Bergquist rallies behind employee fighting ALS

Vigliotti

Wholesale propane equipment distributor Bergquist is raising funds and spreading awareness in the fight for a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that gradually deprives individuals of the ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe.

Mike Vigliotti, the company’s telemetry sales director, has lived with ALS for about nine years. Next March, Vigliotti will walk in the Orlando Walk to Defeat ALS with the support of Bergquist. Anyone interested in supporting Vigliotti can donate to “Team Vigs” through the ALS Association’s website to help the team reach its fundraising goal of $10,000.

“Mike has been a key member of the Bergquist family for years, and we are inspired by his passion and commitment to assist others impacted by ALS,” Lauren Clark, Bergquist president and CEO, says. “The propane industry is a tight-knit space, so I’m confident that many of his colleagues and peers across the country will step up to support him in this effort.”

Following a typical ALS diagnosis, individuals face an anticipated lifespan of two to five years. Due to the slow onset of his particular condition, Vigliotti has chosen to become an advocate not only for himself but also for fellow ALS warriors whose progressive conditions make self-advocacy difficult. In addition to his fundraising efforts, Vigliotti actively engages with local and national government officials to champion the need for ALS treatments and trial drugs.

Given Vigliotti’s loss of grip strength and hand motor function, Bergquist recently funded an eye-tracking device that allows him to use his eyes to power his computer mouse.

“I feel blessed that I still lead a fairly normal life,” Vigliotti says. “I still work full time, for a great company that has stood behind me and helps with anything I need to make my job easier.”

Bergquist operates as a family-owned entity, providing wholesale propane equipment and appliances to companies across the U.S. and worldwide. Bergquist’s staff is dispersed throughout five national sales and distribution centers.