FAMILIES AND PATIENTS TAKE STEPS TO ERADICATE ALS March 19, 2016
Walk to Defeat ALS at Vista View Park in Davie
On Saturday, March 19, 2016, more than 1,000 people will gather at Vista View Park in Davie to join the fight to find a cure for a deadly illness. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord, taking away their ability to walk, talk, eat and eventually breathe. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the South Florida community is rallying together to change that.
Participating again this year are Linda and Joe Aversa. Linda’s brother, Larry Fein, passed away from ALS in April of 2005. After being diagnosed, Larry continued to travel the world looking for alternative treatments to those he found available here in the U.S. He tried different kinds of acupuncture, homeopathic herbs, stem cell surgery, and many other kinds of therapies. Unfortunately, none of these alternative treatments changed the outcome the disease inevitably causes; Larry passed away just 16 months after being diagnosed. Linda and Joe are committed to finding a treatment and a cure for ALS in memory of her brother who fought so hard. They have been involved with the Chapter since 2006, not only as one of the top fundraising teams in South Florida, but also as co-chairs for the Broward Planning Committee. They will be walking again as “Team Larry Fein.”
Wheelchair-bound patients along with their families and friends will make a 2-mile trek in The Walk to Defeat ALS®, hoping their steps will make a difference for ALS patients living in Florida. Many who walk have a loved one who is fighting the deadly disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one who has lost the battle. Many people, without any personal connection, walk out of a simple concern for those who are suffering with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
With only two to five years to live, these patients have an urgent need, and the community is stepping in to fill it by walking for those who can’t. The Walk to Defeat ALS® is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care. Last year, these events raised almost $1.5 million around the state of Florida.
All interested walkers should call 888-257-1717, or register online at www.WalktoDefeatALS.org.
The Quick Facts
What: Broward Walk to Defeat ALS®
When: Saturday, March 19, 2016 8:30am – Registration 10:00am – Walk Begins
Where: Vista View Park 4001 SW 142nd Ave, Davie, FL 33330
Why: To raise funds and awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a progressive, fatal
neurodegenerative disease. There is no known cause or cure for ALS. All proceeds raised will support patient care and comfort, as well as research for treatments and a cure.
Other: The 2016 Broward Walk To Defeat ALS® would not be possible without the ongoing generosity and support from our sponsor this year, Vitas Healthcare, Ability Medical and Mobility Works.
For more information: Go to: www.WalktoDefeatALS.org, or call 888-257-1717 ext. 119, or email Kaila Williams, Regional Development Manager: kwilliams@alsafl.org.
About The ALS Association Florida Chapter
The ALS Association Florida Chapter offers care to ALS patients living in Florida and funds research to find the cause and cure for ALS. We are part of a nationwide network of local ALS Association chapters with the same vision – a world without ALS. Through care, advocacy, research, education and support, we work to empower those with ALS to live fuller lives. Every year, The ALS Association invests millions of dollars in research conducted by the best and brightest scientists in the world. As the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS, we give help and hope to those facing a devastating disease.
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