A retired Park Hills dentist living with ALS will sell copies of his children's book at a "Christmas in July" fundraiser Thursday, July 30, at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Fort Mitchell, with all proceeds going to ALS United Ohio as the nonprofit expands into Northern Kentucky.

Dr. Thomas Huller's family is hosting the event from 6 to 9 p.m. at the parish, located at 2409 Dixie Highway. Huller, who was diagnosed with ALS, wrote "The Jack Story," a children's Christmas book based on a Huller family holiday tradition. Each copy purchased will be stamped with his signature.

"We're proud to share this story and beloved holiday tradition in our family with others as a special way to honor my dad," Annie Pollock, Huller's daughter, said in a press release announcing the event.

The family-friendly evening will also feature raffles and giveaways, photos with Santa Claus, a Christmas selfie photo booth, a Christmas card writing station where cards go to support people living with ALS, and light refreshments.

ALS United Ohio's Northern Kentucky expansion

The fundraiser marks one of two events tied to ALS United Ohio's push into the region. The organization, founded in 1983, provides free services to ALS patients and families including equipment loans, case management by licensed nurses and social workers, and quality-of-life grants of up to $1,200 per patient per year, according to its CincinnatiGives profile.

Marlin K. Seymour, ALS United Ohio's president and CEO, said in the release that the Northern Kentucky expansion will bring critical resources to families and caregivers across the region.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disease with no cure. More than 5,000 people are diagnosed each year in the United States. Average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to five years.