HHS Teacher Bikes for Cure for ALS

In the uphill battle against the disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, teacher Dana McNamee has signed on to bike over 270 miles through three states in just three days as part of  Team America in the Tri-State Trek.

 A grueling journey, but McNamee says not nearly as grueling as the journey of her friend, Steve Saling, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2006, but still manages to be an inspiration and ground breaker.

“He comes every year to talk to the kids at the high school, and every year, the kids are amazed by him and what he can do,” said McNamee. “Most people would give up their hopes and dreams, but Steve just looks at every new challenge as an opportunity to see what he can do and how far he can reach. He is very inspiring to the kids.” 

 Saling, a 42-year old retired architect, is the co-founder of the country’s only ALS residence and has founded the ALS Residence Initiative, an organization dedicated to provide ALS patients an opportunity to live in relative independence.

 McNamee said the daily efforts and challenges her friend faces will be her inspiration during the Trek, which begins on July 22.

 “Yes, it’s tough, but I think it’s meant to be, to remind us of how difficult a disease ALS is to live with on a daily basis,” she said.

 McNamee, who teaches environmental science and oceanography at Hingham High, is a member of Team America, along with her husband Chuck, who plan to tackle the Trek together. The team hopes to raise a minimum of $36,450 to help get closer to finding a cure for ALS. To donate to the Team America page and help find a cure for ALS, click on the link here http://tst.als.net/TEAMAMERICA2011.