How often do you reflect upon all the genuine reasons to be grateful?

What prompts you to shift your focus from the sense of self to others? Do you find ways to give back?

Well, one family does just that as they participate in an amyloidosis (AL) fundraising event to honor their grandfather who served our country during the Vietnam War. The USMC veteran was exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service and developed amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is a rare disease caused when amyloid proteins are abnormally deposited in tissues or organs. Primary (AL) amyloidosis is the most common form. Amyloidosis is not a type of cancer, but it can occur because of some cancers.

Affected organs may include the heart, kidneys, liver, bowel, skin, nerves, joints, and lungs. Symptoms include fatigue, anemia (low red blood cell count), weight loss, numbness, and tingling in limbs.

This disease is an all too common occurrence among veterans.

It’s especially common amongst veterans who served in Vietnam, the Korean demilitarized zone, and other areas where Agent Orange was sprayed. Click here to read more about the AL fundraiser and one family’s tribute efforts.

As a young girl, my dad was my hero. I wanted to be just like him. My dad, a proud Navy veteran, served his country in Vietnam. His service and commitment to community shaped my childhood. My parents raised me to respect my neighbors, work hard for the things that I wanted, and always put my family first.

I was thrilled to read about the AL awareness mission and the support to serve veterans. It’s an opportunity to marry two commendable causes worth celebrating.

Do you have an AL support experience to share? Let us know here.

To learn more about amyloidosis, check out our partner the Amyloidosis Foundation here.