Williamson Co. 4-H Leader Works with ALS - Cindy Carter

There are three things Ralph Meacham is passionate about: his family, farming and his 4-H kids. "It's the passion of watching the kids grow up showing the lambs thats the important part." However, after 25 years of teaching children in 4-H programs how to care for and chow their lambs, Meacham must now watch their success from a wheelchair. "They said Ralph.... you've got Lou Gehrig's.... and it hurt." The determined farmer says Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS, doesn't keep him from working with "his" precious lambs. ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord. Meacham says, "It lives with me. I don't live with it. It's tough, but life is tough" Meacham uses 4-H and lambs to teach the children valuable lessons like winning, losing, responsibility and bravery. "It's important that I try to keep an upbeat. Its important for me to be there when t hey're showing their lambs and its important for these kids, I feel like, to see me there. That's life's lessons right there." Now, his kids are giving back to their teacher. 4-Hers in 13 states are holding fundraisers in honor of Meacham to find a cure for ALS. One of Meacham's students, Gavin Pratt calls his mentor an "inspiration. "We wanted to (raise money) because of all the stuff he's done for us." Ralph Meacham says his body may be weak but his passions are still strong.
Williamson Co. 4-H Leader Works with ALS - Cindy Carter