Mt. Vernon Register-News

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August 27, 2010

Local man organizes team for ALS event

By KANDACE MCCOY kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — A local man battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and his family are trying to raise awareness and educate the community about the disease.

Tag Jordan, who was first diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in August 2009, has put together a team for the annual Walk to Defeat ALS at Rent One Park Sept. 11 in Marion. The walk is one of 160 scheduled nationwide this year to increase awareness about the disease, as well as raise funds for local patient programs and national research.

“He wants to give back to the ALS Foundation because they helped him so much,” explained Jordan’s mother, Marty Stowers. “He wants people to be aware and for those who might have the disease to know there’s help for them who need it.”

As a way to help raise awareness, two benefits will be held Saturday to support Tag’s Iron Horses Walk Team, beginning with a garage and bake sale 8 a.m. at 9218 E. Illinois State Route 15. That evening, a spaghetti dinner will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 800 Broadway. Cost for the dinner is $5, which includes spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. A silent auction and karaoke/DJ will follow the dinner.

Proceeds from both events will go to Tag’s Iron Horses, Stowers said.

“(Tag) is excited about all of this even though some of his communication skills have decreased,” she said. “But he’s worth it all. He’s an inspiration. That’s all I can say, and we all draw our strength from him.”

According to the ALS Association, St. Louis Regional Chapter, approximately 6,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year.

In addition to its goal of increasing nationwide awareness, the Association provides patients and families with respite care, equipment loan, family mentor, augmentative communication and assistive technology programs; and nutritional supplement and transportation and emergency assistance. Services and programs are provided by the ALS Association, St. Louis Regional Chapter, at no cost to patients or their families in eastern Missouri and central and Southern Illinois.

For more information or to donate to the Walk to defeat ALS in Tag Jordan’s name, or to participate in the event,  visit www.walktodefeatals.org or call Angela Rickard, development associate, at (888) 873-8539.

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