Moses Lake teen walks for a cure
Courtesy photo<br> McKenna Reis' aunt Betty Reis was warm and full of life. McKenna said she visited her aunt many times and the two were very close.
MOSES LAKE — McKenna Reis, 14, became emotional when describing how much her aunt Betty Reis meant to her.
“I always visited her a lot,” McKenna said. “She was a very loving, open person.”
Betty died three years ago from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), a progressive neuromuscular disease. McKenna is participating in the Tri-Cities Walk to Defeat ALS to raise money for a cure.
“There is no cure, only medications to help with pain,” McKenna said.
The five-mile walk begins at 10 a.m., Sept. 19 at Columbia Park.
“It was very hard when my aunt was sick,” McKenna said. “I really want to help find a cure for other families that are going through this.”
McKenna and family members are walking under “Team Betty” to honor her aunt. Betty’s husband Mark Reis started the team last year under the national ALS Association’s Evergreen Chapter.
“I want to do this to receive donations, help out and raise awareness about the disease,” McKenna said.
Team Betty raised the most money last year. McKenna hopes to surpass the amount this year, she said.
“I want to get as much support as I can,” McKenna said. “Anyone is invited to join Team Betty.”
Early symptoms of ALS are muscle weakness or stiffness. As the disease progresses, patients can experience wasting and paralysis of muscles including limbs, trunk and vital functions. Life expectancy is estimated at two to five years from the time of diagnosis, but many lived for five years or more, according to the evergreen chapter’s Web site.
The disease hit Betty rapidly, recalled McKenna.
“Aunt Betty thought she just pulled a muscle when she went to the doctors,” said McKenna. “She soon lost the use of her arm and was forced to use a wheelchair.”
Betty’s courage during her last days inspired McKenna.
“She never complained,” McKenna said, tears streaming down her face. “She just would say, ‘thank goodness this isn’t contagious.’”
McKenna remembered visiting her aunt many times throughout her childhood. Beloved by the Reis family, Betty loved horses and was McKenna’s oldest sister’s godmother, said McKenna’s mother Julia Reis.
“We were very close,” McKenna said.
McKenna is already hard at work getting supporters. She sent letters to friends and family asking for sponsors.
“My goal is to raise $500,” McKenna said.
The Moses Lake High School freshman already raised $325 and found a sponsor committed to match up to her goal amount.
All proceeds from the walk go to the evergreen chapter.
“I am excited to meet new people and to hear their stories too,” McKenna said.
To make donations or learn more about ALS, visit web.alsa.org/goto/McKenna.Reis.