Somerville Resident Cycling 270 Miles to End ALS

Cambridge, MA – This June, Christen McInnis will join approximately 400 men and women in the 13th annual Tri-State Trek, a three day, 270-mile charity bike ride with the mission to end amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to paralysis, and the eventual death of those afflicted. At this moment, there are approximately 30,000 people in the US living with ALS, and the average patient survives only two to five years following his or her diagnosis.

This will be McInnis’ 5th time participating in the Tri-State Trek, and she plans to ride 270 miles and all three days of the event. “Over the past 5 years riding the Trek I have experienced first-hand the pain that comes from learning of a patient’s passing. I have also seen how much hope patients and their families have that there will be a cure. The Tri-State Trek is like one big family that’s incredibly passionate about ending this disease. My past experience with this event, the patients, their families, and all the stories they share, drive me to do what I can to help find a cure.”

All proceeds from the Tri-State Trek support the ALS Therapy Development Institute (www.ALS.net), the world’s first and largest nonprofit biotech focused 100 percent on ALS research. McInnis’ participation in the Tri-State Trek not only helps raise awareness for ALS, but also the research funds necessary to develop effective treatments, and ultimately a cure.

In the past twelve years, riders and volunteers of the Tri-State Trek have raised more than $6 million for the ALS Therapy Development Institute. With this support, the Institute has been able to move projects and partnerships forward toward the goal of ending ALS through research initiatives such as the completion of its Phase IIA clinical trial of Gilenya in ALS, the expansion of its Precision Medicine Program, and the acceleration (of the clinical development) of two potential treatments for ALS.

The 13th annual Tri-State Trek will take place June 26th-28th. To support McInnis’ efforts, please visit http://tst.als.net/Page.aspx?p=17305. For more information on riding, volunteering, or coming out to cheer, call 617-441-7200 or visit www.TriStateTrek.com.

About ALS Therapy Development Institute

The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS.net) and its scientists actively discover and develop treatments for ALS. Led by ALS patients and their families, the charity understands the urgent need to slow and stop this horrible disease. ALS.net also boasts the highest Charity Navigator rating of any other ALS organization with more than 86 percent of every dollar raised, directly funding prescreened clinical trials. For more information, please visit www.als.net.