This isn’t a story about someone I met in passing. I didn’t read about this cause on an airplane heading to my next important meeting. This one hits close to home. ALS is a name that I was very unfamiliar with just three years ago. Now, I have made it my life’s mission to bring awareness to this devastating disease, bring hope to patients and their loved ones, and hopefully help find a cure.
In America, nearly 5,600 people are diagnosed annually with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain & spinal cord. Ultimately, the disease causes the patient to lose voluntary control of their muscles. There have been significant breakthroughs in research and medicine throughout the past two decades, but there is still no cure.
The National ALS Association has consistently raised money to fund research projects aimed at both finding new medicines for patients and providing other beneficial resources during their struggle withthis disease. However, efforts can’t stop there. Progress must continue through you and me. By advocating for this cause to our community and fellow neighbors, there are still many ways we can help offset this devastating disease and hopefully find a cure.
After my father, Richard Blume, was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, I had to make a decision. I moved back to my hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas after 18 years abroad. In my time away, I have built a very successful consulting and fundraising firm that serves the foundations of high profile athletes. My life has been built around creating legacies for others. I possess a passion and generosity in my heart that I seek in others.
As the founder of my fundraising firm, Team Up World, I envisioned a platform to raise awareness and funds for ALS. Models & Jocks Fashion Show was born. May 11, 2013 we will be celebrating our 2nd annual fashion show presenting ‘ALS In Wonderland’. The evening will be an experience unlike anything in Little Rock. The inaugural show was a huge success, and this year is going to be even bigger and better. I want to thank all of our supporters, especially my father, who has always encouraged my every goal and dream. “I give my father credit for my entrepreneurial spirit. It runs deep in my blood.” Join us as we celebrate the 2013 Models & Jocks Fashion Show.
