Welcome to Craig’s Crusaders team page!

Hi, my name is Craig and I am part of the amazing Craig’s Crusaders ALS San Diego Walk team. I am super proud of our team raising over $90k over the past 2 years!! And with the 2024 campaign underway, we have now surpassed the $100k mark!!

Here’s my story. Like many of you I was going through life working hard and doing the things I enjoyed doing, playing flag football, hiking, backpacking, cycling, camping and lifting weights. Then one day in June 2021, I was lifting at the gym and I noticed that my left shoulder couldn’t lift as much as my right. I was blessed with great athletic ability so I knew my body well. I immediately knew something was not right. 

Like many with ALS, that day began a long, emotional, and scary journey until I received my official diagnosis on December 17, 2021. In 5 months my life was Chiropractor, Primary Doctor, x ray, neurologist and EMG, Orthopedic neck doctor, orthopedic shoulder doctor, to new neurologist, full body EMG, terminal diagnosis. 

I wish I could say I was strong enough mentally and spiritually to handle the news, but I was not. I didn’t eat or move for a week, but then my support system, including my amazing partner Grant gave me the encouragement I needed to begin to process and prepare for what we would do next. 

When we started this journey we knew it would be hard. We had no idea it would be this hard. The amount of energy and selfless care it takes is somewhat incomprehensible. Other than my amazing partner, and strong support, I am so thankful for 2 wonderful organizations that have supported me, Adapt for physical therapy and ALS San Diego. They both have the most caring compassionate and loving people I have ever met. I have also received great support from Compassionate Care ALS and Team Gleason for equipment and voice banking technology.

I have been very fortunate for the support I have received from ALS San Diego. Including, a cane, walker, scooter, stand up walker, multiple reclining chairs, air mattress and the latest most amazing duet wheelchair bike that has allowed me to get back on the road!

ALL OF THIS THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR DONATIONS!!  

Here are some facts for you to keep sharing (however not fun they are)

*Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. 

* The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. 

*ALS can strike anyone regardless of age, gender, nationality, or ethnicity, although it is primarily an adult-onset disease. 

*Currently there is no known cause of the disease and can cost up to $250,000 a year to provide the care that people living with ALS and their families need.

Being a part of ALS San Diego's Walk is the number one way to unite and fundraise for those living with ALS. Please consider supporting my efforts by donating through my fundraising page.

Your donation today will help fund resources and services to the local San Diego ALS community, help find new treatments, and move us closer to a world without this disease.

Please feel free to send this page to any friend or family member who might be interested in donating!

Thank you for your support!

I love you all!

Craig