Everyone  who knows the Krisanda family knows who Bill Duke was.  They know because when we talk about Will's accomplishments, we can't help but credit Bill's enduring influence.  They know because whenever I talk about my work, Will chimes in "ALS!  That's what Bill had.  I miss him so much!"  They know because although Bill passed away seven years ago, he remains an important part of will's life.  The words that will, upon learning that we lost Bill, SAID "I can't fix this, can I?" ring in my ears every day. I am committed to #whateverittakes  to create a world without ALS! 

It's been seven years since I did the Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of Bill and challenged my friends and family to do the same.  It's been five years since I joined the ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter as the Executive Director.  I am so proud of the work that we do here:  our care service coordinators are amazing in their ability to meet patients and their families wherever they are at and  compassionately guide them where they need to go.  We work tirelessly to reduce the emotional, physical and financial burden for our families confronting the challenges of living with ALS.  I encourage you to join me in the fight: to raise awareness of this devastating disease, to fund local local programs, to move the needle forward on cutting edge research!

Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS® fundraising goal! This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

WE CAN'T STOP NOW!

Please consider walking with me or donating to Team Duke. Bill was always there with a helping hand, not just to the Krisanda family, but to so many.  I will never be able to thank him or the entire Duke Clan for welcoming us into their family.  It means so very much to me to pay it forward and keep the memory of his humor, courage, and generosity of spirit alive.

Why We Need Your Help

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.

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 though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the mean time it costs 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.

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