Team Kathy Franczyk to take part in the 2012 Upstate New York Walk to Defeat ALS

SOUTH BUFFALO - South Buffalo resident Mark Franczyk is joining with other family members and friends as “Team Kathy Franczyk” prepares to take part in the 2012 Upstate New York Walk to Defeat ALS on Saturday, Aug. 4 in Buffalo’s Delaware Park with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe.

The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.

Kathy Franczyk was diagnosed with ALS on Sept. 3, 2010 and passed away on June 23, 2011.

She and her husband, Tom, built a wonderful life around their six children and 14 grandchildren.

As active members at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish in Cheektowaga, together they served together on various parish committees including Home School Association president-couple, Christmas fair chair-couple and many other parish events.

Kathy taught kindergarten for 20 years at the parish school until its closing several years ago. She was also a member of the parish choir.

Last year was Team Kathy Franczyk’s first participation in the ALS Walk, and they raised more than 6,000 in support of research and patient services.

The team included nearly 100 walkers, the largest group at the event, with a major portion of the team’s walkers coming from St. Aloysius Parish.

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease.

ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.

This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease yet it still costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.

The Upstate New York Chapter was founded to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers.

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease.

Anyone interested in taking part in this year’s walk can get more information at teamkathyfranczyk@yahoo.com, or register on the day of the walk at Delaware Park, Aug. 4 at 9:00 a.m. Donations in the form of a check made out to ALS Association, UNYC can be mailed directly to 800 Seventh North St. Liverpool, N.Y. 13088.