Plainview resident Gail Wurtzel will be leading her team, Memories of Miriam, in the Walk to Defeat ALS at Eisenhower Park later this month.
Wurtzel’s Mother, Miriam Hanania, also a Plainview resident, succumbed to the disease two years ago after a long struggle. The disease forced her to go from an active, vibrant person to being wheelchair-bound and dependent on others for her care.
ALS or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
“My Mother was very active, visiting friends, socializing, cooking and traveling back and forth from New York to Florida,” said Wurtzel. “My Mother’s speech began slurring and she had difficulty walking. She was diagnosed with ALS and began a slow, difficult decline that robbed her of the ability to walk, speak and eventually breathe, which lead to her death.”
Forming her own team last year was a way for Wurtzel to honor the memory and spirit of her Mother while also supporting others who struggle with ALS.
“The courage that people suffering from ALS display in their daily struggle is inspiring,” she said. “Although my mother suffered with ALS, she fought to live her life with dignity and hope, until her body gave out. Her spirit never did.”
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has brought welcome attention to ALS and the need for research funds to find a cure. Since the Ice Bucket Challenge splashed across Facebook, more than $100 million has been raised by the ALS Association to fight the dreaded disease.
Wurtzel’s team, Memories of Miriam, will be walking at Eisenhower Park on Sept. 20.
“Last year’s Walk was fantastic,” Wurtzel said. “My family and friends walked with me. It was very emotional and uplifting to be with people who loved my mother and who wanted to honor her memory and spirit and fight this horrible disease.”
Readers can support Wurtzel by walking with her team or by making a donation online at www.als-ny.org. For more information, visit www.ALSA.org.
