Wheelin’ for ALS Event in support of Jacob Harper
August 12, 2023 - We cannot say enough good things about Teamjacobwv, the Harper family, and the amazing community that surrounds them! Had the pleasure of traveling up to Charleston, WV, for an awesome trail ride yesterday in honor of Jacob Harper. As you can see from these top shots (All of them are on the Teamjacobwv page please go give them a follow), it was an amazing time as this family and community loves Jacob so much, and is really leaning into the Lord for support as they work to battle this disease. And for me it was good to have the distraction of some good ole mud therapy a week after we officially said good bye for now to Dave. One of my favorite shots is towards the end where Jacob's father and friends are attaching supports to allow Jacob to ride safely and comfortably in the Jeep. So people might not understand that, but it comes down to the fact that they will do anything they can for Jacob to be able to do the things he love, like 4 Wheeling. Just like we did for Dave when he struggled to get his driver's gloves on, and at one point couldn't crank his car, but could still run record laps; it is part of the disease and what those who love their pALS do to make it all happen. So again, great job to the Harper family for putting on an amazing event and giving your son a day he will never forget!
Jacob's condition is what is known as nano-rare; he is the youngest person in the state of WV with ALS and is currently part of a clinical drug trial at The Ohio State University that we feel is divine intervention and is a drug that has had major impacts for other people with Jacob's VERY rare form of ALS. So please continue to pray for him, and all that is happening.
Outside of having a lot of fun, this event raised over $21,000 that will go 100% to the The Ohio State University, The ALS Association / The ALS Association - West Virginia, and our Patient Assistance Fund. Thank you again to all who worked so hard to put on this amazing event, and obviously to all who took part in the fun!
Thank you from the Racing for ALS Team -
The Jordan Mead of WOWK 13 NEWS team, thank you for coming out to help us raise awareness for ALS and support the event, and thank you to the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office for your help in getting our large group safely out to the trails!
