ALS Walk

On Saturday, March 17, 2012, more than 1,000 people will gather at the University of South Florida in Tampa 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. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the Tampa Bay community is rallying together to change that.

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 ALS patients living in the Tampa Bay area. 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, these events raised nearly $1.2 million around the state of Florida.

All interested walkers should call 888-257-1717, or register online at www.WalktoDefeatALS.org.

The Quick Facts

What: Tampa Bay Walk to Defeat ALS™

When: Saturday, March 17, 2012
9:30 am – Registration
11:00 am – Walk Begins

Where: University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

Why: To raise funds and awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a progressive, fatal neurodgenerative 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.

For more information: Go to: www.WalktoDefeatALS.org, or call 888-257-1717.

About the ALS Association Florida Chapter
The ALS Association Florida Chapter offers care to ALS patients living 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, we invest 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.