On Saturday, March 18, 2017, more than 1,400 people will gather at Lake Eola in Orlando to join the fight to find a cure for a deadly illness. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord, taking away their ability to walk, talk, eat and eventually breathe. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the Orlando community is rallying together to change that.
Participating again this year are Sue and Les Prestegaurd who have been fundraising for The ALS Association Florida Chapter for over 12 years. Every year, they walk in the Walk to Defeat ALS® and raise money with their own personal event, Sippin’ for Steve, a local wine tasting event here in Central Florida. The event has grown each year and they have raised thousands of dollars to support the fight against ALS in honor of Sue’s brother, Steve.
“That kind of community support truly represents what the Walk to Defeat ALS® is all about,” said Kim Hanna, President and CEO of The ALS Association Florida Chapter. “These events give hope and help to people affected by ALS and show them they are not alone in their fight.”
Wheelchair-bound patients along with their families and friends will make a 2-mile trek in The Walk to Defeat ALS®, hoping their steps will make a difference for people living with ALS in Central Florida. Many who walk have a loved one who is still fighting the deadly disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one who has lost the battle. Many people, without any personal connection, still walk out of a simple concern for those who are suffering with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
With only two to five years to live, these patients have an urgent need, and the community is stepping in to fill it by walking for those who can’t. The Walk to Defeat ALS® is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care. Last year, almost 8,000 people walked in events throughout the state of Florida, raising more than $1.3 million.
All interested walkers should call 888-257-1717 ext. 131, or register online at www.WalktoDefeatALS.org.
The Quick Facts
What: Orlando Walk to Defeat ALS®
When: Saturday, March 18, 2017
9:30 am – Registration 11:00 am – Walk Begins
Where: Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando
The Walk To Defeat ALS® takes place at the east side of Lake Eola at North Eola Dr. & E. Central Avenue.
Why: To raise funds and awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a progressive, fatal
neurodegenerative disease. There is no known cause or cure for ALS. All proceeds raised will support patient care and comfort, as well as research for treatments and a cure.
Other: The 2017 Central Florida Walk To Defeat ALS® would not be possible without the ongoing generosity and support from our statewide sponsor this year, Vitas Healthcare.
For more information: Go to: www.WalktoDefeatALS.org, or call 888-257-1717 ext. 131, or email Suehay Echeverri, Regional Development Manager: secheverri@alsafl.org.
About The ALS Association Florida Chapter
The ALS Association Florida Chapter, www.ALSAFL.org, offers care to people living with ALS in Florida and funds research to find the cause and cure for ALS. We are part of a nationwide network of local ALS Association chapters with the same vision – a world without ALS. Through care, advocacy, research, education and support, we work to empower those with ALS to live fuller lives. Every year, The ALS Association invests millions of dollars in research conducted by the best and brightest scientists in the world. As the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS, we give help and hope to those facing a devastating disease.
The ALS Association Florida Chapter is dedicated to finding a cure for ALS while empowering the lives of those living with the disease through care, advocacy, research, education and support. For more information about the ALS Association Florida Chapter, go to www.ALSAFL.org
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. STATE OF FLORIDA SOLICITATION #CH3884. TAX ID #94-3124732.
