You're Invited to Fight ALS: Walk ALS Chicago Returns to Cantigny Park on Saturday, May 31

In Our United Era – Together, We End ALS

WHEATON, Ill., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ALS United Greater Chicago invites you to take part in a powerful day of unity and hope at Walk ALS Chicago this Saturday at Wheaton's beautiful Cantigny Park. This family-friendly event is an opportunity for the community to come together in support of the hundreds of individuals and families across the region affected by ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The event's theme this year is "In Our United Era," and teams are encouraged to bring friendship bracelets to exchange that can serve as a lasting reminder that no one fights this disease alone. When asked what the Walk Day experience feels like, Scott Marsell, an individual living with ALS returning for his second Walk ALS event shared, "A sense of making a difference, being a part of a movement that really matters."

Registration and check-in for the event will open at 8:00 AM and the Walk will begin at 10:00 AM. The walk route is wheelchair accessible. There will be a kids' zone, breakfast pre-walk, lunch post-walk, and some fun surprises throughout the day. "The disease is horrendous; however, the Walk Day is one of utmost positivity," says Emma-Leigh Strock, five-year team captain of Col's Crew who walks in memory of her mother, Coleen. "Whether teams have their ALS hero with them or they're remembering someone who lost their battle, it's a beautiful day of all kinds of people gathered to build awareness and provide support."

Registration is free, and there is no fundraising minimum, but participants who fundraise $90 will receive an event t-shirt. Why $90? Every 90 minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with ALS; and every 90 minutes, someone loses their battle with this awful disease. Your contributions to Walk ALS fund research to end this disease and support those battling in our neighborhoods right now. Register for the Walk to Defeat ALS or sign up to volunteer at walkalschicago.org or by calling 312-932-0000.

About ALS:
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a devastating, fatal neuromuscular disease. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes someone loses their fight with ALS. For unknown reasons, military veterans are 2x as likely to be diagnosed with ALS. At this time, there is no known cure for the disease, and the life expectancy after diagnosis is typically 2-5 years.

About ALS United Greater Chicago:
ALS United Greater Chicago is dedicated to providing care services, raising awareness, and funding research to find a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Support provided to individuals living with ALS and their families is cost-free and includes a medical equipment loan program, support groups, caregiver respite grants, and more. Our mission is to unite the ALS community to foster bold research initiatives, advance advocacy efforts, and provide comprehensive care to individuals and families affected by ALS. Learn more at alsunitedchicago.org.

Media Contact:
Samantha Jarvis, Communications & Marketing Manager, ALS United Greater Chicago
312-932-0000 | [email protected]

SOURCE ALS United Greater Chicago