The Walk to Defeat ALS is an annual fundraiser with one goal in mind: help create a world without ALS. Since its inception 15 years ago, the Walk to Defeat ALS has raised over $215 million to help fund research and provide services and support to people affected by ALS.
But the walk isn’t only about raising money. It’s about showing support to family and friends. It’s a chance to come together as a community, standing up for a common cause. It’s a way to show how much you care.
We walk for many reasons; here are just a few examples.
To Find a Cure
Rita was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 and will be joining the walk for the first time this year. She and her team of family and friends feel the walk is important because it represents a commitment from everyone involved to help find a cure for ALS.
To Connect With Others
Bobbie and her team walk in honor of their friend and coworker, Marvin, who passed away from ALS. For her and her son, the best part of the walk is getting to talk to other families and teams and hearing their stories.
To Spread Awareness
Lora walks with her team, “Rudy’s Texans,” to represent her brother who lost his battle with ALS. She feels it is very important to help raise awareness about ALS, because so many people are still not aware of the disease. Lora also loves seeing all of the different teams united for the same cause, and says it is a very rewarding and healing process for her.
To Do Something
Kaz’s team is joining the walk this year because they have lost 5 family members to ALS and have a desire to do something to help. Despite their loss, they still feel that there are, and will always be, many reasons to smile.
To Support ALS Texas
Kimberly’s mother was diagnosed in 2012, and she turned to the ALS Association for help. Kimberly was impressed by the level of care and support provided by the ALSA chapter. The walk provides a way for her to help the ALS Association serve other patients, as well as spreading awareness and helping to find a cure.
Everybody has their own reasons to take part in the Walk to Defeat ALS; the important thing is that they do take part. To get involved and join the fight against ALS, you can register for your local Walk to Defeat ALS here.