The ALS Association - Georgia Chapter hosts 13th Annual Walk to Defeat ALS(R)

Atlanta, GA (September 14, 2015) – The ALS Association – Georgia Chapter encourages Georgia residents to go ‘Beyond the Bucket’ this Saturday by participating in its 13th Annual Walk to Defeat ALS®.

This Atlanta event, scheduled for Saturday, September 19th at the Georgia World Congress Center – International Plaza, raises much-needed awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and The Association’s efforts to discover new treatments and a cure through scientific research, advocacy and patient empowerment. The 2015 Walk to Defeat ALS® brings hope to those living with ALS and the opportunity for families and friends and others impacted by this debilitating disease to spend an uplifting day with others who have, in some fashion, been touched by ALS.

“Coming together on this one day helps people with ALS and their families realize that they are not alone in their fight against ALS,” added Sarah Embro, Georgia Chapter Executive Director. “The event also helps to generate the significant financial resources needed to deliver our comprehensive patient support programs that empower patients and their families to experience life beyond the limitations of their disease.”

Sponsors for this year’s event include Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C. Attorneys at Law, Goldman Sachs, TSYS, Booz Allen Hamilton, AMS Vans, Mobility Works, PaySpan, Kroger, MillerCoors, R&R Vans, Peachtree Investment Advisors, Private Bank of Buckhead, and Live Event Solutions. Without their support, this event would not be possible. National ALS Association Walk sponsors include Quantum Rehab, Numotion, Permobil, and Phi Delta Theta.

A short video produced by The ALS Association describing the Walk to Defeat ALS® can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPwQltJoR0w.

The Walk to Defeat ALS® ‘By the Numbers:’

In 2014, over 156,000 people participated in Walks to Defeat ALS around the nation, raising more than $32.5 million to support care services, research and public policy efforts at federal, state and local levels. Since 2000, the nationwide events have experienced constant participant growth and have raised over $228 million toward the goal of a world without ALS.

In 2014, The ALS Association Georgia Chapter generated more than $850,000 in donations from their walk. So far in 2015, over 1900 people have registered to participate in the Walk to Defeat ALS®. Locally, the Georgia Chapter has raised more than $325,000 during its 2015 Walk to Defeat ALS® season to date.

About The ALS Association – Georgia Chapter

The ALS Association – Georgia Chapter is the only nationally affiliated not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The ALS Association – Georgia Chapter provides patient consultations, a medical equipment loan program, patient and caregiver support groups, and support for ALS clinics in Atlanta, Augusta and Macon. The local chapter also joins with chapters across the country to support research and participate in federal advocacy initiatives.

To learn more about Lou Gehrig’s Disease and The ALS Association – Georgia Chapter, visit www.alsaga.org.