Benefit Saturday for ailing North High grad

When Chris Witteck found out he had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, he was shocked, angry and in disbelief. The 1984 Valley Stream North High School graduate, known to his family and friends as “Bubba,” has lived a different life since he found out 10 months ago he has the disease.

This Saturday, alumni from North High School will come together at Mulcahy’s Pub in Wantagh to raise money for Witteck, 45. All money will support the BubFund, an organization founded in February to provide financial assistance to Witteck.

ALS is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Nerve cells slowly waste away or die, leading to muscle weakening, twitching and the inability to move parts of the body. It affects two out of every 100,000 people and there is no known cure for the disease. The life expectancy after diagnosis is typically two to five years.

Witteck, who now lives in Green Bay, Wis., said he feels a muscle or two losing strength every day. He cannot do simple tasks such as opening a bottle or picking up a coin, because his right arm has lost almost all of its strength. The worst part, he said, is the mental anguish. “I could have a pain that is non-related but you think it is,” he said. “I had to retire from teaching, as stress is a big factor in fighting this.”

He spends most of his day stretching, doing some light exercise and taking vitamins and supplements. However, he still finds time to play with his three children, daughters Taylor, 11, and Oakley, 7, and son Calvin, 9. Witteck also helps coach football and coaches his son in baseball.

Witteck’s children still do not know about his condition. His wife, Cara, has been his biggest supporter throughout this endeavor. “Cara is so patient with all my mood swings,” he said, “and I am blessed to have her in my life.”

Helping Chris

Dominique Witteck, of Levittown, is helping organize Saturday night’s fundraiser for her uncle. She said there are about 20 people on the BubFund’s planning committee, mostly friends of Chris Witteck. “His family members are very grateful for the support he’s getting from friends,” Dominique Witteck said. “It’s really touching that these people care.”