ALS walk attracts 200

COLUMBUS - When Dolores Wetgen's father was diagnosed with ALS in 1969 he was given one year to live.

"He lived 15 years, but he did not die from it. At that time, they said it wasn't hereditary," she said.

The doctors were wrong.

Sitting in a wheelchair prior to the annual Columbus Walk to D'Feet ALS at Pawnee Park, Wetgen said she and two other family members now have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

It's a neurodegenerative disease that causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord. A common first symptom is a weakness in a hand, foot, arm or leg, which occurs in more than half of all cases. Other early symptoms include speech, swallowing or walking difficulty.

Wetgen was in a wheelchair because she severely strained her ankle after falling three times in a row a couple of months ago. She was diagnosed with ALS in 2000 and was given three to five years to live.

"Aug. 12 of this year my time was up," she said.

Even though she has proved part of the diagnosis wrong, she still is quite limited as far as her physical activity goes.

"Now I can't do anything but eat and sleep and pray," she said.

Most days are spent reading, watching television, or praying the rosary. She credits her husband, Mel, dedication and hard work for keeping the household running.

As Wetgen told her story, many people attending Sunday's walk came up to greet her.

Special guests attending Walk to D'Feet ALS included Shane Osborn, Miss Columbus and Sen. Arnie Stuthman. Gene Urkoski and the Urkoski Orchestra played polka music during the event.