Ken's Ride: 50 Miles

"No one has ever beaten this disease - yet. But then, no one with this disease has ever had the benefit of your collective efforts and support. We will win this battle together."

This is an excerpt from Ken Melanson's personal message of thanks at a September 2001 fundraiser held shortly after his 41st birthday.

Ken was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2000. Encouraged by current ALS research and increased focus on the disease, Ken and his wife, Cindy, like many other ALS patients and their families, have not given up.

Some of Ken's first symptoms involved slurred speech and arm weakness. The disease then affected his swallowing and ability to walk. He now requires full time nursing care and has been on a ventilator since May, 2002. Despite these impairments, he remains mentally alert and communicates through a Dynavox computer to communicate to his nurses and family. His daily motivation for life continues to be his four year old son Connor, and 2-1/2 year old Hunter.

Ken had a succcessful career in the financial services industry and enjoyed skiing in New Hampshire and Vermont as well as "skiing the powder" in Colorado and Utah. In addition to his business ventures, he loved flying (licensed pilot-instrument rated), scuba diving, ocean sailing, wind surfing and golf. Ken's interest in sailing included crewing a 50-foot sailboat from Boston to Bermuda.

It is fitting that funds are being raised for ALS research through bicycle rides. Ken was a cyclist into his adult life. He participated in bicycle racing and often enjoyed 60-100 mile bike rides with his college friends.

Ken wishes everyone the best and says, "Thank God for all the people that are helping."