ALS Golden West will host the 22nd annual Los Angeles Walk to Defeat ALS on Sunday, Nov. 12, at UCLA Wilson Plaza in Los Angeles. This event brings energy and an outpouring of support for those affected by ALS in Los Angeles County. Participants are invited to join other members of the community for a family-friendly morning of celebration, exercise, education, awareness, music, food and kids’ fun.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:45. The walk starts and ends at UCLA Wilson Plaza. All funds raised support the interdependent mission priorities of ALS Golden West care services, public policy and research.
This year’s event features music from Sun Canyon Band, Ukulele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere, ’80s cover band Tastee Nuggz, and Mesa Lanes, featuring songs from The Muffs. Opening the event is emcee Elex Michaelson from Fox 11 News, with special guest speaker Kate Linder from “The Young and the Restless” and additional remarks from event chair Kristen Shattuck.
Every 90 minutes, a person in the United States is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig Disease), a fatal, neurodegenerative illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from diagnosis. As the disease progresses, people with ALS lose the ability to move, speak, swallow and, eventually, to breathe — all while their minds and senses continue to function. There is currently no known cure for ALS.
Since its inception in 2002, the Los Angeles Walk to Defeat ALS has been a yearly opportunity for the ALS community to gather in a show of support and unity.
“Because of the funds and awareness we raise through the Walk to Defeat ALS, we are able to ensure the ALS community is well-supported by our wraparound model of care, which is proven to extend length and quality of life while we search for effective prevention strategies, treatments and cures,” said Asher Garfinkel, ALS Golden West’s vice president of community outreach. “ALS can be an extremely isolating disease, and this event provides impacted families with an opportunity to see that they are not alone. Throughout the year, we partner with our many ALS families, researchers, clinicians, the government, corporations, other organizations, and the media to raise ALS awareness and support. The annual Los Angeles Walk to Defeat ALS brings these groups together to power our collaborative efforts.”
Online registration is free. For more information, to register for the event or make a gift in support, visit LosAngelesWalktoDefeatALS.org. Questions can be directed to Jessica Brandon by calling (415) 935-3484 or emailing LAWalk@alsagoldenwest.org.
The mission of ALS Golden West is to discover prevention strategies, treatments and cures for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest. Golden West serves people with ALS and their families in 31 counties throughout California and in Hawaii. For more information about ALS and Golden West, visit the website at alsgoldenwest.org or email info@alsagoldenwest.org.
First published in the November 4 print issues of the Glendale News-Press and Burbank Leader
