Who is this certain hobbit you may ask? This is Mel Kern. An alround staple in the Atlanta-area Lord of the Rings community. Though her reach and impact stems wider than the surrounding Georgia areas and beyond. She is a recognizable face to many in the Sci-fi/Fantasy community, and huge part of the Tolkien Track at Dragon*Con, every year. It is mainly thanks to her, that a group of friends, known as The Arms of Middle Earth, stayed strong for so long. Without her tireless efforts to keep the group bound, many memories would have never been made. Through the trials and tribulations, loves and losses, she has stayed a constant. A constant reminder of friendship, grace and love. In December 2007, Mel was diganosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). She slowly lost the ability to walk, talk, and use basic skills that we all take for granted. She was diagnosed in her early thirties; something all together unseen and completely rare, especially for someone who's a black belt in Karate. Through the terrible reality of it all, Mel has kept the grace and wisdom of someone well beyond her years. A true role model for her friends and those around her. She has to go through so much, yet saves face. Her infectious smile will brighten your day and make you want to be her best friend. Though this disease has taken away many of her abilities, she is still a fire cracker, a mother, a lover, a wife, a friend, and the bravest hobbit we know. For this we fight. For her we fight. We all strive to be her Samwise, and help her climb the proverbial Mt. Doom of life. To keep ALS awareness alive and well, along with keeping Mel alive and well with our love for her. We will fight for a cure, and walk for her during the annual ALS Walks, beside her in her wheelchair. We reach out our hands to anyone who will walk beside her and the rest of us, to join her team: Fiver's Flamingos. If you cannot make it to Atlanta, Ga on November 6th, you can also donate, in Mel's name: Donate to Mel Kern. Any little bit helps. Any extra walker helps. Look out for Mel's smiling face at Dragon*con this year. If you see her, we're sure you'll be smiling too!

Learn about Project Fiver, and help Mel get on the set of 'The Hobbit'! To learn more about ALS and how to help, please visit The ALS Association