ALS Hero

Monday, September 21, 2009

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Shelly Reale shares a moment with her mother. Watch their story. Watch Video

Shelly Reale's mom got the devastating and deadly diagnosis this month last year. She had ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

It's since stripped her of her ability to speak, taken away a lot of her physical abilities and eventually will kill her.

There is no cure for ALS and because it's not a very well known disease, there's not major funds to put towards research to find one.

That's where Shelly comes in. To honor her mom, she decided to organize the Tour de Vie bike ride fundraiser.

The Tour of LIfe will take place on November 7th and will feature a family fun ride, a 25 mile challenge and a 100k Century Loop. Shelly has partnered with the ALS Association to find sponsors and additional help to organize the massive fundraiser.

The routes will wind through PInellas County parks and the Pinellas Trail and they're hoping for a big turnout to raise big money for this important cause.

Shelly is shouldering this event while also shouldering the tough task of taking care of her mom.

She says the worst part of ALS is watching your loved one suffer and not being able to do anything about it.

She says holding the Tour de Vie is her one way of trying to make a difference to help not only her mother, but all the victims of ALS and their families.

If you'd like to sign up for the ride of make a donation you contact them at www.tourdevie.org.