Lori Scalleat had heard about ALS from afar and then, in October 2022, ALS hit close to her heart. She was sitting on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, with her husband Jimmy, looking out at the ocean as they reflected on their life and their future when they received the phone call with a diagnosis that would forever change their lives. The doctor confirmed that Jimmy had ALS.
Jimmy was active throughout his life. He loved the outdoors and trying new activities. In March 2022, he struggled to put on ski boots. It was an odd feeling, and he assumed the issue was that he needed new boots.
Weeks later, in May, Jimmy noticed that he was tripping over his own feet. These physical challenges were odd to him because he was so used to being in good physical condition. He started to experience a foot drop and walking became increasingly difficult.
Multiple tests from various doctors came back with no clear answers. Jimmy was told that he likely pulled a muscle and he was recommended to try physical therapy. He started to attend physical therapy three times a week, but nothing was improving. A family friend suggested that he try an EMG test in September. Then, just a few weeks later, he received the official diagnosis that he had ALS.
Lori and Jimmy were shocked by the news. Months earlier, he was the same active and fit man he had been for as long as Lori had known him. They were thrust into a race against time, savoring every moment together.
“ALS is the most cruel and devastating diagnosis,” said Lori. “In our case, time was not on our side. Everything moved very quickly. Jimmy was diagnosed in Oct 2022 and passed away in Nov 2023.”
Following that diagnosis, Lori reached out to family, friends, and ALS United Mid-Atlantic. She became Jimmy’s primary caregiver and advocate, taking him to clinic appointments, getting him his medication, and making sure that their home was livable and comfortable for him.
Social worker MaryBeth Tomczak visited Lori and Jimmy at their home and guided them through their questions and concerns. She pointed them to the services that were available through ALS United Mid-Atlantic, including assistance with grants, and help with ramping and home health care.
Lori saw that it took a village to care for Jimmy. She decided to give back and be part of the village that would care for others impacted by ALS.
When Jimmy passed away, she asked for donations to ALS United Mid-Atlantic. She also signed up for the Hershey ALS United Walk, where she met many others who shared in her efforts to fight ALS.
Lori’s friends Jim and Jenn Cassarella approached her about hosting a cornhole fundraising tournament in memory of Jimmy and another friend who passed away from ALS, Mr. Roy Koch. Together, they were working to raise awareness for ALS in their community and raise funds for research and care services like the programs that benefited Roy and Jimmy. They decided to name their event “Throw for HOPE: Bags for ALS” to provide HOPE for families living with ALS today. The event is being held on Oct 12th at the Conyngham Valley Civic Organization in Conyngham, PA, and will include games, raffles, and food. Donations can be made online at Throw for HOPE: Bags for ALS Donation Page or dropped off the day of the event. Roy’s wife Barb is helping Lori and the Cassarella family to organize a successful event. Their goal is to raise $10,000 so that no one will have to face ALS alone.
“ALS can strike anyone at any time,” said Lori. “ALS robs a person of all of their physical abilities, while keeping their mind intact. There is no cure for ALS today and that is unacceptable, so we are going to do something about it.”
Jimmy Scalleat gave love and hope to Lori throughout their marriage. Now, having faced the realities of ALS, Lori is giving that love and hope back to others impacted by ALS so that they know that we are all in this together. Her energy and determination inspire everyone who meets her. ALS United Mid-Atlantic is proud to recognize Lori Scalleat as the October 2024 Volunteer of the Month.