What is the Walk to Defeat ALS?

The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association's national signature event raising funds that directly benefit ALS patients and their families.  Here in Georgia, over 2,500 ALS patients, family members, friends and corporate teams join together at the Walk to Defeat ALS.

The funds raised at the 2008 Walk to Defeat ALS will stay in Georgia to provide much needed services such as in-home care and patient consultation, respite care, durable medical equipment loan program, children and family counseling, and assistive communication devices.  These funds also support two ALS clinics in Georgia hosted by Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. 

With your support, we look forward to raising $625,000 at the 2008 Walk to Defeat ALS.  We need your help to achieve this goal!

 

Facts You Should Know About ALS

 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe.

The financial cost to families of persons living with ALS is exceedingly high.  It is estimated that in advanced stages, care can cost an average of $200,000 a year.

The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages two to five years from the time of diagnosis.

ALS can strike anyone.  ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.