirky personality. At his place of work, David is unquestionably the most well-known and liked associate from a staff of more than 500. David loves the beach, big dogs, Celine Dion, The Golden Girls, Lucille Ball, Disney, Jaws and the Royal Family. He enjoys running and fitness, singing, acting (which he is much better at than he gives himself credit for). Recently, David and his husband Joel purchased their first home and have enjoyed spending time there. David also LOVES to give back. He is even starting a blog to share and document his experience with ALS, in the hope that he may help others who are diagnosed.
If anyone reading this were to be faced with what David is currently facing, David would be the first to raise his hand and ask how he could help. That’s just the kind of person he is. Now we are asking all of you to do the same. Besides the necessary expenses mentioned, let’s also help David realize some of his lifelong dreams – to visit The Magic Kingdom, to travel across the pond to rub elbows with Prince William and Kate, to do some of the things a thirty-five-year-old thinks he has decades to accomplish. So, who’s ready to help make David’s dreams a reality? Raise your hand.
