Ernie loved to connect people.  From mission trips to ski trips, to everyday gatherings, Ernie brought people together. That was who he was.  To the end Ernie fought ALS and in doing so was an inspiration to everyone around him.  This summer I am riding 100 miles in a COVID-reduced ALS TDI Trek.  We're riding in memory of Ernie and to help the incredible researchers at ALS TDI, who are dedicated to finding a cure for ALS.  Any donation, large or small, will help ALS TDI researchers to end this terrible disease.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

This June I am riding 270 miles to find an effective treatment and cure for ALS. This will be my 5th Tri-State Trek.  This year, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we will ride "virtually".  This means that although we will not gather as a large Tri-State Trek Team we will be riding individually or as teams, keeping a safe distance of course. I am once again looking forward to riding for those who can no longer ride. It has been several years since I became involved with finding a cure for ALS. If you remember, in the summer of 2014 there was a ALS Ice-Bucket Challenge that hit Youtube and the social media world. Along with many family and friends I participated and donated to this cause. I knew about Lou Gehrig's disease/ALS but did not personally know anyone who had ALS. Well within a few months of pouring a bucket of ice-water over my head to join "the cause" my brother in-law Ernie was diagnosed with ALS. WHAT??? That is when I started learning about ALS and signed up for the ALS Tri State Trek. Riding a 100 miles from Boston College to UCONN in one day seemed like a daunting task, but nothing compared to those who have the challenge of living with ALS every day. After riding one day for the first  few years, last year I upped my commitment to the entire three-day, 270 mile Trek. This year I am riding 270 miles. Again I'm  daunted by such a challenge, but when I compare this to what Ernie, and all others with ALS have to face everyday just to live, it seems minimal. Hence, we ride for those who no longer can. ALS-TDI, the Not For Profit organization/lab working tirelessly to find a treatment and cure for ALS, is incredible as are all its employees, trial participants, family members and supporters. Some incredibly promising progress is being made to find a treatment. I ask for your prayers and well wishes for all those impacted by ALS as well as for those of us riding to find a cure. I also ask for your financial support if you are able to help. Please click on my fundraising page below and follow the instructions. Every bit helps, whether it is $100 or $1. May God Bless us all.

This year we will be riding once again for Team Ernie in the Tri State Trek. We will be riding with extra heavy hearts this year with the loss of Ernie's sister Mary (May '21) and the recent passing of fellow Team Ernie rider Craig Radocy who died suddenly during his ALS ride.  Craig's last two posts on Facebook were to promote fundraising for ALS along with pictures on a recent vacation where he stated  "Life is great!".  Craig was a super nice guy, who thought about others and riding for ALS was something he enjoyed doing.   I always looked forward to seeing Craig each year.  Mary was always one of the highlights at Fournier "Fiasco" parties with her smile and pictures from her experiences with the Special Olympics.    Craig and Mary will be missed a great deal.   The traditional 300 mile ride will not occur again this year, due to COVID-19, however riders will get in their required miles in across the country.   Anyone who does not want to ride, is welcome to participate by walking, hiking, kayaking etc., and even baking!  Click on this link to sign up https://tst.als.net/.   Sincere Thanks for your ongoing support.  Bob & Joy Groody

Friends and Family This year, I am again riding for Team Ernie to raise awareness and funds to defeat ALS.  COVID 19 has impacted everyone's life and those of our loved ones, but we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  For those with ALS, although there has been research progress, it is a much darker outlook.  There is still a very urgent need to develope therapies and treatments to control and stop this disease.    While last year's ride was "virtual", we did have a celebration ride of some of the Team Ernie members (see photo below).  This year will be a single day, 100 mile ride.    Many of you have been extremely generous in the past, and I would greatly appreciate your support, in any amount!  Please support my efforts Stay safe and Healthy Jim Howie

When you were with Ernie, you laughed harder, lived fuller and cared more. Ernie cared about the incredible work being done at ALS - TDI. If he were alive today, he would be putting his endless energy and enthusiasm into fundraising for research and a cure. Please donate whatever you are able in memory of Ernie, to his love of life and to find a cure.  

Ernie had a vibrant personality. He loved people, helped people, and made everyone smile. Ernie fought ALS for three years and never complained. He was an inspiration to everyone around him! We lost Ernie on September 25, 2017 and the following summer my husband gathered together family members of Ernie, our family, and friends of Ernie to cycle over 270 miles through three states. It's called the Tri-State Trek. They ride in memory of Ernie and to help the researchers at ALS TDI find a cure to ALS.  One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly into the research. This year, due to COVID 19, the ride has been cancelled. Team Ernie has reached out for more support and invited a DIY group of noncyclists. That's me! I have pledged to walk/run 50,000 steps a week in honor of a dear friend and to help raise money to find a cure for this horrible disease. Any support you can provide will be sincerely appreciated.