Local community will Walk to Defeat ALS

Posted

On Saturday, Oct. 26, people living with ALS, family members, friends, caregivers and others affected by ALS will gather at Ripley's Believe It or Not! for the 2024 Walk to Defeat ALS St. Augustine.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It gradually robs people of the ability to walk, move, talk, swallow and eventually breathe. ALS has no known cause or cure, and the community is coming together to make ALS livable for everyone, everywhere.

Hundreds of people will rally together at Walk to Defeat ALS to fuel the mission of the ALS Association and support people living with ALS in the region. Many who participate have a loved one who is battling ALS while others walk in memory of a loved one who has lost their fight. Some participate simply because they believe in the power of community and want to make a difference for those impacted by ALS.

“Our Walk to Defeat ALS events bring the ALS community together, providing hope and inspiration for those impacted by ALS,” said Calaneet Balas, president and CEO of the ALS Association. “Thanks to your generosity and support, we can fund global research, nationwide advocacy efforts and local care services. All of these efforts are critical to making ALS livable until we can find a cure.”

With only two to five years to live, individuals living with ALS have an urgent need, and the community is stepping in to fill it by participating for those who cannot. Walk to Defeat ALS is the ALS Association’s signature event and funds directly support innovative research, care services and advocacy efforts.

Walk check-in is 8 a.m. Walk start is 9:15 a.m.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! is located at 19 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine.

To register, go to www.als.org/WalkStAugustine. Registered participants who raise $100 or more receive a commemorative T-shirt.