Lemcke fundraiser boosts spirits, provides support

While there is no known cure for the disease that Doug Lemcke has, he recently came face to face with one giant band-aid.

The Hilton man, afflicted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (better known as Lou Gehrig's disease), recently spent the day with 500 of his closest family and friends who participated in a fundraiser to help the family with expenses related to his condition.

"The ALS Benefit for Doug Lemcke" was held at The Bay on Manitou Road in Hilton. Owners Frank and Maoria Faggiano opened their doors to the community and donated food for the event.

"We know some of Doug's friends and we knew it was something we wanted to help with. I asked them, 'What can I do?' " Maoria said. "It just turned into this huge event that we never expected. It was great."

The fundraiser, which was spearheaded by Doug's friend John Velieri, raised more than three times the goal. Lemcke was diagnosed with ALS in January 2004. Since then they have had to make some renovations to the house including wheelchair ramps in the front and back entrances, and have had to purchase a handicap accessible van.

For Lemcke the fundraiser was a huge spirit booster. "I have never before felt such a powerful thing in my life," said Lemcke. "The feeling in that room permanently healed a part of my illness."

Lemcke said he is thankful to all who participated in the event, and especially to: Velieri, the Faggianos, Steve Delano, Jack and Gladys Lemcke, Terry VanStrien, Jeff Allen and Bill Ryan.

Now Lemcke will continue his focus on being an advocate for further research into ALS. He will be organizing a group, Doug's Angels, for the September ALS Association Walk.

"I don't feel the sense of tragedy that many of my friends and family feel," Doug said. "I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth."