Yorktown Heights Resident Cycling 270 Miles to End ALS

Cambridge, MA – This June, 18 year old Mark Janny 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 and popularized by last summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge, 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.

Janny plans to ride 270 miles and all three days of the event. “I am riding the Tri State Trek to honor the memory of my grandfather, who we lost 10 years ago to ALS. Although I was still pretty young, I remember visiting him in the hospital and seeing how terrible this disease really is. This ride is a great way to raise money and raise awareness for this awful disease so hopefully a cure can be found soon.”

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. Janny’s 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 Janny’s efforts, please visit http://tst.als.net/Page.aspx?p=16783. 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. With more than 86 percent of every dollar raised directly funding preclinical and clinical trials, ALS.net also has the highest Charity Navigator rating of any other ALS organization. Led by ALS patients and their families, the charity truly understands the urgent need to slow and stop this horrible disease. For more information, please visit www.als.net.