The world lost a great Scottish lad on November 14, 2023 with the passing of Mark Hume.  Mark had a Blessed life with a fulfilling career, a grace filled family life as a devoted husband and doting father.

In December 2012, Mark began experiencing early symptoms of what would eventually be diagnosed as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mark viewed his medical and health challenges as teachable moments. Having spent a lifetime and a career teaching, helping, and caring for others, Mark had to put aside his self-sufficiency to accept care from others. He also relied on his faith and the scripture from Romans 5, verses 3-5: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Inspired and motivated with Scottish spirit and his favorite movie, Princess Bride, Mark started the “As You Wish” fundraising team. Members donned kilts for the walk to help defeat ALS, Mark’s team has been one of the top fundraisers for ALS Orange County over the past 10 years. Despite his diagnosis and an average life expectancy of 2-5 years, Mark embraced life every day and lived almost 11 full years post-ALS diagnosis.

We miss our Mark dearly, but as they say in The Princess Bride, “death cannot stop true love” nor can it stop the legacy that he built.  Please join us as we continue Mark’s fighting spirit to help others have the quantity & quality of life despite this terrible disease by donating to ALS United Orange County.

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Thank you for helping me reach my United Against ALS Walkathon fundraising goal! The United Against ALS Walkathon raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure.

That’s why I’m walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS” again.

The past two years have brought incredible advancements in ALS research, expanded access to care for people living with ALS, and enabled legislation that impacts the quality of life of people with ALS and their families.

But, we can’t stop now. The key to a cure begins with you.

Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.