What is ALS?
As defined by the ALS Association...

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.
Running for Jeff

......a note from Jake Marxen

 

My brother-in-law, Jeff Kuennen, was diagnosed with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) about 3 years ago.  This fatal disease destroys the motor neurons in muscles eventually rendering those affected completely paralyzed.  Since Jeff’s diagnosis, I have witnessed the heavy toll the disease has taken on Jeff, my sister, Anne, and their two sons, Nick (23) and Tyler (14) - both pictured with Jeff above right.  Jeff has lost motor function completely and requires round the clock care, which Anne and the boys have taken on themselves.   Anne rarely goes to work anymore because caring for Jeff has become a full-time job.  Nick, who recently graduated from Iowa, is foregoing the typical post-graduate life in order to help out at home. 

 

My wife Cathy recently convinced me to join her in raising money to help them by running a half marathon in Maple Grove.  We also recruited Nick to join us.  Unfortunately, Cathy injured her foot and will not be able to run, but Nick and I continue to train and should be ready to go by the time of the race on May 22nd. 

 

I like to run, so I will enjoy the challenge of running 13.1 miles.  More importantly, I want to do this to show Jeff, Anne, Nick and Tyler how much I love them.  I often feel helpless as I watch what ALS is doing to them.  I hope that whatever financial support comes from my running the half-marathon will help ease some of the stress they are experiencing. 

 

You are receiving this note because I hope you can help me support my sister and her family.  If you are able, we would appreciate whatever generous donation you can make.  If you cannot make a donation, please keep Jeff and Anne and their family in your prayers.

 

Thank you.

 

Jake Marxen

 

Make check payable to:

Jeff Kuennen Benefit Fund

 

Send check to:

Jeff Kuennen Benefit Fund

PO Box 1111

Maple Grove, MN 55311

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