Fashionable Fundraiser to Fight ALS

When we don't have the strength to get through the day, sometimes we turn to our friends and family to borrow a cup of energy and optimism.

Friends are rallying around 51-year old Larkspur resident Lori Cohen during her battled with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Patients with this disease typically live two to five years following their diagnoses, according to the ALS Association. Cohen was diagnosed in June 2010.

This May, The ALS Association Golden West Chapter is recognizing Cohen and her husband and caregiver Adam during ALS Awareness Month for the annual “ALS Across America” campaign.

This national campaign pays tribute to people with ALS and their caregivers as role models. These individuals inspire The Association and the ALS community as they make a positive difference by spreading ALS awareness and by living their lives to the fullest. 

Cohen’s buoyant outlook rouses those who work at the chapter. According to Jenica Lancy, the chapter’s director of marketing and communications, “Lori strives to educate others around her about the effects that Lou Gehrig’s Disease has on people and their families.”

Cohen’s friends have also joined in the fight and rallied together to hold a special event for her on May 17 at the Mt. Tam Racquet Club, where Cohen has been a long-time member, to raise awareness of ALS within their community.

“Lori inspires everyone with her ‘stay strong and be positive’ attitude,” said Jennifer Stevens, her close friend of 15 years.  “I am always amazed at just how upbeat she is all the time. She embraces life and lives in the moment.”

Lori met her husband Adam on a blind date and they have been married for 21 years. They have three daughters, Samantha, 16; Shelby, 14; and Shayna, 11.  Cohen’s family provides her with the comfort, care and love needed to live with a debilitating disease like Lou Gehrig’s Disease.   

She was diagnosed with ALS in June 2010 after having problems with her speech. Today, she uses a computer for email and Boogie Board Writer to help her to communicate. “My hands have atrophy, so it's hard to work with buttons and zippers and open drinks,” Cohen said. But she maintains an active lifestyle through yoga, running and spin classes. Cohen also maintains a positive attitude. “I believe that the mind controls our body,” she said.  

She works with a counselor and uses mental exercises, active meditation and guided imagery help to keep her spirits aloft and her attitude positive in fighting ALS.

Throughout ALS Awareness Month, Cohen and her friend Jennifer Stevens will prepare for the 8th Annual Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. This one-day, fully-supported cycling event takes place Saturday, June 30 in Yountville. The Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS raises funds to support the mission and vision of the California Chapters of The ALS Association to create a world without ALS. Participants include supporters from the Golden West Chapter as well as those from the Greater Sacramento, Orange County and Greater San Diego Chapters. 

With their shared vision, mission and commitment to provide services and information about ALS in their respective areas, this places The ALS Association as the leader in care services, research, and public policy throughout the state. Stevens has been a volunteer on the Ride Planning committee and is the team captain of “Team Cohen.”

“Since I have a friend who is living with ALS, I feel a huge sense of urgency to do whatever I can to make an impact,” Stevens said. “I want to help in whatever way possible to raise money to support advances in research, patient care and public policy.”