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'Vanning Together' For the Future of ALS

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Oct 28, 2012 at 7:02 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 29, 2012 at 7:56 AM MDT

CLIFTON, Colo.- One local man is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a disease that leads to muscle weakness, paralysis and eventually death.

When you ask Dan Keenan what's important to him he says the three F's: faith, family and friends.

"My favorite thing to do is have my family. I've got two boys, two daughter-in-laws, a wife and a granddaughter," said Keenan.

Dan's older brother, Tom Keenan, is just one family member who helps out Dan. "Dan's been the humorous one in the family; he's always been positive," said Tom.

Throughout his life other things were important to him, too. However, ALS took his ability to do them away.

"ALS is a cruel, cruel disease. ALS comes in several different forms; he lost his hands first," Tom said.

As Dan's disease progressed, getting around became more difficult.

Tom said, "He was going to the air show and rented a van. Because of his height, he rode with his face looking at the ceiling the whole way because it wasn't high enough."

Dan had an idea. He wanted to purchase a van that would help him and others down the line.

"It means the difference between going somewhere and not going at all. It's a short-term disease. We figured there was a real good chance we could help up to 10 different families with it," said Dan.

"Individuals of this community, and I can't name them because I wouldn't be able to get them all, but everyone has just jumped forward to help us," said Tom.

While ALS can take a lot from a person, it's powerless in taking away faith, family and friendships.

The Keenans do need more help to finish paying for the van and for upkeep of the van for future families.

A silent auction will be held Nov. 3 at the Crossroads United Methodist Church.

For more on this fundraiser and future events, visit Dan's website:
www.keenanvan.com.

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