Howard Krepack may not be a household name in many parts of the bike community, but there are few people who have left as large a footprint in the steadily growing movement.  A successful trial attorney who specializes in personal injury cases, Krepack has made his law firm, Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and  Goldstein, LLP, one of the largest private supporters of bicycle advocacy. (full disclosure: Including L.A. Streetsblog)

But now, Krepack is asking for our help.

Over a year and a half ago, doctors diagnosed Krepack with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Despite his limited mobility, Krepack remains involved with his firm and in making the city a safer place for cyclists.  If anything, he is busier than ever, as he keeps close to his regular schedule and also raises funds and awareness for ALS.

And now, some of the people that have been supported by Howard all these years are rallying to his newest cause.  The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is dedicating the June 10th River Ride, their most high-profile event and most important fundraiser, to ALS Awareness.  If you’re planning on taking part in the River Ride, drop by The Howard Krepack Fund booth for a team picture or to get a “Team Krepack” shirt in advance of the ride to show your support.  Get more details on Team Krepack’s involvement with the ride by clicking here.  For more information or to register for the ride itself, click here.

If you have other plans on June 10, you could donate to ALS research and support directly through the Team Krepack website.

There are a lot of great causes in the Livable Streets Movement.  The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is readying for their big event.  Streetsblog itself is nearing the end of our spring fundraiser.  But in times of need, it’s always nice to support the people that have supported us.

An email from Howard’s brother that was sent to his friends and supporters can be found after the jump.

I am Howard Krepack’s brother.  You are included on this email because you are on Howard’s email distribution list as a result of connections to him from bicycling and/or his law practice.

I’m sure most, if not all of you, know that Howard has been battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – Lou Gehrig’s disease) for 1 1/2 years now.  He continues to be the kind-hearted, smart, loving man he has always been.  And continues to be surrounded by his immediate and extended family, and his many friends.  His mobility is limited, but his spirit remains strong.

I am writing to let you know about an event in Howard’s honor and about his web site:

1) The upcoming Los Angeles River Ride on Sunday, June 10.  The ride is being dedicated to Howard and ALS awareness.  As you know, Howard has been a longstanding bicyclist and advocate for bicycle safety and policy in Los Angeles. Howard’s law firm, GEK law, have also been sponsors of the River Ride for the past three years.

Everyone is invited to join our “team” for the River Ride.   You can ride any one of the distances (15, 36, 50, 70 or 100 miles), or simply hang out at this great event.  Details and registration are available by linking to the River Ride from the Howard’s web site or:http://la-bike.org/events

At the ride on June 10 we will be giving out t-shirts from the Howard D. Krepack Fund booth, next to the GEK law booth for anyone who wants to be part of our team.  At 7:45am we will meet at the booth for a picture. For those riding the century or 70 mile course the t-shirts will be available at 7am.

Also at the River Ride on June 10 Howard will be receiving the first annual Service to Cycling award given to citizens who have made significant contributions to bicycle advocacy, safety and use in Los Angeles.

2) The Howard D. Krepack web site and fund was launched last month.  If you haven’t visited, please take a moment to check it out, pass the link on to anyone who may be interested and connected to Howard, and hopefully motivated to make a contribution to ALS research in Howard’s name from his web site:  http://community.als.net/krepack

Please make a donation of any amount to help us reach our donation goal for ALS research in Howard’s name.       

Howard, Vivian and our entire family thank you for your support.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.