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ALS Artisan Boutique benefits research, helps families

Published October 28, 2007


Unlike some people, Nancy Wright received a quick diagnosis. Her symptoms began with a drop in her big toe, followed by stumbling and ultimately tumbling to the ground. The diagnosis was ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Mrs. Wright weakened quickly and in a matter of months went from using a cane, to a walker, to a wheelchair.
Her daughter Nancy Kriebel and her friends sent Mrs. Wright a wand - a symbol of the faith, love, courage, spirit and hope that one day there would be a cure for this devastating disease.

ALS is an always fatal neuromuscular disease. Unless a cure is found, more than 300,000 Americans living today will die from it. The financial cost to families of people with ALS can be up to $200,000 per year, depleting the entire savings of patients and their families.

The women wanted to do more. They wanted to increase awareness of the disease and the free programs provided by the ALS Association's regional chapter to local patients and families. Ultimately, they wanted to find a cure. To accomplish these goals, they began a fundraiser.

Now in its fifth year, the ALS Artisan Boutique has raised more than $70,000 and touched numerous families. This year's free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Sheraton Annapolis Hotel, 176 Jennifer Road. The public can attend.

More than 50 regional artists will have handcrafted jewelry, original children's clothing and accessories, pottery, paintings and more for sale. In addition to the artisans' offerings, the event will include door prizes, raffles, a silent auction, refreshments and an appearance by Lisa McCue, an illustrator of children's books, including the Corduroy series. Books will be available for signing.

Anyone unable to attend but willing to help can make a donation to the ALS Association and mail it to 1221 Buckingham Road, Arnold, MD 21012. For more information, e-mail ALSfundraiser@comcast.net.

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization whose sole mission is to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as improve living with ALS. For more information, call the ALS Association at 301-978-9855 or visit www.ALSinfo.org.
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