Manassas Resident to Publish Website in Support of ALS Research

Danielle Capezzuto, Manassas resident for 20+ years, is supporting the cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by leading the design and development of the Light The Way To Hope fundraising project website. Join the ALS community’s endeavors aimed at finding a cure by visiting http://www.lightthewaytohope.org/.

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to use arms and hands, walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. Ms. Capezzuto and Matthew Campbell, current Radford University student, were able to apply their IT skills in this real-world application requested by Kimberly Fernette, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2014.

“I am a 50 year old mother of 5,” said Kimberly Fernette. “I began displaying symptoms in November 2013. I had no idea what ALS was; I didn’t even know what the ice bucket challenge was for. I began researching motor neuron diseases and in September 2014 I was diagnosed with ALS. This was the worst day of my life. I cried many tears and still do. However, I have a wonderful group of family and friends for support, and I am not the type of person to give up without a fight. I came up with an idea to try and make money for research on a cure for ALS, so I took my idea to Danielle and Matthew. Help us light the tree of hope!”

For more information on Light The Way To Hope and how to join the movement to end ALS, please contact Danielle Capezzuto at LightTheWayToHope@gmail.com.

About The ALS Association

Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

As the preeminent ALS organization, The Association leads the way in research, care services, public education, and public policy — giving help and hope to those facing the disease. The Association’s nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy, while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. For more information about The ALS Association, please visit http://www.alsa.org/.