This year is a particularly special and meaningful year for me as I've been asked to be the lead family for the 2015 walk. My role will be to speak to media the week of, and during the walk, give a speech at the walk, and lead the procession with friends and family.
The WALK for ALS is the largest fundraiser for the ALS Societies across Canada. It is our way to continue to raise awareness and funds for the ALS community who everyday show us the strength of the human spirit, compassion for others and the inspiration to continue to fight this devastating disease. By participating or donating to my page, you will be funding support and equipment services for people living with ALS in Ontario manage their journey through this disease. You will also be contributing towards research to find a treatment for ALS. Today, there is no cure for ALS.
What is ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)?
Our brain is connected to our muscles through a series of living wires called motor neurons. These motor neurons are grouped in bundles that run throughout our body to allow us to move, speak, swallow and breathe. In ALS these motor neurons degenerate and die, which breaks the connection from the brain to the muscle leading to weakness, followed by paralysis. Eventually people affected with ALS lose their ability to breathe.
Facts about ALS
• 90% of people diagnosed with ALS have no heredity link
• Everyday two to three Canadians die because of ALS; and everyday two to three Canadians are newly diagnosed
• There is no treatment or cure for ALS
• The lifespan after diagnosis is on average two to five years
• There are currently 2500 to 3000 Canadians living with ALS
Please Join me in supporting the ALS community with a secure online donation using your credit card. This year’s goal is to raise $2.25 million. Together we can reach this goal!
For more information about ALS or the ALS Society of Canada, visit als.ca
Thank you for your support!