My association with ALS is going on twenty years now.  I was a senior in college when my father was diagnosed and he passed a short three years later.  It was devastating, as many of you know and feel.  The whole family just wanted more time- time to spend with him, time to understand how to fight the disease, time to manage the frustration.  Time became so precious, yet it eventually ran out.  I wished there was a group of talented and devoted individuals who were dedicated to improving the quality of life for my father and the rest of the family.    I found that group over eight years ago and started volunteering at The Rocky Mountain Chapter of The ALS Association.  The mission of The Rocky Mountain Chapter is exactly what my family could've used back then and it's what makes me so proud to be a part of this group today.   I'm truly honored to be President of the Board of Directors this year.  Pam, Leslie, Suzanne, Sally, Janet, the Board members, and the countless volunteers are simply fantastic to work with.  Thanks for all you do!   Thank you, to everyone in The Rocky Mountain Chapter community, for helping to make 2007 such a special year.  The Chapter raised over $500,000 and exceeded $290,000 on the Walk to d'Feet ALS walks this past fall.  I hope to continue the momentum into 2008 and beyond.    I would personally like thank Brian Cook for his years of Board service and most recently as President of the Board of Directors.  Under Brian's guidance, the Chapter had a record year in 2007 for revenue and growth.  Brian will continue to support the Board and the Chapter by focusing on Board development.    Many of you have called and asked how you can help.  Certainly financial help is always appreciated, but here are a few other ways you can lend your support – Ask around at work for the possibility of corporate sponsorship of our events. Call the Chapter office and speak to Janet about volunteering. Donate your car through our car donation program. Silent auction items are always appreciated (gift certificates, lodging, restaurants, etc.). Remember the chapter in a will or memoriam. Host a fund raiser benefiting the Chapter. There is an ironic coincidence concerning donations for The Rocky Mountain Chapter and donations to the National ALS organization.  Let me be candid, donations sent to support ALS, yet mailed to Pueblo, CO, go straight to the National office and funds programs, research and advocacy at the National level, and we thank you for that.  If you send donations with the intent to support ALS locally, please mail it to the Rocky Mountain Chapter office in Denver.  Your donation will DIRECTLY support the Chapter's programs and services for PALS and families in the Rocky Mountain area.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any donation to help fight ALS and improve living with ALS!   You can also help by joining our team.  The Rocky Mountain Chapter is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and multiple volunteer committees.  If you are interested in being involved on a committee or board service, please contact us, we can always use a few more dedicated individuals!   I will look forward to meeting you or seeing many of you again at one of the upcoming events – Sunset in the Park, the Walks and at support group meetings.  I welcome your thoughts, ideas and input on how we can better serve you and the ALS community.   Thanks again, Tom Carley