Man Rides Wheelchair Through Triad On Trip To DC
Posted by: Justin Quesinberry, Reporter (5/2/2008 11:18:09 AM)

Ken Patterson Sr. has ALS disease. He is riding in a motorized wheelchair from Florida to Washington, D.C.



Greensboro, NC -- A man with ALS is riding through Triad on a 20 day trip from Orlando to Washington, D.C.

The "Rolling Over ALS Tour" is Ken Patterson's way of raising awareness of the disease. ALS, also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. That causes the brain to lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, according to the ALS Association.

Patterson was diagnosed in November 2006. He first started noticing problems with his wrist in 2005.

He is making his way along the tour on backroads. His wife, Glenda, follows in their van. They plan to arrive in Washington, D.C. in time for National ALSA Advocacy Day.

To read Patterson's blog, click here.

Watch WFMY News 2 at 6 tonight for more on Patterson's story.