Join Chad Klinck in the Fight to End ALS
The year 2020 was a bad one for most everyone, but it became even worse for me on November 24th, 2020. After a couple of doctors’ visits to investigate an issue with my hand, I was sent to a neurologist who quickly diagnosed me with ALS, or, as it is better known — Lou Gehrig’s disease. At the time I didn’t know much about ALS – except that it was very bad. My girlfriend Adrienne and I quickly immersed ourselves in learning about the disease. While the disease has been identified for over 100 years no meaningful treatment exists. One out of every 300 people will develop ALS and 6000 Americans a year are diagnosed with it. Doctors and scientists have learned a lot about ALS, but outcomes are still the same. Once diagnosed, patients usually survive less than five years. ALS is particularly cruel in the way it slowly robs you of life. Muscles gradually die taking away your ability to use your hands, your legs, and eventually your ability to breathe.
For now, it appears, I am the lucky of the unlucky. ALS moves at a different speed with each victim and, closing in on three years after diagnosis, I’m still living a very full life. My hands and legs have gotten weaker, but I can still perform most everyday tasks. While I definitely miss the things I can no longer do, such as sports and working out, I am very thankful for what I can still do. I am also very lucky to have a wonderful family and strong support system.Adrienne has been amazing during this whole journey, and in January 2022 we welcomed baby Larsen to the family. Larsen, along with her older brother and sisters; McKenzie, Meadow, and Mason, give me immense strength. The other members of my family, my coworkers, and my friends continue to provide much-needed positivity and support. This year I have decided it’s time to do my part in the war against ALS. I am starting a fund-raising campaign with “I am ALS”.
While I personally do not need anything, many people are not as lucky as myself. I’ve chosen a charity that not only helps fund research for ALS but also helps patients with the disease and advocates nationally for patient funding and expanded access to medical trials. Please read about all the great things that “I am ALS” does and, if possible, help me in my fight for current and future patients with this disease.
If you would prefer to donate by check, please make the check out to I AM ALS and add “Chad Klinck” in the memo area. Checks can be mailed to:
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, #14135
Washington, DC 20044
If you would like to be invoiced for a donation, please fill out this pledge form and return it to give@iamals.org.