(BEDFORD) – Patrick Robbins’ 15-year-old grandson Austin is organizing an annual 5K/Walk to raise money and awareness for ALS – formerly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The initial symptoms of ALS can be quite varied in different people. One person may have trouble grasping a pen or lifting a coffee cup, while another person may experience a change in vocal pitch when speaking. ALS is typically a disease that involves a gradual onset.
The rate at which ALS progresses can be quite variable from one person to another. Although the mean survival time with ALS is three to five years, many people live five, 10 or more years.
Gradual onset, generally painless, progressive muscle weakness is the most common initial symptom in ALS. Initial symptoms vary but can include tripping, dropping things, unusual fatigue of the arms and legs, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitches, and/or uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying.
When the breathing muscles become affected, ultimately, people with the disease will need permanent ventilatory support to assist with breathing.
Money raised from Austin’s event will fund much-needed research for this terrible disease.
The event will take place at the Downtown Depot in Bedford on May 18 at 8 a.m.
This event will coincide with ALS Awareness month.
Patrick Robbins passed away on September 23, 2017, he was a graduate of Oolitic High School, Indiana University and joined his parents in starting Conva-Care Services, Inc. After his father’s death, he and his brother Michael Robbins assumed the management of the business with Patrick as President and Chief Operating Officer. After Conva-Care sold, he served his time in community service.
He was elected to Bedford City Council in 2003, Bedford Redevelopment Commission, appointed to the Board of Aviation Commissioners, in 1999 served on the Lawrence County Community Foundation, served on the ARC of Lawrence County.
Austin described his grandfather as someone, who tried to help everyone in some way in Bedford and his work has impacted many.
Patrick first started experiencing knee pain in mid-2015, thinking it was probably just arthritis. He was diagnosed in 2016, and the disease progressed quickly requiring machines, and lift chairs.
But, Patrick continued to serve on the Bedford City Council and other boards until his health prevented him.
Austin and his grandfather had a close relationship going to the movies and special lunches. They also shared a love of history, especially of President Abraham Lincoln. That led to several trips traveling to places in Indiana and Illinois. Austin cherishes those memories.
ALS is a ruthless disease which is very emotional on the family.
In ALS, nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control movement stop functioning. The condition leads to paralysis, and patients eventually cannot breathe or swallow on their own.
The disease afflicts about 350,000 people a year worldwide, and half die within three years of diagnosis.
The Robbins family is a strong supporter of the ALS Association, which works to find a cure and conduct more research.
To find out more information on ALS Facebook page or to register visit Patrick Robbins Outrun ALS 5K and Family Fun Walk.
Sponsor Levels
- Bronze Level- $250.00 Business Logo on a T-Shirt, and have the option to add an item to the participant goody bag.
- Gold Level- $500.00- Business Logo on a T-Shirt, an option to add an item to the participant goody bag.
- Silver Level- $1,000 Business Logo name on a 5K advertisement, signage, Business Logo/Name on a T-Shirt, a booth with your company advertisement on the day of the race. Six free race registrations, and the option to add an item to the participant goody bag.
- Platinum Level- 1500 plus- Business Logo name on a 5K advertisement signage, business
