There is currently no cure for ALS. However, there are many medications that are used to help relieve symptoms, such as muscle cramps and fatigue, although they are not indicated to treat the disease.
Today was a well deserved day of rest for everyone. I awoke this morning to find a text from Rick outlining a new medication schedule for my hip pain. He is working hard to make sure I am back on the bike as early as possible, but definitely by Friday.
After a leisurely breakfast, most of the crew piled into the van for the hour ride to Cooperstown to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. Steve and Rodney decided to stay back at the Air BnB. Cooperstown is a beautifully quaint little town where everywhere you look, you can revel in America's greatest national pastime. The Hall of Fame itself is a beautiful museum filled with historical events that have marked baseball over the years. We know of the ALS connection with Lou Gehrig but I had forgotten that Curt Schilling had also used his stardom during the 2004 World Series to highlight ALS. Some of you may remember the "bloody sock"? Well, the bloody sock is no longer on display however his cleats are. He had written on the right cleat "K ALS" - Strikeout ALS, as he knew the national media would be focusing in on his right ankle injury. It is noted in the Hall of Fame that this exposure generated a boost in much needed financial support in the fight to find a cure. Early on in the process of getting diagnosed, Doug was seen at the Curt and Shonda Schilling Center for ALS at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA. The highlight of the HOF was the Abbot and Costello skit of "Who's On First". A true must see classic. Due to the fact that I couldn't walk well, Charlie pushed me around in a wheelchair. Everyone seemed shocked that I would actually get in a wheelchair but I am totally motivated to get back on the bike and I didn't want to hold everyone up walking super slowly. Overall, it was a lovely visit that we all enjoyed and it made me want to get to a game at Fenway this summer despite the Red Sox dismal record this season.
On our way back from Cooperstown, we were on a mission to find salmon as I committed to cooking dinner tonight. We finally did find frozen filets at the Big M. The Air BnB is fully stocked with spices so we didn't need to spend extra money. Before dinner, Rick, Scott, Doug and I took a short drive into Hamilton to tour beautiful Colgate College and the lovely town of Hamilton. Rick had to stop for ice cream when we passed an ice cream and chocolate shop just so he could send a photo to Foz to show him what he missed. We also found an open liquor store so we were able to enjoy wine with dinner.
My hip is really hurting tonight so I plan to take another rest day tomorrow and go to bed early. Dave, Steve, Gio, Rod and Charlie will be at it again tomorrow! The guys are busy planning rest stops and the most efficient way to transport the riders to the start of the route and enjoying their dessert of strawberry shortcake. Tomorrow looks to be challenging with rain predicted and significant elevation. I should be grateful to be riding with the LG guys but truth be told, I'm a bit sad.
Thanks again for checking in on us.
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