ALS in the Heartland’s 2017 Golf Classic is set for Friday, June 30 at the Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha. This will mark the 11th year the nonprofit has gathered golfers for a day of fun and fundraising to benefit Nebraskans and western Iowans with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Lou Gehrig’s Disease, more formally titled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (or ALS), is an incurable, fatal illness during which individuals maintain their minds, but lose control of all muscles--including the ability to swallow, speak, and eventually breath. With personalities and memories intact, but all physical functions robbed from them in succession, sufferers literally become trapped in their own bodies. Life expectancy is 2-5 years after the onset of symptoms.
ALS in the Heartland provides support to maintain the highest quality of life possible for those diagnosed as they live with the disease. Services—free to patients—encompass emotional wellness (with preparatory and grief counseling for the individual and their families), physical wellness (through equipment loans), mental wellness (with respite services for caregivers), and psychological wellness (providing things like “normalcy” grants for patients’ children).
100% of ALS in the Heartland’s proceeds stay in Nebraska and western Iowa. However, not under a national organization, services are reliant on funding from events like the Golf Classic.
This year’s guests of honor will be John and Melissa Larchick. Melissa was diagnosed with ALS in 2014. Like for other people with ALS, her journey has been challenging. “Everyday tasks that people take for granted I wish I could do. Like driving, playing fetch with my dogs or taking a walk. I can no longer fix my hair do my makeup or clip my nails. My body twitches, my arms and legs are weak and my hands won't grip a pen or button clothes because my fine motor skills have diminished. And these are only some of the losses I have experienced.”
But Melissa is not alone. “I know what's ahead of me will not be easy but with the generous help, compassion and support of ALS in the Heartland, my quality of life will be better. ALS in the Heartland has [arranged for us] a mobility van, a scooter, a walker and a ramp. With these items, I can get out of my house, visit my family, walk in my house and enjoy my backyard.”
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11th Annual ALS in the Heartland Golf Classic
WHEN: Friday, June 30, 2017. Check-In at 11:00 AM. Shotgun start at Noon.
WHERE: Tiburon Golf Course in Omaha.
The event will be held rain or shine.
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Team registration is now closed, but you can still support the Larchicks and the many other area families affected by ALS. Call the office at 402-592-2374 for opportunities. ALS in the Heartland thanks you for your generous support.
