Picayune man going to D.C. for ALS aid
He's pushing national registry
By MEAGHAN CHAPMAN
SUN HERALD

Billy Dyle loves nothing more than a day of fishing on the sparkling waters in South Mississippi, but times spent on his 18-foot Skeeter Bass boat are now fond memories.

Dyle, of Picayune, has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS is a progressive disease that leaves those in its wake without control over muscle movement and a life expectancy of a few years post-diagnosis.

Dyle will participate in the ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in Washington on May 11-13. He hopes to inspire support from legislators for a national ALS registry that may help pinpoint similarities among those with the disease and propel research toward finding a cure.

Spring 2005 is when he first remembers feeling a stiffness in his right leg and hands. During a day on the water, he lost his balance and fell out of the boat.

Another fall at Air Products Chemicals, the New Orleans plant where he worked, got his attention. "I knew then something wasn't right," he said.

Dyle can't hold onto a rod and reel anymore, and he is confined to a walker and a wheelchair. Cindy, his wife of nearly 30 years, is his caretaker.

"We take it a day at a time and I thank the Lord for each day that I wake up," he said.

The passion he once had for the outdoors is now channeled into counseling others with the disease and raising money for research.

Last year, his participation in "The Walk to Defeat ALS" - the organization's primary fundraiser - brought in $7,300, the most money from a family team.

"I think he brought the city of Picayune (to the walk) with him," said Kelly Viator, executive director of the ALS Association Louisiana chapter.

This year, Dyle's team, Billy's Buckaroos, hopes to raise $10,000 for the ALS Association at the New Orleans walk Sept. 20.

"I have always been a people person," he said, "but (ALS) has made me reach out more."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff set

Kickoff for the first meeting of the Mississippi chapter of the ALS Association is planned for Wednesday at the Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson.

Details: alsalouisiana.org or (800) 891-3746.

http://www.sunherald.com:80/201/story/517411.html