In memory of Ray Wolski

I only met Ray Wolski twice, both times in May of last year.

At that time, the Parrish resident was in a wheelchair, fighting the paralyzing effects of Lou Gehrig's disease, amytrophic lateral sclerosis.

He had already banked his voice in a computer, knowing the day was coming when he would be unable to speak and would blink commands, or have a ventilator breathe for him.

Unfortunately, Ray passed away from his disease a couple of months ago.

He was a nice man, a brave man, who led a good and productive life. He was so loved by his family and friends.

His fast-progressing disease took him from frequent walks around the neighborhood to having to use a cane, to being in a wheelchair.

One of his neighbors, Larry Hellberg, said Ray was known as a neighbor quick to help others, who volunteered his time as homeowner association president, and who made wooden toys for his grandchildren.

Ray was there last May when 340 walkers turned out for the Walk to Defeat ALS at Lakewood Ranch and raised more than $60,000 to fight the insidious disease.

This year's Walk to Defeat ALS is set for Saturday, April 10, at Payne Park in Sarasota. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

If you can, be there for Ray, and too many other folks who have lost their lives to, or who are fighting, this horrible disease.

Jim