Ballantyne, NC – The ALS Association – Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter is proud to announce the annual Charlotte Walk to Defeat ALS™ will take place on Saturday, April 24th at 9am at Ballantyne Corporate Park in south Charlotte. The 3K Walk program raises funds for ALS research for direct funding to patients and families affected by the disease
ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and fatal motor neuron disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Many people with ALS will can have difficulty speaking or swallowing. Patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed, yet the vast majority of people with ALS maintain sharp, unaffected minds. There is no known cause for ALS, and there is no cure. ALS affects approximately one in 800 men and one in 1200 women. It is estimated that there are as many as 700 people in North Carolina currently living with ALS, and about 30,000 Americans who currently are living with the disease.
“One of our main goals at the Chapter is to get the community involved. Despite how terrible this disease is, not enough people know about it. We need to raise awareness and get people involved in actively searching for a cure. The Walk is a great opportunity to learn about the disease while also doing something about it.”
- Angela Murphy, Special Event Coordinator
For more information on how you can be a part of the Walk to Defeat ALS™, visit www.CatfishChapter.org.
About the Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter
The Catfish Chapter has been serving PALS (People living with ALS) across North Carolina since 2000. The Chapter has grown into an award-winning and nationally-recognized organization because of their efforts in service, advocacy, and fundraising. The Chapter has been recognized by The ALS Association as Chapter of the Year in 2007 and 2008.
About the ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, the Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.
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