Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 12th Annual ALS & MS Walk for Living is virtually all over the place! Sunday, Oct. 18 CHELSEA, Mass. (September 2020) – Unlike Robert Frost in his famed poem “The Road Not Taken,” Ken Dudzik did not choose to take the road less traveled by choice. After being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2017 at age 58, Ken did not appear to have many choices. As his symptoms progressed and he lost the use of his legs, he faced the daunting prospect of fi nding a place to live. As Ken put it, “I was an outlier – too young socially and potentially too diffi cult a case medically for nearly all nursing homes.” But as fate would have it, Ken discovered the Leonard Florence Center for Living (LFCL) and experienced, for the fi rst time, hope. “The excellent care, support and technology have allowed me a degree of independence I didn’t think possible after my diagnosis,” said Ken. Having worked as a forester with the USDA Forest Service for 40 years, Ken supported a team of scientists studying biological and environmental infl uences on forest health and productivity. He appreciates the sheer beauty of the outdoors and enjoys the landscaped grounds at the Center. Added Dudzik, “I’ve encountered many unplanned divergences down roads I would never have willingly traveled, but now I appreciate my life each and every day. Living at the Leonard Florence Center for Living makes this possible.” For Ken and all the ALS and multiple sclerosis (MS) residents at LFCL, the freedom to live independently is an incredibly precious gift. The ALS & MS Walk for Living on October 18 celebrates these inspiring individuals and helps raise muchneeded funds. Every single dollar raised goes directly back to patient care and programs for the ALS and MS residents. Walk virtually anywhere While the 12th annual ALS & Banking with a hometown touch. Open a free checking account with no monthly fees, and get access to Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and other features. Because no matter where you go, we’re right by you. Call or visit us to sign up. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 WWW.EVERET TBANK . COM MS Walk for Living will be virtual, the reasons behind the walk are more tangible than ever. LFCL, which is operated by the nonprofi t Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, is the country’s fi rst urban model Green House® skilled nursing facility. Notably, the Center cares for more individuals living with ALS than anywhere else in the world. What’s even more unique is that residents – many of them completely immobilized – can control lights, turn on the TV, call for the elevator, open doors and raise window shades, all with help of a computer and sensor that tracks head and eye movements for instruction. This technology enables them to move freely through the entire residence. It is this degree of independence that vastly improves the residents’ quality of life. This year’s Walk for Living will honor Phyllis and Alan Bolotin. As longtime residents of the North Shore, they have contributed to organizations for years through their generosity, time, passion and dedication. “Phyllis and I are so proud to be involved with the Leonard Florence Center for Living and the 2020 Walk for Living,” said Alan Bolotin. “The Leonard Florence Center residents inspire us every day. It is our fervent hope that this event will raise funds and awareness about living with ALS and MS today.” It’s easy to participate in this Right by you. Member FDIC Member DIF virtual two-mile walk. Participants can pick their own route and the people they chose to walk with, or walk by themselves. They can choose to walk, run, roll or ride a bike or a treadmill. They can also choose the day and time they would like to walk. The two miles can be completed prior to or on October 18. To register, simply go to the Walk for Living website (www.walkforliving.org) and click on REGISTER. All donations are tax deductible. “I continue to be amazed by our ALS and MS residents,” said Chelsea Jewish Lifecare CEO Barry Berman. “Their unwavering zest for living inspires us every single day. Clearly, the Walk for Living brings together a community of passionate, caring individuals. We are deeply grateful to our residents, staff , families, friends and local community who support us year after year.” Over the past 12 years, the Walk for Living has raised over $2 million. The goal is to make 2020 the best year ever. Once again, M&T Banks will be the Platinum Level sponsor; additional sponsors include A.H.O.A. and The Independent Newspaper Group. Individual registrants raising more than $150 and teams raising more than $500 will receive commemorative T-shirts. For more information or to make a much-appreciated donation, please visit www.walkforliving.org or contact Walk Director Maura Graham at mgraham@chelseajewish.org or 617.409.8973. About Chelsea Jewish Lifecare A highly respected leader in senior living, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare employs over 2,000 people and provides care to over 1,000 individuals daily, with campuses in Chelsea, Peabody and Longmeadow, Mass. Chelsea Jewish Lifecare (www. chelseajewish.org) is redefi ning senior care and re-envisioning what life should be like for those living with disabling conditions. The eldercare community includes a wide array of skilled and short-term rehab residences, ALS and MS specialized care residences, traditional and specialized assisted living options, memory care, independent living, adult day health, aging life care, home care and hospice agencies that deliver customized and compassionate care.
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