Andy Block
January 2020 Update on Recent Donations: Andy continues to inspire us to fight ALS by funding research and treatments. The Block Family would like to highlight two particularly meaningful donations made recently in Andy's honor.
- Andy's brother Charles Block supported Andy and our family in many ways through the ALS journey, and continues to honor Andy's memory through his generous support of ALS research.
- Andy's Uncle, René Loeb, who passed many years ago in 1993, provided for his nephew even years later. Knowing it is what René would have wanted, we have donated a portion of that support on behalf of René, his wife Harriet, and his recently deceased son Peter who grew up with Andy.
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Our hero, Andy Block was diagnosed with ALS in February of 2017 at the age of 79. He faced many unique challenges because of his age including finding himself ineligible for most drug trials. His bulbar onset ALS left him unable to swallow or speak relatively early in his progression, though his ability to walk, play piano and use his computer remained strong.
All too soon, in August of 2018, Andy chose not to continue extreme measures to extend his life. He felt his life had become all about his treatment, leaving him no time to enjoy his family and friends, and no time to give back to his community.
Andy persevered and worked hard to maintain his independence as long as possible: he developed and stayed true to an exercise regimen, continued to drive himself, and stayed active online. He was particularly driven to raise money to fight ALS. In his own words:
While I can no longer speak or swallow, I am able to get myself around and continue to take charge of my battle with this illness. One way for me to fight is to contribute-to and advocate-for the search for a cure.
There are many worthwhile organizations supporting ALS patients and their families, providing medical care and performing and funding research for a cure. I've chosen ALS Therapy Development Institute as a focus for my own fundraising because I feel the organization is unique in bridging the research community and the patient community.
Please help me support the ALS Therapy Development Institute by making a donation through my page. The process is fast, easy and secure. Thanks so much for your support... and please send this page to any friends you think might be interested in donating!
Thank you,
The family of Andy Block
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Thank you to our Donors!
André and Myrna Block
Charles J and Brenda Block (direct and tri-state trek!)
Estate of René and Harriet Loeb
Donna Berry (via Tri-State-Trek)
Eve Berry (via Tri-State-Trek)
Diana & Julio Garcia (via Tri-State-Trek)
Joanne Lelewer Harpel (via Tri-State-Trek)
Ken and Barbara Greenberg (via Tri-State-Trek)
Lori and Ron Reiss (via Tri-State-Trek)
Dawn Maley (via Tri-State-Trek)
Steven and Cheryl Morris (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Robiner Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Liz and Chris Black (via Tri-State-Trek)
Rebecca Brennan-Laird (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Grous Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Cohen Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Tim & Susan Brown (via Tri-State-Trek)
Suzy, Peter and Tyler Duic (via Tri-State-Trek)
Arlene Pearlman
Nancy Beller
Michael Morris (via Tri-State-Trek)
Stephanie & John Crowe (via Tri-State-Trek)
Adrienne Weiss
Wendy B Morris (via Tri-State-Trek)
Ann Z Leventhalazlev
Dorothy Kushner of 3715 (via Tri-State-Trek)
Andy and Leslie Taylor (via Tri-State-Trek)
Deborah Block (direct and via Tri-State-Trek!)
Judy & Mark Lowenstein
The Kleban Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Marty and Judy Rosenberger
Sheri Martinelli
Arlene and Joel (via Tri-State-Trek)
Anne Wichman
Judith Weber
Estelle Symons (via Tri-State-Trek)
Leni and Erwin Kirsh (via Tri-Sate-Trek)
Sholom Rosen
Roslyn and Charles (via Tri-State-Trek)
Alan and Amy Steinberg and Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Arthur Wernicke
Laura Epstein
Susan and Matt Grossman (via Tri-State-Trek)
Idit and Jacob Dan (via Tri-State-Trek)
Roz Abramov And Marty Kotler (via Tri-State-Trek)
Roberta and Bob Slatkin
Ilse and Paul Puri (and via Tri-State-Trek)
Walter and Leslie Tsui (via Tri-State-Trek)
Gerry Goldsholle and Myra Levenson (via Tri-State-Trek)
Phyllis and Peter Honig (via Tri-State-Trek)
Martha Rosen (via Tri-State-Trek)
Madelaine & Steve Gunders (via Tri-State-Trek)
Phyllis Kirschenbaum (via Tri-State-Trek)
Jodi and Kenny Levine (via Tri-State-Trek)
Robert and Meri Goodman
Lisa, Mark, Rebecca and Justin Levine (via Tri-State-Trek)
Barbara Abrams and Gary Root (via Tri-State-Trek)
Vivian Kasen (via Tri-State-Trek)
Gary and Beth Schwarzmueller (via Tri-State-Trek)
Fredric Yerman (via Tri-State-Trek)
Phoebe Minias (via Tri-State-Trek)
Josh Adler
Peggy and Gerry (via Tri-State-Trek)
Gibson Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Suzy and Lincoln Boehm (via Tri-State-Trek)
Henry Luo Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Donna and Elliot Katzman (via Tri-State-Trek)
Robin and Michael Strickman (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Woodward Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Billig Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Bob and Amy Radin (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Heye Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Pat Wood (via Tri-State-Trek)
Linda and Jim Flanagan (via Tri-State-Trek)
Phyllis Hurwitz (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Manente Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Paul Mahony (via Tri-State-Trek)
Jim Krieger (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Madigans (via Tri-State-Trek)
Lauren Cameron (via Tri-State-Trek)
Judy and Dan Hall (via Tri-State-Trek)
Frances Weingast (via Tri-State-Trek)
Shaughn, Debi, Ellie & Gabe Ryan (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Owens Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Andy Cherenson (via Tri-State-Trek)
Steve and Melissa Rowe (via Tri-State-Trek)
Lotus Queen Bee from Westford (via Tri-State-Trek)
With Love, The Lees (via Tri-State-Trek)
Bonnie and Alan Mitelman (via Tri-State-Trek)
Leonard Gold (via Tri-State-Trek)
The Blake Family (via Tri-State-Trek)
Jane Scanlon (via Tri-State-Trek)
Karl and Nancy Millstrom (via Tri-State-Trek)