SCHOOLS AND COACHES
NORTH and SOUTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
NORTH and SOUTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
NORTH and SOUTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
NORTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
Branham
Cupertino
Del Mar
Fremont
Gunn
Harker
Homestead
Leigh
Los Altos
Los Gatos
Lynbrook
Milpitas
Mitty
Monta Vista
Mtn View
Palo Alto
Prospect
Santa Clara
Saratoga
St Francis
The Kings Academy
Westmont
Wilcox
SOUTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
Andrew Hill
Bellarmine
NORTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
Branham
Cupertino
Del Mar
Fremont
Gunn
Harker
Homestead
Leigh
Los Altos
Los Gatos
Lynbrook
Milpitas
Mitty
Monta Vista
Mtn View
Palo Alto
Prospect
Santa Clara
Saratoga
St Francis
The Kings Academy
Westmont
Wilcox
SOUTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
Andrew Hill
Bellarmine
Christopher
Evergreen
Gilroy
Gunderson
Independence
James Lick
Leland
Lincoln
Live Oak
Mount Pleasant
Oak Grove
Overfelt
Piedmont Hills
Pioneer
San Jose
Santa Teresa
Silver Creek
Sobrato
Valley Christian
Willow Glen
Yerba Buena
NORTH COACHING STAFF
NORTH and SOUTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
NORTH and SOUTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
NORTH HEAD COACH
Shelly Smith
20 years coaching high school football, the past 9 years as Athletic Director and Head Coach at Mountain View High School. Graduated from both Saratoga High School and Saint Mary's College in Moraga where he played offensive guard and tackle.
Married to Mariann Smith for the past 38 years, with two sons, (Kev
NORTH HEAD COACH
Shelly Smith
20 years coaching high school football, the past 9 years as Athletic Director and Head Coach at Mountain View High School. Graduated from both Saratoga High School and Saint Mary's College in Moraga where he played offensive guard and tackle.
Married to Mariann Smith for the past 38 years, with two sons, (Kevin Smith, QB Coach All Star game) and 2 grandchildren.
James Berger- Defensive Coordinator Mountain View
Kevin Smith- Quarterback Coach
Coached for 8 years at Mountain View High School
JV head coach for 2 years
Most recently the varsity QB coach & Varsity Offensive Coordinator
Paul Steffen
Long time assistant coach at multiple SCVAL schools. Last 5 years - Offensive line coach, Defensive backs coach and handled punt return team for Mountain View High School.
Rick Esparza- Offense /Defense Line
Physical Education Teacher & Football Coach at
Mountain View High School
Tim Lugo- Wide Receivers
2008-2021- Head Coach, Saratoga
2007- Varsity WR/DB Coach, Evergreen Valley
2005-2006- Varsity OL Coach, Pioneer
2004- Head F/S Coach, Leland
1997-2002- Head F/S Coach, Pioneer
1995-1996- Varsity Defensive Coordinator/OL Coach- Valley Christian
John Faylor- Defensive Back Coach
Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Back Coach Saratoga High School 2008-2016
Santa Clara University Football 1981-1985 All American
SF49ers Defensive Back 1986-1987
Married To Meg Faylor, kids Jacqueline, Mitchell, Grant, Vincent, Jordyn
Note-Father and All 3 sons played in All Star Game
Sereno Real Estate Agent/Owner
Scott Ishizaki- Running Backs
Coached 15 years at Lynbrook, Saratoga, and Mt. View.
Played football and ran track at Lynbrook High School.
Has a loving wife and 3 beautiful daughters.
Daniel Goni- Saratoga
Coach Daniel Goni was a three sport athlete at Saratoga High School. Following in his parents footsteps, Daniel has always had a desire to help people and be an active member of the community. He has served his alma mater on the Falcon Football coaching staff for 16 years. He was also selected to the 1999 Wedemeyer All-Star game.
His late father, Ray was a teacher and coached football at Saratoga High School for 31 years. Ray was an All Star Coach for the North in 1974 & 1995. Daniel’s two older brothers both played in the game in ‘95 & ‘97.
Daniel works as a realtor for Sereno with his lovely wife,Kelly and mother-in-law, Jackie, as part of the Walker Goni Real Estate Team.
Kevin Mack- Special Teams
"Coach Mack has been a part of the Mountain View HS Football Coaching Staff for the last 5 years. During this time, he has coached the Wide Receivers and Special Teams. As well as help run the scout offense. Coach Mack is also the Varsity Head Boys Basketball Coach at Mountain View, a position he has held for the last 7 years. Kevin has coached high school basketball for over 20 years. During his time as head coach, the Spartans have won the CCS Division II Championship in both 2017 and 2019.
Kevin currently lives in Los Gatos with his wife Sarah."
Vito Cangemi - Special Teams Milpitas
SOUTH COACHING STAFF
NORTH and SOUTH ALL STAR SCHOOLS
SOUTH COACHING STAFF
SOUTH HEAD COACH
Eric Perry
- Started at Pioneer 1996 (25 years)
- Head Coach at Pioneer since 2010
- Former HC/Assistant coach of the CW game (not sure of the years)
- Alum of the CW game 1990
Aaron Arasato
- Has coached 13 seasons on high school level, including positions at San Jose, Branham and Pioneer. During career has been the Varsity OL/Run Coordi
SOUTH HEAD COACH
Eric Perry
- Started at Pioneer 1996 (25 years)
- Head Coach at Pioneer since 2010
- Former HC/Assistant coach of the CW game (not sure of the years)
- Alum of the CW game 1990
Aaron Arasato
- Has coached 13 seasons on high school level, including positions at San Jose, Branham and Pioneer. During career has been the Varsity OL/Run Coordinator at San Jose and JV Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator at both Branham and Pioneer. Currently serves as the JV/Varsity Offensive Coordinator at Pioneer.
- Played both football and baseball at Andrew Hill.
- Graduated from San Jose State University, December 1995
Dan Wilbanks
- Grew up in the badlands of Southern California, where he honed his skills as an Offensive Lineman at Bishop Montgomery HS.
- Played college football at THE San Francisco State University from 1990-92. Go Golden Gators!
- Has been coaching at the HS level for the last 9 years.
Simeon Nash
- 13 years coaching high school
- Played HS football at Pinole Valley High
- Voted 2nd Team All Bay ILB 2001 by Oakland Tribune
- Played football at CIty College of Sacramento
Chris Eke
- 1st Year Coaching
- Played High School Football at Gunderson
- Named Co-Senior of the Year 2009
- 2010 Wedemeyer All Star Game Alum
Robert Barragan
My name is Robert Barragan, or as the kids call me Coach Barragan or Coach Bobby. I have been coaching at Pioneer since 2019 ever since I came back from college. I played baseball and football at Pioneer High School where I graduated in 2015. I went on to play football at Foothill College. From there I was recruited to go play Division III football at Concordia University Chicago. I was fortunate enough to play 4 years of football at the college level. Love the game whether it’s playing or coaching.
Jason Harrison
Jason Harrison, played for Gunderson from 1997-2000. Played in the CW All Star game in 2001. Rushed for 116 yards and 1 TD on 10 Carries. The north ended up winning 24-17 on a last min stop by the North’s defense. Ended up earning a D1 scholarship to play at UCLA. Played RB for Bob Toledo and Karl Dorrell. Tore his knee returning a kick in 2002 vs. Washington State. Loves giving back to the youth when he can. States “Football is the best sport in the world. Nothing compares to the brotherhood and camaraderie in this sport. Cherish it forever!!”
Your 2021 Charlie Wedemeyer All Star TEAM Rosters!
Congratulations All Stars!
INTRODUCING YOUR NORTH TEAM
#/Player/School
#1 Quinn Merritt, Los Gatos
#2 Parsa Heshemi, Saratoga
#3 Dino Beslagic, Santa Clara
#4 Aliejah Diaz, Wilcox
#5 Elijah Monroe, Westmont
#6 Sam Betz, Leigh
#7 Andre Jackson, Prospect
#8 Luther Glenn, Wilcox
#10 Jackson Steffen, Mtn View
#11 Dominic Boccabella, Mitty
#12 Harry Singh, Cupertino
#13 Charlie Carlson, Wilcox
#14 Chris Barmore, Mtn View
#15 Quinn Hoang, Westmont
#16 Pace Nelson, Wilcox
#17 Yuma Raux-Moriwaki, Los Gatos
#18 Aiden Williams, Leigh
#19 Derek Sheerer, Homestead
#20 Alex Born, Palo Alto
#21 Kevin Green, Gunn
#22 DJ Aguirre, Wilcox
#23 James Lambert, Gunn
#24 Wil Dal Porto, Los Gatos
#25 Nolan Nguyen, Lynbrook
#26 Jakerion Thurman, Del Mar
#30 Camilo Arquette, St Francis
#31 Nico Andrighetto, St Francis
#36 TJ Takafua, Fremont
#42 Michael Rios, Santa Clara
#50 Paul Villarruel, Branham
#51 John Zeng, Harker
#53 Trent Carrizosa, Del Mar
#54 John Masegian, Monta Vista
#55 Erik Baez, Wilcox
#56 Nathan Yore, Los Gatos
#58 Jason Schwartz, Leigh
#64 Denaris Derosa, St Francis
#65 Keishawn Ford, Wilcox
#72 Jason Malley, Mitty
#74 Vithi Thulasinthan, Cupertino
#76 Andy Lau, Homestead
#77 Malachi Brown, Milpitas
#78 Quinton Mastropietro, Mtn View
#80 Cole Rafferty, Los Altos
#82 Will Hook, Homestead
#84 Joe Brown, Mtn View
#90 Esaia Vavao, St Francis
INTRODUCING YOUR SOUTH TEAM
#/Player /School
#2 Gino Cresci, Bellarmine
#3 Nathan Ortiz, Sobrato
#4 Bryce Johnson, Pioneer
#5 Anthony Martinez, Andrew HIll
#6 Creon Fitch, Independence
#7 Jeremiah Lolohea, Pioneer
#8 Mark Eby, Leland
#9 Aisosa Amas, Silver Creek
#10 Anthony Marques, Gilroy
#11 Nate Williams, Live Oak
#12 Jamarr Morris, Valley Christian
#13 Thomas Di Vittorio, Bellarmine
#14 Kanye Henry, Pioneer
#15 Spencer Gorgulho, Christopher
#16 Thomas Crawford, Lincoln
#17 Trey Bringuel, Sobrato
#18 Kai Matthews, Santa Teresa
#20 Roland Legaspi, Piedmont Hills
#21 Daniel Tham, Andrew Hill
#22 Chris Wright, Evergreen
#24 Omar Arreola, Overfelt
#25 Axel Garcia, Pioneer
#27 Rossi Oteri, Christopher
#28 Keelan Echauri, Live Oak
#32 Tyler Cook, Leland
#35 Malikhi Jamison, San Jose
#44 Zach Snow, Gunderson
#50 Nehemiah Musika, Valley Christian
#51 Joe Speno, Pioneer
#52 Isaiah Martin, Gunderson
#53 Aaron Parra, Live Oak
#54 Gabe Mancuso, Willow Glen
#55 Mark Collins, Sobrato
#56 Spencer Gleg, Valley Christian
#58 David Serrano, Bellarmine
#62 Christian Farias, Oak Grove
#63 Marcus Failla, Valley Christian
#64 Brandon Thai, Evergreen
#65 Dominic Uribe, Santa Teresa
#70 Eric Gonzales, Mt Pleasant
#72 Breydon Smith, Pioneer
#75 Jack Ryan, Leland
#76 Josh Belfield, Independence
#77 Brenson Kanongataa, Oak Grove
#78 Bani Yaro, Leland
About Us
Wedemeyer Family Story
Coaches Against Cancer
Coaches Against Cancer
Born in Hawaii, Charlie grew up youngest of nine children in a very athletic family. His talents on the football field awarded him scholarships to prestigious Punahou Academy and Michigan State University. Named "Prep Player of the Decade" in Hawaii and chosen to two college all star games, East-West Shrine Classic and the Hula Bowl, Cha
Born in Hawaii, Charlie grew up youngest of nine children in a very athletic family. His talents on the football field awarded him scholarships to prestigious Punahou Academy and Michigan State University. Named "Prep Player of the Decade" in Hawaii and chosen to two college all star games, East-West Shrine Classic and the Hula Bowl, Charlie was content with his life. He was an outstanding athlete, had a wonderful family with his wife Lucy, daughter Carri, son Kale, and was a successful coach and teacher in Los Gatos. However, in 1977 his life was forever turned around. He was diagnosed with a terminal illness, ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, and was given one or, at most, three years to live. The nerve cells that control the muscles were dying. The finely tuned athletic body was wasting away. There is no known cause or cure.
"The scoreboard says Charlie Wedemeyer won't win this game. There's no chance for a comeback now, time is running out. There'll be no 'Hail Mary', no immaculate reception. The gun is ready, and when it goes off, death will remain undefeated," wrote one newswriter.
Typical of Charlie's indomitable spirit, despite the impossible odds, he simply refused to give up and accept defeat. As the illness progressed, he could no longer walk, talk or breathe on his own, and he became totally dependent on a respirator. At one point, Charlie's physical body was ready to give up despite his determination. He realized he could no longer struggle and fight this alone without supernatural strength and support. He found this in a new personal relationship with God. Incredibly, by human standards, he was able to continue coaching; and in 1985, his Los Gatos Football Team won the Central Coast Section Championship with Lucy reading his lips and relaying instructions and plays to the assistant coaches and players.
Coaches Against Cancer
Coaches Against Cancer
Coaches Against Cancer
Coaches Against Cancer was founded in 2009 with the mission to raise money and support the research and fight against cancer.
Since its inception, Coaches Against Cancer has raised and donated over $500,000 to the American Cancer and National Brain Tumor Societies and to the recently created "Dream Come True" program. We feel very proud
Coaches Against Cancer was founded in 2009 with the mission to raise money and support the research and fight against cancer.
Since its inception, Coaches Against Cancer has raised and donated over $500,000 to the American Cancer and National Brain Tumor Societies and to the recently created "Dream Come True" program. We feel very proud of our accomplishments thus far, and have decided to continue with our recent "Dream Come True" success.
The Coaches Against Cancer-“Dream Come True” program is not a novel concept, but one that we feel really makes a difference to those battling against cancer and to their families. Honoring the Make A Wish concept, we would like to connect with families that have been affected by cancer to find out if we can provide an experience that truly is a “Dream Come True”.
While our funds are not unlimited, we feel that there will be opportunities when Coaches Against Cancer can help make a difference.
In order to continue our recent success, we need your help! We need you to share this with friends and family as we look to identify those struggling with their fight against cancer.
We are asking that you fill out this form sharing the story of your nominated person or family including ideas that will help make their "Dream Come True".
Stories can be submitted on behalf of someone else or submitted by the person/family, directly.
COACHES AGAINST CANCER
https://www.coaches-against-cancer.com/
JOIN THE "FIGHT"
All Star Game History
Coaches Against Cancer
All Star Game History
Some of the greats that have donned an all star jersey in this very special event are Doug Cosbie (Dallas Cowboys), John Tuggle (New York Giants), Jeff Garcia (SF 49ers), the late Pat Tillman (Arizona Cardinals), Trent Edwards (Buffalo Bills/Oakland Raiders +) and many, many more.
There are 45 players on each team from 46 Bay Area school
Some of the greats that have donned an all star jersey in this very special event are Doug Cosbie (Dallas Cowboys), John Tuggle (New York Giants), Jeff Garcia (SF 49ers), the late Pat Tillman (Arizona Cardinals), Trent Edwards (Buffalo Bills/Oakland Raiders +) and many, many more.
There are 45 players on each team from 46 Bay Area schools, representing the very best players in the county. This years All Star Game will be played at Los Gatos High School on February 5th at 6pm.
Jim Guido has been the lone game chairman of this event for 30+ years "To have seen all of the amazing young men compete in their last high school game over 4 decades has been an unbelievably rewarding experience. Having the game honor Charlie Wedemeyer since 1984 has been a very special part of this event. His story is something everyone should be inspired by." Charlie Wedemeyer was diagnosed with ALS as a young man and given a short time to live. 32 years later, he finally lost his battle. "Never has there been a man who embraced life in the face of extreme odds and positively affected millions of people like Charlie Wedemeyer" Guido remembers.
Feel free to email Mike Carrozzo at
About ALS Golden West Chapter and Real family Stories
About ALS
More families affected
Real Stories of ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal, neurodegenerative illness that
affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
• The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from diagnosis.
• As the disease progresses, people with ALS lose the ability to walk, move, speak, s
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal, neurodegenerative illness that
affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
• The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from diagnosis.
• As the disease progresses, people with ALS lose the ability to walk, move, speak, swallow and,
eventually, to breathe– all while the mind and senses continue to function.
• Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS. Every 90 minutes, someone loses their battle.
• ALS is not contagious and does not discriminate – it affects men and women of all ages, ethnic
backgrounds, and socioeconomic communities around the world.
• Approximately 10% of those diagnosed have a hereditary or familial form of the disease.
• Military veterans are diagnosed with ALS nearly twice as often as the general population.
• Most people with ALS remain at home throughout the course of the disease and managing the
progression of the disease is emotionally, physically and financially draining on families.
• The annual costs for home care, coupled with the cost of necessary equipment (which includes speech,
mobility, transportation, etc.) can exceed $200,000 per year.
• Currently, there is no known cure.
About The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
The mission of The ALS Association is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and
empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest. Our vision is to create a world without ALS.
The Golden West Chapter serves people with ALS and their families in 31 counties throughout California and in
the state of Hawaii. Everything we do advances the search for effective treatments and cures for ALS.
CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!
Walk to Defeat ALS – http://walks.alsagoldenwest.org
JT5K- http://jimtracy5k.org
Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS and Walk – http://NapaALSRide.org
Connect with us to explore resources, programs, services, advocacy, our community, and events.
For more information about The ALS Association Golden West Chapter, please visit us at
www.alsagoldenwest.org or email us at info@alsagoldenwest.org
Real Stories of ALS
More families affected
Real Stories of ALS
Douglas McNeil - Full spotlight article: http://webgw.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GW_9_2018_12_7_Spotlight_on_Doug_McNeil&AddInterest=3850
Article snapshot: Throughout his life, Doug McNeil has, literally, brought light to thousands of people around the world. Today, he remains a dedicated advocate with an unshakable commitment to
Douglas McNeil - Full spotlight article: http://webgw.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GW_9_2018_12_7_Spotlight_on_Doug_McNeil&AddInterest=3850
Article snapshot: Throughout his life, Doug McNeil has, literally, brought light to thousands of people around the world. Today, he remains a dedicated advocate with an unshakable commitment to create positive change, while living with a diagnosis of ALS. Doug began his career at NASA Ames Research Center as an engineering intern. After graduating from San Jose State University with a Bachelors in Science, he joined Lockheed Missiles and Space, working in the Space Systems Division, supporting programs from Hubble Space Telescope, satellite telephone communications, space remote sensing systems, and other special programs. Later he worked at several other large companies, as well as start-ups specializing in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and executive consulting. But beyond the scope of his impressive resume, the focus of Doug’s passion is his family. He and his wife Sherri are proud parents to two incredible children- Jessica and Matthew. Together, they enjoyed camping, hiking, and many other outdoor activities.“We have a philosophy in our family,” Doug shared, “to commit ourselves to a purposeful and passionate focus on life.”It is this ideal that led to Doug’s profound involvement in civic activities that include youth coaching, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) mentoring, city commissions, community foundations, and several school advisory appointments. In 2012, Doug felt he had truly found his calling when he co-founded, “Lighting for Literacy,” a non-profit humanitarian program promoting education and literacy, with the help of Los Gatos United Methodist Church and Los Gatos Morning Rotary. The program teaches science, sustainability, and community service to local youth in Silicon Valley, while providing a much needed resource to impoverished youth internationally. In 2013, President Barack Obama's "Educate to Innovate" initiative and the White House administration recognized “Lighting for Literacy” as Champions of Change. In June of 2017, after sustaining a concussion from a fall, Doug had to take leave from his work. Shortly afterward, he received the diagnosis of ALS. “Hearing this news about the person who has been your soul mate for forty years is devastating,” Sherri said. By November, he was unable to swallow properly, leading to malnutrition, aspiration, and pneumonia. Doug was rushed to the emergency room just after midnight on January 1, 2018. After a 40-day hospitalization, Doug was faced with the difficult decision and hard reality of permanent incubation and 24 hr care. ”What inspires each of us can provide a model for countless people with ALS. This does not mean that we don't suffer, but we can find meaning through compassion and comfort in helping others,” said Doug. You can join Doug and his family at the Silicon Valley Walk on October 5 at Coyote Point. Register today or make a gift to Team Maverick at SiliconValleyWalktoDefeatALS.org.
Lorene Lee - Full spotlight article: http://webgw.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GW_12_voiceyourlove_lee
Lorene's Letter snapshot: (She composed this message, using assistive communication technology with a visual-tracking system. Lorene typed the words, one letter at a time, using her eyes.) "In my first attempt to write this letter to you, I had written a few paragraphs on my marriage and life. But later, I got to thinking it sounded just like any other couple, going through the usual everyday problems. The next morning, I was going to change everything. When I got to my device, it was erased. What happened is beyond me. This is a problem I sometimes face with this computer. So I will begin again with what I really want to express. When I was first diagnosed with ALS in 2010, I knew it was going to be serious because of all the different tests I took. So, in a sense, I was prepared for bad news. It was my husband, Tony, that took it so hard. He had lost both his sister and his father earlier that same year, and we were also caring for his 16 year-old niece. It was an unbelievable time in our story. By 2012, I had lost my ability to speak and now rely on a speech-generating device with an eye-tracking system to communicate.I used to say that I am from Venus, and Tony says he isn’t from Mars, he is from Pluto (hahaha)! But after many years of disagreements, misunderstandings, and stupid fights, our bond is stronger than ever. I won’t let ALS come between us. No way! This disease is not for the faint of heart. It’s like we just got past the honeymoon stage and have to start all over, and you are on a roller coaster, with a cliff up ahead. I am one of the “lucky” ones living with ALS, who has surpassed the usual five-year survival rate. ALS is a terrible, awful, deadly disease. Tough, sad, ugly, heartbreaking- yes. A learning experience- YES. I have personally learned big time that hate, despair, loneliness, misunderstanding, and sorrow can be changed by opening your heart through love. Even with acceptance of this illness and all of its challenges, I am STILL learning. With all the challenges of living with ALS, giving my loved ones their due is often fallen by the wayside, especially saying how much deep gratitude and appreciation I feel." You can join Lorene and her family at the Silicon Valley Walk on October 5 at Coyote Point. Register today or make a gift to Lorene's Team at SiliconValleyWalktoDefeatALS.org.
More families affected
More families affected
More families affected
Bill Beaton - Full spotlight article: http://webgw.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GW_9_2018_09_26_Spotlight_on_Bill_and_Ann_Beaton&AddInterest=3850
Article snapshot: Bill had a long and successful career as a finance executive for several large agriculture firms and his wife Ann worked in the local school district. They had planned
Bill Beaton - Full spotlight article: http://webgw.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GW_9_2018_09_26_Spotlight_on_Bill_and_Ann_Beaton&AddInterest=3850
Article snapshot: Bill had a long and successful career as a finance executive for several large agriculture firms and his wife Ann worked in the local school district. They had planned their golden years to be filled with the activities they loved; hiking, playing golf, and skiing- something Bill had set a personal goal to be able to do well into his eighties. But life had a different plan for the Beaton family. It was, in fact, during a ski trip that Bill began to notice a change in his body. He was not able to turn as well and his right foot was very cold. “Of course, I chocked this up to the fact he had been shoveling snow in his Sperry top siders!” Ann said. “But a month or so later, Bill developed drop foot in his right foot. We went to a spine surgeon who performed a laminectomy on his back to relieve pressure on his nerves. When this didn't work, he sent us to a neurologist. She suspected ALS, and then we went to UCSF for the formal evaluation.” Upon learning of his diagnosis of ALS in June 2017 at the age 64, Bill’s initial reaction was, “Wait a minute- this is not part of our retirement plan!” Having always been a proactive person, Ann at first welcomed all the pamphlets and informational literature that their Golden West Chapter care manager offered them. “I am a planner, by nature, always looking towards the future and what needs to be accomplished,” she said. “But as I started to learn more, I felt very overwhelmed. Over these several months, I have learned that what works best for us is to take things one day at a time.“ One thing that has stood out for both Bill and Ann during this challenging time is the importance of support. From local medical services, to clinical professionals, from chapter care managers to support groups, the value of this wraparound model of community-based care services has been immeasurable. Through their participation in the Golden West Chapter’s 19th annual East Bay Walk to Defeat ALS, they raised over $22,000 for the ALS community. “My outlook on life is reflected in our family’s motto – It is what it is,” Bill says, “I picked up this phrase at work 20 years ago and started using it. In fact, our entire family started using it. We used it so often, our daughter in law bought us a plaque with the phrase that we keep on the family refrigerator. It reminds us that for whatever life throws our way to not worry about it and to make the best of the situation. If you worry, you suffer twice." You can join the East Bay Walk on November 2 in Walnut Creek. Register today or make a gift at EastBayWalktoDefeatALS.org.
Miles McConnell - Full spotlight article: http://webgw.alsa.org/site/PageServer/?pagename=GW_9_2018_08_30_Spotlight_MIles_McConnell_Dubie_Breen
Article snapshot: From his earliest childhood memories growing up in Marin county, Miles McConnell was always outside doing something. Being such an active person, Miles noticed a change in his coordination right away when he was on one of his outdoor adventures. “I felt my first symptom of things to come on a day of backcountry skiing off of Carson Pass in April of 2014,” shared Miles. “I wasn't linking turns like I was accustomed to, and wrote it off as a bad day. When I sprained my ankle in September running (on our first day of a week in Hawaii!), I realized that something wasn't right. By February of 2015 I had been told that I had ALS. I was only 49 years old.” “In hindsight, the process of coping with a life changing diagnosis was broken down into distinct phases: shock and fear, then anger, then overwhelming grief [...] I can spend a day tinkering with my latest innovation for making my daily activities or adventures easier, go for a ride on my recumbent trike, or sit out back and meditate,” said Miles. “I miss the mobility I so enjoyed all of those years, but instead of focusing on what I've lost, choose to focus on all of the opportunities that await.” Together, Miles and his wife, Dubie, decided that this news wasn’t going stop them from doing the things they loved together. They formed Team S(Miles) and became involved in The ALS Association Golden West Chapter's Sonoma County Walk to Defeat ALS and Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. “Life is full of joy and uncertainty. It's easy to get caught up in regretting what did or didn't happen in the past, or fretting about what may happen in the future. But the present is what's really important, and making the most out of the cards you're dealt. Living with ALS has reinforced this concept for me. I'm incredibly lucky to have my wife's support through this journey. Dubie provides me total freedom in my day to day activities. Life is sweet, and I intend to make the most of what's left!” You can join Miles and his family at the Napa Valley Ride on September 21 in Napa. Register today or make a gift to Team S(M)iles at NapaValleyRide.org.
Juan Reyes - We don't have a spotlight on Juan Reyes, but we can get more written content from his family within the next few days. We know that he was formerly an officer for the SJPD and he participates in the Silicon Valley Walk with his team "Retired SJPD Officer Juan Reyes #ALS Warrior." Before engaging with our community walk, he had done other philanthropic work to help the youth in his community (I believe through the San Jose Police Activities League). In 2018, his niece orchestrated an ALS awareness night with the San Jose Giants. She wrote: In February of 2017 my Uncle Juan was diagnosed with ALS. While this is probably the biggest curveball my family and I could have gotten, we are all in this journey together and swinging for the fences. Through everything, I can say he has never lost his sense of humor. I don't think there will ever be a day he isn't making fun of us or laughing at us in some way, because that is who is is, ALS or not.