ALS claims Albany man
By AnneMarie Knepper
Albany Democrat-Herald
Joshua Mack’s family says he died ‘very peacefully’

Terri Thorpe would like to say thank you.

Her nephew, Joshua Mack, passed away Wednesday from Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 27.

“He fought a good fight,” she said. “We so very much appreciate the community’s support. Our family appreciates it.”

Family, friends and coworkers organized several fundraisers to help defer Mack’s medical costs after the Albany man was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in April. His great aunt, grandmother and mother have also succumbed to this particular strain of ALS.

Thorpe wants the community to know he went “very peacefully.”

“Thank you for all the prayers and the continued prayers for our family,” she said. “We’d like to think that it has ended with Joshua — but because it’s hereditary we just don’t know. Continued prayers would be wonderful.”

A celebration of life will be held at Fisher Funeral Home on Dec. 6, with the time to be announced. Following the service, there will be an open house at the Phoenix Inn.

The family is requesting that all friends and loved ones wear their “Never give up” T-shirts or sweatshirts, or other casual attire.



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