ALS touches SO many lives. Therefore…It was all too easy for Debbie and I to decide to take the $500 check we received and give it to the ALS Central and Southern Ohio Chapter on behalf of Team Falhaber. Before I share with you the story of the wonderful Falhaber family, I need to start about 12 years ago. When GSLC member and close friend Dave Naylor was diagnosed with ALS there was no question that I was going to raise money for ALS and walk on his behalf. Even earlier than his diagnosis… Dave was a source of information and support for our daughter Sarah. During that time she was going through the life-changing decision of where to go to college. Dave’s support and guidance for Sarah had a life-changing effect. Dave (and Mary) have indeed touched our lives. Now… let’s fast-forward to this year… Rick and Leslie Falhaber live in Finneytown (where I have taught for the past 20 years). They raised their three sons in Finnneytown. Their sons are now grown. They have grandchildren as well. They still live in Finneytown, go to church in Finneytown, and are an important part of this small community. Rick retired a few years ago. Leslie is the secretary at Brent Elementary School (where I currently teach). Rick and Leslie have also touched my life. When I was recovering from my heart valve replacement surgery in 2015 it was Rick who brought me a wonderful bouquet of flowers accompanied by a card signed by the Brent staff. Rick was diagnosed with ALS in late 2018. When I found out in the early spring of this year I reached out to Mary Naylor. She and Leslie both told me that they had met at the local ALS chapter support group meeting. Leslie has mentioned many times that their family is so grateful to the many members of the local ALS chapter and the work they do. So, there was no question that I was going to raise money and walk as a part of Team Falhaber this past September 15th. And, of course, I also saw Mary there and, once again, thought of Dave. I want to say that Debbie and I feel so grateful and blessed to pay this $500 check forward to ALS! I gave Leslie and Rick the information that accompanied the check describing God’s Grace Your Hands. I want all of you to know that the Falhaber family was deeply touched by this generosity.

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