There's a great chance that our friend, Rusty Costanza, has used his gift for photography to touch you or someone you know. He may have taken a photo of your son sliding into home plate, or your daughter's volleyball team hoisting the state championship trophy. Or maybe it was your neighbor's dance group strolling along Veterans Boulevard during Mardi Gras or your spouse wiping away tears at your kid's high school graduation. You might have seen him running up and down the sidelines at a Saints or LSU football game. We could go on.

Rusty was a longtime photojournalist at The Times-Picayune before launching his own photography business. He has dedicated his life to capturing our city's highs and lows, documenting this special place we call home. But now, he faces a daunting struggle ahead, as he puts down his cameras and battles ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He has the love of his wonderful wife, Ann, his two sons and other family members. And thanks to Team Gleason, founded by New Orleans Saints great Steve Gleason, Rusty has a motorized wheelchair and has begun voice banking.

But in his own words, Rusty acknowledged the immense challenge ahead: "I know what's in store won't be easy. And I know it is going to be really tough on my family and friends who will be doing their best to take care of me."

Rusty and his family need us. So we're asking you to join our team and help.

Our goal is to raise funding to pay for expenses, including retrofitting their home to accommodate the wheelchair and to pay for medical therapies, caregivers or any other resources Rusty may need.

In announcing his diagnosis, Rusty said "I believe in the power of good and love."

And so do we. Thank you for your support and love of Rusty.