In December 2012, Coplay resident Jess Csencsits received devastating news.

Her father, John James Bindig, 58, of Yormouth, Mass., had been diagnosed with ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The disease causes nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control movement to stop functioning. The condition leads to paralysis and patients eventually cannot breath or swallow on their own. It's often called Lou Gehrig's Disease after the New York Yankees baseball player who died of the disease at age 38.

Csencsits said her father, who she describes as a strong, active, hardworking man with a good sense of humor, was initially optimistic, and believed he could beat the disease. Unfortunately, by June 2013 Bindig, a Lehigh Valley native and graduate of Central Catholic, was in a wheelchair, paralyzed from his neck down. Doctors say he has six months to live.

Few treatments exist and, because of other health issues, Bindig cannot take the one medication that is FDA approved for treatment, Csencsits said. Instead, he tried several homeopathic remedies, including acupuncture, which helped lift his spirit.

Csencsits' mother, Debbi Mackenzie, and sister Casandra have been taking care of him. In addition, hospice comes to his home to give assist and to help keep him comfortable.

"This is the most difficult time of my life," Csencsits said. "My heart is breaking. He is my superman, the first man I ever loved, and it is hard to see him slowly deteriorate and know that I am going to lose him soon."

Several family members got together and decided to participate in the Walk to Defeat ALS Oct. 19 in Allentown to raise awareness of ALS and help find a cure. They organized a team called "Jack's Fight," Csencsits said. Participating family members included Csencsits' son, Joseph, 12, her sister Sara Hunter of Greentown, Pike County, and Paula Hall of Lenhartsville, Berks County, who is Bindig's sister.

Participants are not required to raise a set amount of money to participate in the 2-mile walk. All donations are welcome and go directly to the ALS Association, founded in 1985. Since its debut in 2000, the walk has raised more than $100 million.

More than 100,000 people with ALS, their friends, families and the corporate community come together in support of this nationwide effort Oct. 19, according to the ALS Association's website.

"The walk is to help promote and raise awareness, help find more treatments and hopefully find a cure," said Tony Heyl a community manager for the ALS Associaton. "It also brings family and friends together during a difficult time."

Csencsits, a 1998 Northampton graduate, said her team raised more than $800 through donations from family and friends. She hopes the funds raised through the walks can find a cure for ALS or, at least, some treatment for the symptoms.

Csencsits and her team enjoyed this year's walk.

"It brings family and friends together for a good cause," she said.