By Claire Stagg
Our family became aware of ALS 18 years ago, when my grandfather, Joe Corso (aka JJ ) was suffering from pain in his leg. After many doctor visits, he was given the diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s disease. One of the first reactions he had was “ I never played baseball!” During the seven years that he suffered from ALS we watched this very strong, vital man, who had spent his entire life taking care of his family, now have to become totally dependant on us.
As he slowly began to lose the use of his legs and arms, we were all amazed at how brave and happy he remained with his life. As his family, we were heartbroken watching this person, who had spent his entire life taking care of six children and taking the place of a father to his grandchildren who had lost their father, fight this battle. But never during this time did he ask “Why Me?” He was always determined to walk again and hope to live till 100. During his illness he continued to be optimistic, he loved to go out to lunch and was always asking someone to take him out. He loved his motorized wheelchair, even though you had to get out of his way when he was driving it - he was a menace! He was the love of our lives and we miss him every day.
The last days of his life were spent waiting for the birth of his great-granddaughter Emma. He knew she was born but the next day he lost his fight and left us for good. It is that very same great-granddaughter that has spent the last 3 years Walking to Defeat ALS in Saddle Brook, NJ. She had always heard of Papa Joe and when she saw the opportunity to make people aware she jumped at the chance.
We started a family team called JJ’s Clan and the first year had a team of 22 walkers. Our first year we created t-shirts by using a collage of JJ's photos and each one showed the great smile that was always on his face. We reached out to family and friends as well as business contacts and for the last 3 years have raised over $5,000 a year! Emma has continued to raise awareness by putting cans on the counter of many businesses, as well as trying to get the student council in her school to sell baseballs. She has also written letters to everyone of her teachers asking for their support.
We will continue to support the efforts of The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter in the years to come.
To donate to JJ's Clan Walk to Defeat ALS Team please click here.
Our family became aware of ALS 18 years ago, when my grandfather, Joe Corso (aka JJ ) was suffering from pain in his leg. After many doctor visits, he was given the diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s disease. One of the first reactions he had was “ I never played baseball!” During the seven years that he suffered from ALS we watched this very strong, vital man, who had spent his entire life taking care of his family, now have to become totally dependant on us.
As he slowly began to lose the use of his legs and arms, we were all amazed at how brave and happy he remained with his life. As his family, we were heartbroken watching this person, who had spent his entire life taking care of six children and taking the place of a father to his grandchildren who had lost their father, fight this battle. But never during this time did he ask “Why Me?” He was always determined to walk again and hope to live till 100. During his illness he continued to be optimistic, he loved to go out to lunch and was always asking someone to take him out. He loved his motorized wheelchair, even though you had to get out of his way when he was driving it - he was a menace! He was the love of our lives and we miss him every day.The last days of his life were spent waiting for the birth of his great-granddaughter Emma. He knew she was born but the next day he lost his fight and left us for good. It is that very same great-granddaughter that has spent the last 3 years Walking to Defeat ALS in Saddle Brook, NJ. She had always heard of Papa Joe and when she saw the opportunity to make people aware she jumped at the chance.
We started a family team called JJ’s Clan and the first year had a team of 22 walkers. Our first year we created t-shirts by using a collage of JJ's photos and each one showed the great smile that was always on his face. We reached out to family and friends as well as business contacts and for the last 3 years have raised over $5,000 a year! Emma has continued to raise awareness by putting cans on the counter of many businesses, as well as trying to get the student council in her school to sell baseballs. She has also written letters to everyone of her teachers asking for their support.
We will continue to support the efforts of The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter in the years to come.
To donate to JJ's Clan Walk to Defeat ALS Team please click here.
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