Dear Reader,

My name is Rishi Dhanasekaran. I am a junior at Souderton Area High School. May is National ALS awareness month. I am writing to request your support for my fundraising campaign for the ALS United Mid-Atlantic.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is fatal. The disease affects the motor neurons and slowly robs the body, stealing the ability to walk, talk, swallow and even breathe. ALS, to this day, has no known cure and the life expectancy of a patient with ALS averages from 2-5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone at any time.

My mother was diagnosed with this dreadful disease two years ago. When ALS strikes someone, it strikes the entire family. Over the past two years since the diagnosis, this life-changing disease has taught us that life is unpredictable. It has also taught us to boldly face the uncertainties that life brings and do the best we can. Most importantly, it has taught that a cure for this disease is absolutely needed to save the lives of affected people and put an end to ALS.

Raising awareness about this rare disease, helping families affected and funding research to find a cure for ALS is needed. That is why I come to you requesting your support with this fundraiser.

The ALS United Mid-Atlantic is missioned to empower the ALS community by fostering research initiatives, advancing advocacy and providing comprehensive care and support to individuals and families affected by ALS. It ensures that patients with ALS and their families get the expert advice, essential equipment and support, community, caring conversations and much more. They serve 52 counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. For more information, please visit alsmidatlantic.org. 

Please consider helping my fundraising campaign. With your kind help, I hope to bring a positive change to the ALS community. Together, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease and end ALS. Gifts to ALS United Mid-Atlantic are tax deductible (EIN: 23-2387205).

Thank you kindly.

Rishi Dhanasekaran