Monday, September 29, 2025 – Day 412

Monday, September 29, 2025

Good morning, blog readers.

Andy’s Army Chicago Marathon shirts are on the move! We’ll be connecting with folks throughout the week to get them into your hands.

If you missed the first order but still want one, let me know. If there’s enough interest, we can do a second run. I’m covering the cost as my way of saying thank you for all the support you’ve shown me in this fight against ALS. Honestly…you’ve been incredible.

On social media, I sometimes read about other PALS (persons with ALS) who are managing this disease without a support network. If the stories are true (and yes, I’m skeptical of Facebook), they’re heartbreaking. I can’t imagine facing ALS alone.

It takes me back to 2015, when I retired and began volunteering with SCVN, a local senior service. As a driver, I took seniors to medical appointments, helped with errands, and even pitched in on small home projects. Many of the seniors were shut-ins with no steady caregiver or family support. Without SCVN, they would have struggled just to see a doctor or buy groceries.

That experience makes me even more aware of how fortunate I am today. When ALS pushes me past what I can manage, you’ve stepped up. You haven’t shied away from the hard stuff. It would be easy to look away…because let’s face it, this disease isn’t easy to witness. But instead of my support network falling apart, I’ve watched it grow. Every day, a new name joins in, wanting to be part of this journey. Amazing!

You’ve stood with me since the diagnosis, and I can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for this community we call Andy’s Army.

One last request: when you get your shirt, snap a photo of yourself wearing it and send it my way. Be creative—take it on vacation, pose at a landmark, or just have fun in your backyard. Take as many as you’d like. I don’t yet know how I’ll share them, but there’s a story here—and you’re all part of it.

Remember, if you still want a shirt I’m going to try to do a second run.

Thank you in advance for playing along. It’ll bring me more joy than you know.

Have a great Monday. Love you guys! ❤️

Today’s photos

Fred our neighbor was the first one to sport the shirt. He wore his during the hanging of the Christmas light tree.