What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.

Why do we care?

Pattie Beller, the founder of Beller Dance and Gymnastics, was diagnosed with ALS in February of 2012.  Pattie has had a passion for dance and teaching the art of dance for 56 years. This is a devastating diagnosis for someone as active as she. It ultimately robbed her of her life March 25, 2014.

Doing what we can

We have partnered with project 5 for ALS to use our annual performance as a fundraiser.

Project 5 was founded by a group of dedicated friends and family to follow the vision of their friend Bob Willson. Sadly, Bob lost his battle with ALS on May 17, 2010, but that hasn’t stopped us from continuing his mission and fighting on.Big Bob, as his friends knew him, was a larger than life person.  Always smiling and ready to lend a hand, Bob’s presence always brightened a room.  He has left a lasting mark on the community, which helps explain why so many wonderful people step up each year to keep his dream and legacy alive.

Their goal:

The overall goal is to raise significant funds and direct the majority to academic and industry for collaborative research. Project 5 for ALS relies on fundraising and support from our corporate, and individual donors. The number one goal of Project is to find a cure for ALS. To save lives by saving time, we will put the investment into the projects that will move therapy to patients.

Visit them at Project5forALS