In July 2023, our world changed forever when my dad, Bob ("Bkells"), was diagnosed with ALS. Like so many families, we had heard of the disease, but we never truly understood the devastation it leaves behind until it became our reality.

Over the next two years, we watched the strongest man we knew fight with incredible courage, grace, and determination. ALS slowly took away his ability to do the simplest things most of us take for granted—but it never took away his love for his family, his sense of humor, or the strength of his spirit.

On October 3, 2025, just one week after last year's ALS United Walk, we said goodbye to our dad. Not a day goes by that we don't miss him.This year, we walk differently. We no longer walk beside our dad—we walk in his honor.

As a Daddy's girl my whole life, I carry him with me every single day. He was my first hero, my biggest supporter, and the person who taught me what unconditional love looks like. The man that made myself and my siblings big die hard Philly sports fans. He celebrated every milestone, picked me up when I fell, and loved our family with his whole heart. There isn't a step I'll take during this walk that won't be for him.

We walk to celebrate the incredible man he was, the husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who meant so much to so many. We walk because he can no longer fight this disease himself, so we will continue the fight for him.

No family should have to watch someone they love disappear piece by piece.