What is ALS?

 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease after the Yankee ballplayer that was diagnosed with the disease. ALS is a degenerative nerve disease that causes the upper and lower motor neurons to die. The result is a loss of muscle control and muscle itself.

Initial symptoms can vary from individual to individual but usually start with weakness in hands, a noticeable limp, dropping objects and/or speaking difficulties. The disease is so rare that most physicians do not diagnose a patient in their careers. The disease progression is rapid with most patients dying within 2-5 years of diagnosis. At any one time, it is estimated that there are 30,000 Americans diagnosed with the disease. ALS Awareness is so important because the cause is unknown and THERE IS NO CURE.

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How you can help:

The Crams' need you to help spread awareness of ALS.  We need volunteers for our fundraising activities: Rodeos, Bake Sales, Raffles and Walk to D'Feet ALS. You can contribute critical help such as gathering gifts for a raffle, finding sponsors and underwriters, or encouraging others to participate in fund-raising events. You can write letters requesting donations, or visit corporations and foundations with us to help them understand our needs and encourage their giving.

You can also speak to community groups and the media to help them understand ALS and the needs of those who live with it.  Please join Cram's Crew today!



Why We Care:

 Robert and Crystal were married on October 8, 2005; the happiest day of their lives. Unfortunately, in December of 2005 he started having a severe loss of strength in his hands. After quite a few doctor visits, on March 8, 2006, they received the devastating news that Robert had ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Rest In Peace - - Robert J Cram

We will always love you!

9/27/74 --10/15/09

My husband is now a dragonfly.  Although I didn't write this, it is what I think Heaven is like.  Crystal

Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived  a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They live a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions. Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever.  Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb that stem. He was determined, however, that he would not leave forever.  He would come back and tell his friends what he found at the top. When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap.  As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had Turned into a beautiful blue - tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying so, fly he did!!  And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed. Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead.  He wanted to go back to tell them and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to  tell his friends the good news.  Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew... So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!!!

Since his diagnosis Robert has shown such a strength and courage that it has made it a very special time for his wife and his family and friends. They are so proud of him and his wife is thankful she has him as her best friend. Robert is her gift from God and he has shown her what true love means.

We are so greatful for our family and friends who are so supportive each day. Stay in touch! God Bless