The Walk to Defeat ALS

The Connecticut Chapter of The ALS Association will hold its annual Walk to Defeat ALS™ on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut.  The event, part of a national series, is dedicated to raising money to fund programs and services for Connecticut residents living with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  Proceeds also support efforts to find effective treatments and – ultimately – a cure for the disease.

The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter is one of forty chapters that form a national non-profit organization dedicated solely to improving the lives of local ALS patients and their families, supporting national advocacy efforts and funding ALS research.  Last year alone, the Chapter delivered much needed help in coping with the impact of the disease to 234 families across the state of Connecticut, at no charge.   A portion every dollar raised locally benefits cutting edge global research to find effective treatments and a cure for the disease.  We rely completely on generous donations from individuals, foundations, local businesses, corporations, and community groups, and on the success of special events like The Walk to Defeat ALS™.  Our ultimate goal is a world without ALS.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a deadly illness with no cure. This cruel disease robs a person of the ability to walk, speak, eat, and eventually breathe.  All the while, the mind remains sharp and aware of the total paralysis that is quickly setting in.  Life expectancy upon diagnosis is about two to five years.  There is no known cause or cure for ALS.  Approximately 5,600 people are diagnosed annually, and as many as 30,000 Americans may have ALS at any one time. Military veterans, particularly those deployed during the Gulf War, are almost twice as likely to develop ALS.  The cost of caring for a person with ALS can be as high as $200,000 per year, and devastates families financially, as well as emotionally.

Last year, nearly 2000 walkers helped to raise more than $330,000 to support essential services for local patients and families.  This year, the need for services, especially transportation for wheelchair bound patients to medical appointments, is greater than ever, and the Chapter aims to raise $377,500 in the 2012 Walk to Defeat ALS.  Sponsor support is vital to the success of the Walk, and this year’s presenting sponsors are The Berkowitz Law Firm and Curran Volkswagen.  Other sponsors include: Barefoot Wines, Stamford Hospital, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut, Advanced Wheels, and Volvo of Westport.

The Chapter is also seeking volunteers to assist with set-up, registration, children’s activities, and photographing the event.  Please contact Kim Buda at 203-874-5050 if you would like to volunteer.

 Registration for the Walk is at 10:00 a.m., and the ribbon cutting will kick off the three-mile walk at 11:00 a.m.  Two other Walk to Defeat ALS™ events will take place in Connecticut this fall:  on September 16th in New Haven, and on September 29th in New Britain.  To learn more about The Walk to Defeat ALS™, visit http://walkct.alsa.org or call the Milford office at 203-874-5050.