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Published on 10/27/1999 All articles from this issue

LAH resident stricken with Lou Gehrig's Disease holds open-house benefit for research funding

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By Wendy Marinaccio

Special to the Town Crier

A Los Altos Hills resident has turned her bout with a killer disease into a positive experience, calling attention to the disease and raising money toward a cure.

Anita Follett used the occasion of her 50th birthday to hold an Oct. 10 benefit at her home to support research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The event raised more than $70,000 for the San Francisco Association of the ALS Foundation.

ALS is a fatal disease that destroys motor neurons, causing paralysis. The ALS Foundation will use the donations for research into ALS.

Follett was diagnosed with ALS in April and she celebrates her 50th birthday next Wednesday. "I thought it would be nice if we had a benefit for ALS in lieu of my 50th birthday (party)," she said.

Follett and her husband planned the party. "We invited family members and friends, and my husband invited his colleagues," Follett said.

Two-hundred people attended the party, including guests visiting from around the world.

Guests traveled from Germany, Washington, D.C., Alaska, Los Angeles, and Texas. Representatives from the ALS Foundation attended the party as well.

Invitations requested guests not bring gifts, but consider making a donation to the ALS Foundation. "Our goal was (to raise) $30,000, and we got over $70,000," Follett said. "Every dollar is going to research." The success of the benefit has raised the Folletts' hopes. "We'd like to get to $100,000 eventually," Follett said.

Mitzi Konevich, a friend of Follett's for six years, since their children attended St. Nicholas School together, was proud of Follett's decision to hold a benefit. "She could celebrate with her head high and at the same time, benefit others with the research donations," Konevich said. "It's incredibly powerful what she stands for, and her gracefulness about it."

The party was held mainly outdoors, on the lawn area of the Follett's home. Valet parking was available and family and ALS Foundation members greeted guests at the door, Konevich said. There was music provided by a harp and flute as well as floral arrangements.

Follett said she was seated on a tall stool so she could easily talk with friends. The disease has affected her legs, confining her to a wheelchair.

"It was a very gracious atmosphere. People were genuinely enjoying themselves, and being very present to Anita and her whole family," Konevich said. "People did not seem to want to leave. They were very much enjoying each others' company."