The Ales for ALS program continues to grow, raising over $4 million dollars to date. We’re proud to be part of this important work. The letter that follows was written by Mike & Cheryl Smith, the founders of Ales for ALS:
ALS is Not an Incurable Disease, Only an Underfunded One
I still talk to Scott. He has always been the best listener. But our conversations now are “heart talks”, because on March 13, 2020, my big brother died. He is finally free of the body that failed him after a nine year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
In his final days, Scott was surrounded by family and friends, a daily stream of people who wanted to spend time with him, to have one last chat with him. The usual topics were covered, such as the apple industry, kids and grandkids, and sharing stories from years gone by. However, there was a new concern on our minds. What was this virus? What did it mean, flatten the curve? Could we still hug one another? Scott left this world just a couple of days before the country shut down due to Covid. We were so fortunate to be by his side when he died. However, we suddenly found ourselves not only without him, but also without the comfort that comes from simply being together to grieve and remember. Our lives became quieter, and more lonely.
After two years of dealing with the pandemic, we are all searching for opportunities to get together again. On Saturday, June 25th, we invite you to gather in Yakima at Bale Breaker Brewing Company for the Ales for ALS™ (www.alesforals.com) fundraiser. The event begins at noon, and is family friendly and free of charge. Please help us raise money to support the important research being done at ALS Therapy Development Institute (www.als.net). If you are unable to attend, consider making a donation here: https://fundraise.als.net/balebreaker. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Scott proved to be a warrior against the disease, but, in the end, ALS always prevails. My brother is just the latest in a long line of Hanses family members we have lost to this neuromuscular disorder. My grandfather, Charles Edward Hanses, his children Chuck, Joyce, Jim, Ruth, Lois, and Mark, and two grandsons, Greg and Scott. When will this heartbreak end? Scott, aka Bubba, will continue to be the inspiration behind our efforts to find a treatment and cure for ALS, and it is in his honor that Bale Breaker will again release ‘Bubba’s Brew IPA’ in cans and on tap at both taprooms on June 25th. Please join us in raising a glass in his memory and help #endALS.
Mike and Cheryl Hanses Smith
Founders of ‘Ales for ALS’
“ALS is not an incurable disease. It is an underfunded one.”
– Dr. Stan Appel, MD