To Our Dear Family and Friends,

It's been several weeks now since we all came together in beautiful, downtown Chicago for our annual ALS Walk for Life. I have thought about that day so many times. I've reflected back on all of the smiling faces, heartfelt hugs, friends and family showing up who we didn't expect to see. Then, there is the love of friends and family members, who have come to the walk year after year; who support us even though we don't get the chance to see each other all the time. We can always count on them to let us know they love us and they truly care. They want to let us know that although we might not be able to get together too often, we are in their thoughts and prayers – always. I see DC working her tail off in our tent and keeping it all together like she always wonderfully does! I see my co-workers and other dear friends associated with AtHome America. We may work together every day, but it is that special day that we look at each other in a different light, knowing that we are much more than co-workers. Then there are those who are not with you in person but you know they are there in spirit. Something came up that prevented them from attending, but it's okay because somehow you still feel their presence. Strollers, dogs, families, love – those are just some of things that come to mind. Appreciation, gratitude, humbleness, blessings, comfort, thankful hearts, tears, sadness and yet happiness – they are some of the emotions I think that I myself, Mike, Brandon & Karrie, Bryan and even Blaine (to some extent) feel on this very special day we all come together.

I could never adequately find the words to express our sincere deep appreciation and love we have for all of you. I can only pray that you feel it in your hearts! Please know that you are definitely in ours!

I think about the fact that it has now been several years that we have been walking, and then I recall March 14, 2003. That's the day that Mike was diagnosed with ALS. Talk about a tragic and devastating day – one that shakes you to your very core and a day for which you quickly learn you have absolutely no idea what's in store for the future or why this is happening. You quickly think about how long you'll have your husband, whom you love more than anything in the world, while the doctor starts to share the “statistics” of ALS.

For a moment, you think you are going to fall to pieces. Then you quickly realize this is not a bad nightmare – this is really happening and you need to pay attention to what the doctors are saying, even if you don't want to hear another word!

You've heard the news, and wonder how you are going to go on living life. How are you going to get up each day and just live normally? Is anything ever going to be normal again? Well, the answer is yes and no.

Mike has always said, “Let's just live as normally as we can for as long as we can.”

That statement took so much strength and courage. Mike truly amazes me every single day!!! And, although I try to carry the burden for him, it is very often he who is carrying me! So I told myself, if he could go on living in faith, strength and courage – certainly I could, too!

One might wonder and many have asked – how have we been able to handle all this?

First and foremost, it is our faith in the Lord. Knowing He loves us and only wants great things and the very best for all of us keeps us sane! And truthfully, it is also because we have all of you – your love, your support and your prayers – that is what carries us every single day! We know that God is answering your prayers. You can see it in Mike's continued strength. Who can say God isn't still doing miracles here on earth? Mike is living proof that He still is!!

People often ask us how we still keep HOPE and how we can still stay strong. Look at Mike. How can we not have HOPE when you see how healthy he still is? For that, we are truly and eternally thankful!

Back on that day in 2003, we just didn't know what to think. We were in a fog for weeks and weeks on end. But, now we look at today. We look at his continued strength. We look at you. We are so incredibly thankful! I simply can't say it enough!!! But, I do have one more thing to ask ... Please continue to keep Mike in your thoughts and prayers! Please believe me when I tell you that it is keeping him going and growing each and every day!!!

With much love & blessings and very thankful hearts,

A special thank you goes out to Gail Zuley, a long time friend of Becky and Mike's, with HIGHEST donations totaling more than $1,200!!! She won $1,000 in AtHome America HomeWares. Second place was Sarah Silhan from AHA with donations totaling $1,040!!! Third place was Hank and Maureen Loerop, whose donations surpassed $950!!! Amazing ... thank YOU!!!

There were so many of you that received donations — from $1 through more than $800!!! HOPE has shown through ALL of you getting donations and spreading the word about ALS! A HUGE thank you for everyone's efforts in making our Hope 4 Mike TEAM total more than $28,000!!! It grows every day! Every DOLLAR makes a difference!!!

As of November, the walk has raised more than $830,000!!!