About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually lead to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Yet, through it all, for the vast majority of people, their minds remain unaffected.
 

About Thomas F. Chester

Thomas F. Chester or “Big Tom” was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 at age 72. The first signs appeared in his hands, he was no longer able to unclench his fists or move his fingers.  He told everyone he was “just getting old”.  The disease progressed through his body robbing him of the ability to walk, stand, and eventually move at all. Through the ordeal he never complained and never asked why this was his burden to bear.  He passed away in June of 2009 surrounded by family, leaving a wife, 3 sons and 2 grandchildren. He was a runner in high school and always told stories of his track exploits, this run is a fitting tribute.