Volunteers, families and friends are gathering once again to raise funds and awareness for people living with ALS.
Abbotsford is among 15 locations holding the Walk to End ALS (formerly called the Walk for ALS) to raise awareness and funds for patient services and ALS research.
The Fraser Valley walk takes place Saturday, June 8 at Mill Lake Park.
Registration is at 10 a.m., and the walk starts at 11 a.m.
The event empowers people affected by ALS – the patients, families, friends, caregivers, and health professionals – to take back some of what ALS has taken away.
“This event unites the country and rallies people affected by ALS,” said Wendy Toyer, executive director of the ALS Society of BC.
“Participants walk to show support for people living with and/or to honour the memory of a loved one lost. The Walk to End ALS inspires hope.”
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a rapidly progressive, neuromuscular disease. It attacks the motor neurons that transmit electrical impulses from the brain to the voluntary muscles in the body.
When they fail to receive messages, the muscles lose strength, atrophy and die.
ALS can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic origin. It does not affect the senses, and only rarely does it affect the mind.
Funds from the walk go to the ALS Society of BC to provide patient programs and to the ALS Canada Research Program.
Visit walktoendals.ca for more information or to register for the walk.
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