Patients, family and friends connect at fund-raiser for ALS

Published: Friday, August 3, 2007
By Sky Barsch
Free Press Staff Writer

SOUTH BURLINGTON -- It is difficult for Deb Wehrlin to articulate how much she misses her late husband, Jeff Goyette.

An avid outdoorsman who had an easygoing way about him, Goyette meant the world to Wehrlin. He helped her de-stress after work, and "knew how to live," as she put it -- appreciating the outdoors, time away from work, and the company of others. She lost him in 2005 to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.

To honor Goyette's memory, Wehrlin and several others who have lost family members to the rare and incurable disease are raising awareness about the September "Walk to D'Feet ALS." It's an opportunity to raise money for ALS research, patient education programs, support groups, equipment loan programs, referrals to ALS clinics and physicians, and local and nationally directed advocacy programs.

Wehrlin said it's also an opportunity to remember lost loved ones, celebrate those afflicted with the disease, comfort each other, and let family and friends of patients know they are not alone.

"It's not just about the money," Wehrlin, of South Burlington, said. "This is a day to say, 'We understand.' Come and enjoy this one day."

Wehrlin said it is difficult to predict who will get ALS, and resources are thin.

"Nobody escapes the chance," she said.

Anyone -- patients, family, friends, caregivers, sponsors and members of the public -- can participate in the walk or cheer walkers on.

Wehrlin said each year, she and family and friends host a pig roast in Goyette's honor. This year, she will run a raffle at the pig roast to raise money for the walk.

Connie Kendall lost her father to ALS. She is part of the group raising awareness for the September walk.
Contact Sky Barsch at sbarsch@ bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com or 660-1861.
WHAT IS ALS? ALS is a terminal neurodegenerative disease that attacks cells in the brain and spinal cord leading to loss of motor function, paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. There is no known cause, cure or effective treatment.

-- Source: ALS Association
IF YOU GO WHAT: 2007 Walk to D'Feet ALS
WHERE: Oakledge Park, Burlington
WHEN: Sept. 22
TIME: Check-in between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., walk at 11 a.m. and bring-your-own picnic from noon to 2 p.m.
INFORMATION: events @alsanne.org, 482-4095 or visit www.alsanne.org

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