The ALS Association Kicks Off 2013 Walk to Defeat ALS® Season

170 local events scheduled in communities nationwide to fight Lou Gehrig's Disease

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The ALS Association 2013 Walk to Defeat ALS® season begins this week and runs through November with 170 local events in communities across the nation. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about Lou Gehrig's Disease and to support the mission of The ALS Association, the only national non-profit organization fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on every front through research, education and public policy.  To participate in a Walk to Defeat ALS event in your area, please visit walktodefeatals.org.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. For unknown reasons, veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population. There is no cure, and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) modestly extends survival.

The Association's nationwide signature event brings hope to those living with ALS and an opportunity for families and friends to spend an uplifting day with others in the ALS community. People participate in these walks for many reasons: in honor or in memory of a loved one, to show their support for the cause or as a member of a corporate team. This year, The ALS Association is proud to count Pride Mobility Products Corporation, Quantum Rehab and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity among our Premier National Teams for 2013.

In 2012, approximately 121,000 people participated in walks to support The ALS Association—raising $21.7 million in support of care services, ALS research and public policy efforts at the federal, state and local levels.

"Sadly, people often feel powerless when a friend or family member is diagnosed with ALS. Walking to defeat this devastating disease provides a sense of empowerment and an actionable way to help," said ALS Association President and CEO Jane H. Gilbert. 

The ALS Association produced a 30-second public service announcement (PSA), which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/thealsassociation?feature=mhee.  For television stations interested in airing the PSA, please contact your local ALS Association chapter. A list of chapters is located here: http://www.alsa.org/community/services.html?service_type=chapters.

About The ALS Association

The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on every front.  By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.  For more information about The ALS Association, visit our website at www.alsa.org.

SOURCE The ALS Association