FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Twenty-seven years ago, Shirley and Arnie Futagaki vowed to stay together in sickness and in health. And they meant it. Arnie has Lou Gehrig’s disease--amyotrophic lateral sclerosis--a condition that has left him paralyzed. “Arnie and I have always worked as a team, and that’s how it is,” Shirley said. “When we said our vows, we knew we would be there for each other, and we are.”

But the 17-year residents haven’t had to face the challenge alone: The community has rallied to help the family through it. The Fountain Valley Fireman’s Assn. held “Arnie’s Hope,” a fund-raising dinner and concert, Friday to raise $10,000 to help pay for in-home care for Arnie. Anyone who wishes to contribute can send a check payable to Fountain Valley Fireman’s Assn., Attn. Arnie’s Hope, 17737 Bushard St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708.