Last Saturday was a great day for the #KeepKimHome Team at the Top of Utah Marathon! Kim's friends and caregivers participated in the popular marathon while pushing Kim in an adapted jogger stroller to help raise awareness about ALS and get support for Kim.
Wendy Shelton, friend of Kim said, "We thank God for everyone who helped make this a memorable day. This adventure wouldn't have happened without your generous donation and support."
Tuesday the Utah Assistive Technology Program took the ice bucket challenge for Kim. It was chilly, but worth it!
When Kim was 50 years old, she was diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS attacks your muscles and nerves. The symptoms initially begin with mild muscle stiffness followed by severe weakness and then paralysis of the muscles of the limbs and trunk. Eventually, ALS will affect other vital functions such as speech, swallowing and for many the inability to breathe without a ventilator.
Unlike you and I, if Kim has an itch she is unable to scratch it. If her arm or leg position is uncomfortable she is unable to adjust it. One of the few things ALS does not affect is the mind. Kim's mind is as sharp today as when she was diagnosed.
The average life expectancy for a person diagnosed with ALS is 2 to 5 years. Only 10 percent of those living with ALS will live longer than 10 years. Kim falls into that 10 percent category. On Sept. 16, 2014, Kim will have been living with ALS for 10 years.
While born and raised in New York, Kim is a Utah State University graduate and Cache Valley resident. She was an interpreter for the deaf (American Sign Language) for 22 years before having to quit because of her illness. She has been an interpreter for many influential people including President Clinton during a rally for Senator Ted Kennedy.
The State of Utah only pays for 17 hours per week for Kim's care providers. This leaves Kim to pay for the remaining 6 days of the week, and she's exhausted her financial options.
Help keep Kim home by donating here, and taking the Ice Bucket Challenge! #keepkimhome
