April 2011 - The ALS Association Greater Sacramento
April 2011 - The ALS Association Greater Sacramento
April 2011 - The ALS Association Greater Sacramento
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<strong>The</strong> motivation behind the Mother’s Day Tea<br />
PAGE 3<br />
Linda Hays joined the <strong>ALS</strong>A Board of Directors in 2010 as a result of wanting to channel<br />
her passion into finding a cure. Her brother Joe was born in <strong>April</strong> 1967. She was 19 at the<br />
time. Joe was the last of six children and there was 16 years difference in age to his nearest<br />
sibling. Linda often dressed and fed Joe as he was less than two years older than her<br />
oldest son.<br />
In 2006, during Christmas Linda’s family noticed that Joe seemed to be talking differently.<br />
He was always a quiet person and didn’t talk much, but it became obvious that something<br />
was wrong. Joe made an appointment with his doctor who in turn sent him to an ear,<br />
nose and throat specialist. From there he went on to Forbes Norris Research Center<br />
where he was officially diagnosed with <strong>ALS</strong> in June of 2007 by Dr. Robert Miller. Joe<br />
passed away in February of 2009 at the age of 41 years old.<br />
Linda continues to support the <strong>Greater</strong> <strong>Sacramento</strong> Chapter in Joe’s honor and enjoys<br />
volunteering at the support group meetings and at the Forbes Norris Satellite Clinic in <strong>Sacramento</strong>.<br />
She has a strong understanding of what it’s like to lose a loved one to <strong>ALS</strong> and the frustration and hardship<br />
caregivers endure while watching a loved one battle the disease.<br />
As Joe’s primary caregiver he eventually moved into our home. Joe did as much as he could on his own, but the disease<br />
took his body quickly. I lived for brightening Joe’s day and still look back and treasure the things we did together.<br />
Besides co-hosting this years Mother’s Day Spring Tea, Linda is a strong Advocate for <strong>ALS</strong> on a national and statewide<br />
level. She will join the <strong>Sacramento</strong> staff in DC for <strong>ALS</strong> Advocacy Day and help spread <strong>ALS</strong> awareness.<br />
A note from Sandie about the tea…..<br />
With spring time upon us; it is the time of year I find refreshing with new life, new birth, and<br />
beautiful flowers all around. I am also reminded of why this tea party happens every year. It<br />
really started as a way to remember my brother-in-law Paul and the many P<strong>ALS</strong> that are suffering<br />
with <strong>ALS</strong>, and to give back to the <strong>Sacramento</strong> Chapter who continue to be instrumental in supporting<br />
and helping bring quality of life to our P<strong>ALS</strong>. It was a way to help raise money to find a<br />
cure—you know one small step leads to a bigger step and bingo we have a cure.<br />
I have found that it has become a kind of healing for me and an opportunity to bring people together<br />
to relax, a moment of loveliness to enjoy each other – A cup of tea!<br />
Sandie Fredericks, past Board Chair<br />
Thank you to LaBou Café for hosting<br />
our venue for the upcoming Spring<br />
Tea. 2248 Stockton Blvd. <strong>Sacramento</strong>,<br />
CA 95817<br />
Mother’s Day<br />
Spring Tea & Luncheon<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 23rd<br />
Noon<br />
Special Presentations by:<br />
Dee Norris, Forbes Norris Research<br />
& Treatment Center<br />
Lee Jared, P<strong>ALS</strong><br />
Viki Spector, Village Hat Shop<br />
Entertainment:<br />
Bingo • Raffle • Hat contest<br />
Live music by Pam Pamperin<br />
Tickets$35 PP, P<strong>ALS</strong> $25. Call 916-979-9265 to reserve your<br />
ticket.
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