Luis Claudio was diagnosed with ALS on May 22nd, 2012. A Vietnam Veteran, he never took anything lying down. He fought this disease, as it slowly robbed him of his ability to speak, eat, and walk. Despite everything it took from him, it never took his will to fight. Fortunately, we had an excellent support system and the funding necessary for his continued care for 3 hard years. Had it not been for Bayada Home Health Care, the Northport VA Hospital, and the indirect actions of the ALS Association, those 3 years would have been very different for us. This great organization not only funds continued research to hopefully find a cure, but also funds the PALS and their families who are fighting this disease right now. The amount of money necessary to care for an ALS patient is tremendous, however we go through great lengths for those we love.
In 2014, we discovered the Walk to Defeat ALS and walked in Honor of Luis Claudio for the first time. #TeamLouie raised over $3300 to help find a cure and fund people's continuing battle with this disease. We were amazed by the event, everything they do to help these families, and the amount of support showed to our family.
Sadly, Luis lost his battle with this disease on December 27th, 2014. It was a very difficult and trying time for our family. The support we had from our family, friends, coworkers and medical staff that cared for Luis made it easier to cope. So many people showed their support and love for my father and the rest of the Claudio Family, it was a truly humbling experience.
This year and every year since, we've walked In Memory of Luis Claudio. We walk to remember what a great Husband, Father, and loving person Luis was, and how hard he fought this horrible disease. We walk to bring awareness to this disease and raise money for those people fighting it right now. We walk for a cure.
Please Donate and Join #TeamLouie on Walk Day, as we Walk to Defeat ALS!
Why We Need Your Help
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease yet it still costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.
